Dear Friends,
First and foremost, I hope this email finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy in mind, body and spirit. As we all know, these are chaotic and challenging times. The list of tragedies, crises and fears seems almost endless.
So why you may wonder are you hearing from your Oakland Y (East Bay Association) about financial support? There are so many people, families, organizations and support efforts which need resources. Food, health, housing, education, medical and mental health services  are all in dire need. YES, the Y is working day in and day out to support our communities in many of these areas. Yes, you are correct the building maybe closed, BUT the doors to the needs of our families are wide open.
Whether circumstances have allowed you to continue to donate your monthly fees or circumstances have prevented you from doing that you are still a valued member of our Y family. Your long standing support of the Y is greatly appreciated.
Our Y is dedicated to three crucial areas: Early Childhood Development, Youth Leadership Development and Healthy Communities. Here are some of the actions the Y is taking to meet the needs of the communities we serve:
Maintaining 16 early childhood head start centers, two of which in Oakland serve over 120 families every day. These centers provide key educational and health services for kids.
Food distribution to families throughout the East Bay and assisting to connect families and seniors seeking vital medical and mental health services.
The Y’s Digital learning hubs provide valuable support to teens and young people in continuing efforts for quality education with mentors, tutors and digital connections.
Piedmont Avenue and Reach Academy elementary schools in partnership with the Y are providing academic support and virtual field trips to students.
Our Youth and Government leadership program is designing and implementing a new model for youth leadership for in Oakland, Berkeley and the East Bay.
Providing PE credit via our Zoom physical education classes to hundreds of students in Berkeley and soon to be in Oakland.
So as you can see, though the GYMS are closed the work the Y does during these difficult times goes on stronger than ever.
That is why I decided to continue my support of the Y and to continue reaching out to my fellow friends and community members to ask for your support.
These are hard economic times for many of us so whatever you can contribute is greatly appreciated. If this is not the right time, no worries, be safe, well and healthy.
To contribute online go directly to:
www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jerry-wolfe

To mail a check, make it out to :YMCA of the East Bay
Mail to:
YMCA of the East Bay
Attention: Development
2330 Broadway, Oakland,94612
AS ALWAYS THANKS FOR BEING PART OF THE COMMUNITY,
Jerry Wolfe