The YMCA has a philosophy of not turning a child or family away due to inability to pay. The Strong Kids Campaign along with the United Way makes this possible. Each year the Kankakee Area YMCA asks for financial help in a community where over 2,000 families and their children receive scholarship assistance for membership, Summer Day Camp, and School Age Child Care programs. This allows less fortunate children to participate in the YMCA programs that stress the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We believe these values are essential in fulfilling the mission and vision of the YMCA. In addition, these values assist in the development of children and teens into tomorrow's citizens and leaders.

Making this philosophy a reality requires contributions from our community. YMCA membership fees do not cover the cost of supporting those in need of scholarship assistance. Your contributions are critical in helping to insure our promise that everyone can be a part of the YMCA, regardless of their financial resources.

WHY SHOULD WE GIVE?

The Kankakee Area YMCA builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities. It's a place where everyone belongs and everyone benefits regardless of age, race, religion or socioeconomic background. In fact, the YMCA brings communities together. The Y offers financial assistance to ensure that everyone who wants to participate in programs will have the opportunity.

Q. Why should I give money to the 2012 STRONG KIDS Campaign?

A. As a charitable organization, the Kankakee Area YMCA exists to help people grow in spirit, mind and body. The YMCA breaks through boundaries that often separate communities. The STRONG KIDS Campaign makes it possible for all people to experience the YMCA and all of its life-changing programs. The Kankakee Area YMCA creates opportunities that result in new friendships, new possibilities for personal growth and a strengthened community.

Q. How much money goes directly to the YMCA and its programs?

A. Every dollar raised in our STRONG KIDS Campaign goes directly to our financial assistance programs. Because of generous donors, we were able to provide financial assistance to over 2,000 people, in 2011, who would not otherwise have been able to afford membership or program fees. The Y strives to reach out and serve all people. We want all people to be involved in the programs and services of the YMCA and grow in spirit, mind and body.

Q. How do people qualify to receive financial assistance?

A. Financial assistance applications are available at Kankakee Area YMCA Welcome Center. Information collected on these forms helps to determine the amount of assistance given to individuals and families. Every individual/family is asked to pay a portion of the membership fee. Members on financial assistance are given all of the same membership privileges as full-paying members.

Q. Which YMCA programs offer financial assistance?

A. Financial assistance is given for facility and program memberships, childcare, summer camp, swim lessons, teen leadership and outreach, youth sports, active older adults and other YMCA programs. The programs at the Y reach the entire community. From youth to seniors and all those in between, the Kankakee Area YMCA's programs build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Q. Who furnishes the funds?

A. Many generous people in our communities contribute to the STRONG KIDS Campaign and furnish the funds for the financial assistance programs. In 2012, we have a goal of raising $80,000 for the STRONG KIDS Campaign. Please help us achieve this goal by generously giving to the STRONG KIDS Campaign. Your support will help to sustain the mission of the Kankakee Area YMCA. Together, we can make a difference!

Won't you help us keep the Kankakee Area YMCA available for all?