Y Talk: For a Better Us by Cate Mellen

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” -The Lorax (Dr. Seuss)

It’s hard to watch the nightly news these days without coming away with the sense that we’re living in difficult times. Though the unemployment rate is at the lowest it has been in years, most Americans still know at least one person out of work, and few believe that their economic situation is improving. The presidential campaigns reveal large swaths of the electorate who are fearful about the economy and the future.

There’s no denying that times are still tough for a lot of folks in our community and all over the country. But, from where I sit, the outlook is not as bleak as it might appear.

At the Y, we have a significant demand for assistance—that much is still true. Each year we provide scholarships to our summer camps, swim lessons, youth sports and child care, as well as reduced rate memberships to kids and families in need throughout the community. We want every kid to have the same opportunities to learn, grow and thrive, and so we work very hard to make sure that our programs and services are available to all, regardless of the ability to pay.

But I’m optimistic. Because in times of struggles millions of Americans have stepped forward to lend a hand to those in need. Nationwide charitable giving increased by 5.7% from 2013 to 2014, and by most estimates grew at an even greater rate in 2015. More of us are giving of ourselves to make things better for others.

And I’m hopeful, because I see this every day here at the Y. In 2015, our spring Annual Campaign and year-end Tree of Lights campaign saw a 14% increase over 2014. Fourteen percent! We welcomed many new donors over the course of the past year, but we also saw many of our existing donors increase their investment in and commitment to their community. Because of them we were able to make a greater impact on those in need, and for that, I’m profoundly grateful.

After 157 years, the Carlisle Family YMCA understands what our community needs to be its best. Working with our generous donors, the Y provides everyone the opportunity to be healthy and thrive, to connect with others and contribute to a better community. Everything the Y does is in service of making us – as individuals and a community – better.

This week we kicked off our 2016 Annual Campaign, with a goal of raising $100,000 to help ensure that our doors are open to all. We’ve already raised $57,330 and with your support, we know we can reach our goal. Make a donation today and help us in making a difference in Carlisle and building a better us. For more information, please visit our website or you can contact me directly at cmellen@carlislefamilyymca.org.

For a better you. For a better community. For a better us.™

-by Cate Mellen, Board Liaison and Development Director