A group of Children from Horizons GFA at Y for a Summer enrichment program

OUR FOCUS

The Westport Weston Family YMCA  is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility. That’s because a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.

We believe that to bring about meaningful change in individuals and communities, we must be focused and accountable. At the YMCA, we measure the success of our cause by how well we engage communities in our three areas of focus:

Youth Development

Nurturing the potential of every child and teen.

Healthy Living

Improving the health and well-being of all who live and work in the community we serve.

Social Responsibility

Giving back and providing support to our neighbors.

PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN

The Westport Weston Family YMCA greatly values the safety of our children and the trust that their caregivers have in us. Our staff and volunteers work hard to create an environment where our youth members and participants can safely learn, grow and play. The prevention of child abuse is something we continuously work towards. Below are some of the many measures we follow to create a culture of prevention:

  • All staff are given background checks prior to working at the YMCA.
  • We follow the rule of 3 to ensure no adult is ever alone with one child.
  • Every staff member within the YMCA is trained to prevent abuse as well as to recognize, respond and report abuse. Every staff member in the YMCA is a mandated reporter.
  • Our staff are not allowed to babysit or transport children they meet at the YMCA, outside of YMCA or its programs.

More staffing policies can be found in our Employee Code of Conduct

PARENT RESOURCES

It is important that we work as a team to protect our children. Here are some resources for parents and caregivers to help ensure their child’s safety. Parent Guide to Preventing and Recognizing Abuse Talking to your children about topics in the news Tips for Hiring Caregivers Community Support Resources Learn more about abuse recognition and prevention by visiting Darkness 2 Light

REPORTING CONCERNS

We want to help you ensure the safety of your child. If you would like to discuss any concerns for the safety of a child, whether in regards to the YMCA or outside the Y, please email Anjali McCormickChief Executive Officer or call 230-226-8981, extension 107. Anonymous concerns can be submitted by downloading the Anonymous Concern Form and sending it to the YMCA Attn: Anjali McCormick, 14 Allen Raymond Lane, Westport, CT 06880 The Connecticut Department of Children and Family Services is another resource available to help with any concerns you may have for a child’s safety. You can visit their website at ct.gov/dcf or call (800) 842-2288.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL

The Y is for everyone. Our programs, services and initiatives enable kids to realize their potential, prepare teens for college, offer ways for families to have fun together, empower people to be healthier in spirit, mind and body, prepare people for employment, welcome and embrace newcomers and help foster a nationwide service ethic. And that’s just the beginning.