OCTOBER 2026 NEWSLETTER
A Message from the CEO
Dear Members,
Ask someone what first brought them to the YMCA and what keeps them coming back, and you may hear two different answers. A fitness goal might get someone through the door, but the friendships they make, the experiences they share, and the opportunity to be part of something bigger often become just as important.
That speaks to a simple philosophy at the Greater Providence YMCA: we take care of ourselves, we take care of each other, and we look out for our community.
Caring for ourselves doesn't always look like a traditional workout. It might mean finding the confidence to lift weights in a Women on Weights class or visiting South County for a fall prevention screening to help maintain independence. And for children at Bayside, it can look like splashing around with pumpkins in the pool, discovering the joy of being active through play.
Our health is also shaped by the relationships we build and the time we spend with others. This month, Cranston's active older adults enjoyed a trip to PPAC to see The Bodyguard, Kent County members gathered over books and mahjong, and Newman families came together for game night. These experiences are wonderful reminders that social connection and a sense of belonging are important parts of our well-being, regardless of age.
And we want more of our neighbors to enjoy those same opportunities. Recent events like Cranston's Comedy for a Cause, the Bayside Golf Tournament, and the Kent County Swim Challenge have brought our community together in support of our financial aid program. That spirit of generosity will continue with upcoming events like South County's Brews & Bites and Newman's Turkey Trot. Every participant, sponsor, and donor helps make Y programs more accessible to individuals and families facing financial hardship.
To me, that's what healthy living at the Y is all about. It's about recognizing that our well-being is closely connected to the people around us, and that the benefits of a strong YMCA community should reach as many of our neighbors as possible.
Thank you for the many ways you make that possible.
Warmly,
