OUR IMPACT
At the YMCA, we believe that in order to strengthen communities, we must understand the current issues and foresee the future needs of the people and communities we serve. We measure success by our positive impact on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA is a cause driven, non-profit organization who has strengthened the foundations of our community in the name of healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility for over 100 years. Because of the generous support of our loyal donors and partners like you, we are able to fulfill our mission each year to create lasting, meaningful change through free programming and scholarships for childcare, memberships, and more.
OUR STORIES
These stories highlight the difference that we make when we come together to create meaningful change.
LIVING STRONGER: CHRIS’ STORY
Meet Chris! A cancer survivor who found hope and strength through our LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program. This tailored journey focuses on rebuilding strength, boosting confidence, and fostering a supportive community outside medical settings. Join us in celebrating Chris’s inspiring story and the life-changing impact the YMCA has.
FINDING COMMUNITY & JOY: DOREE & BOB’S STORY
Meet Doree and Bob Levy and tune in for their heartwarming journey to learn how they found a community, joy, and a gem, not a gym—at the Y. “The Three Musketeers had a saying, ‘all for one and one for all’. It took me my whole life to come to the Y, in Westport, to see what that really means.”
WWFY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS
Honoring the past and celebrating the future! The WWFY has been shaping members’ lives and experiences since 1923.
Y WE’RE HERE:
ANNE HEALY
‘The Y is very inclusive. It makes it welcoming for anyone to come all ages. I love when I come here and I see kids, little babies in the childcare center. I see other older people doing SwimFit. It’s an inclusive place to also connect and feel better.”
HONORING THE PAST & FUTURE: JOHN MCKINNEY
John McKinney connects his family history, the WWFY history and his appreciation of community.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AT THE WWFY: DIANA’S STORY
“As a single mom with no family around, the YMCA is my second family. The financial assistance program is so important for me because without it there is no way I would be able to work.”
LEADERS OF THE Y SHARE THEIR STORIES
Rosemary Halstead, Pete Wolgast, and Bonnie Strittmatter share their connections to the Y, and stories of passion, hard work, and collaboration.
Y WE’RE HERE: ANNE BANKS
“What’s important for me is the community I’m part of here. And that for me, is primarily through the Aquafit group…that is the one where I’ve made serious friendships.”
ROBIN TAUCK’S Y STORY & $100K MATCH CHALLENGE
“To be able to make a real and meaningful difference in my community and affect positive health outcomes is a continuation of my commitment to wellness. Health and wellbeing…is vital to a thriving community. I am delighted to be able to make this happen.”
Y WE’RE HERE: ANDY MCNAB
WATER RATS IMPACT IS FOR LIFE
WRAT Swim Team parent and kids talk about Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Water Rats Swim Team, learning life skills, achieving goals, building friendships, and YMCA core values.
FEATURED PROGRAMS
“Dear Jenny, Roberto, Dave, and the other coaches,
What an awesome way to start each Tuesday and Thursday for the last several weeks, albeit, I skipped a few…I just want to thank you all for re-igniting my passion for running and within a group. Many years ago, I trained with a group and/or partners through so many happy and some not so happy miles. When my injuries sidelined me in 2014, I disassociated because it was too difficult for me to watch them all go on and get faster as we got older. I missed the running camaraderie and that part of my life. I truly thought that was the last time I’d find my running peeps. Ten years later, I’ve found it again within this group! So, thank you again, for creating this awesome, bad ass, more importantly supportive group of runners. You guys ROCK! Can’t wait to resume in 2 weeks! In peace, health, and lots more miles”
DANCE CENTER
AT WWFY
Experience joy and movement at the Westport Weston Family YMCA Dance Center with classes for ages 6 months to 9 and all skill levels, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and more. Join us for an adventure of creativity, confidence, and connection guided by passionate instructors!
CHILDCARE AT THE WWFY:
WHERE KIDS CAN BE KIDS
“With all of the different activities that are offered and all the programming that the after school program puts together. I was so impressed, I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
REFLECTIONS ON WWFY AQUAFIT
An incredibly special film made by a friend of the Y. The film features interviews and footage of several Aquafit participants that have found a loving, supportive community along with an amazing workout.
RACE4CHASE CAMP AT WWFY
The Race 4 Chase program honors the life of Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski, a first-grader who tragically lost his life in 2012 in Sandy Hook. He loved the triathlon and won the first youth triathlon he ever attempted.
WATER RATS SWIM TEAM
MEET MIKAELA: YMCA GYMNASTIC CHAMPION
Mikaela Snow the YMCA 2022 National Gymnastics Champion from Westport Weston Family YMCA Gymnastics team talks about what she loves about why she loves gymnastics.
BE A PART OF YOUTH BASKETBALL
IMPROVE YOUR GAME WITH YBL
PARKINSON’S MIND & BODY PROGRAM
Kathleen, a YMCA Member expresses the importance the Y has played in her fight against Parkinson’s. Empowering her, encouraging her and giving her a community in which she feels safe.