WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 12, 2010) – For the first time in 43 years, the YMCA has unveiled a new brand strategy to increase understanding of the impact the nonprofit makes in communities. The YMCA has the unique capacity to address many of the challenges facing the nation today.  Through its new brand strategy and framework, the nonprofit will extend its reach into communities to nurture the potential of youth and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to support neighbors. 

The new brand strategy – the result of more than two years of analysis and research – was introduced today at a National Press Club event that included leaders from the philanthropic and nonprofit communities.  The YMCA unveiled a new, more forward-looking logo that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the organization, and a framework that focuses resources on three core areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  In another major change, the nonprofit will be called “the Y” to align with how people most commonly refer to the organization.  The national resource office, YMCA of the USA, has already begun the transition to the new brand.  Ys across the country will transition fully within five years.

“This is a very important, exciting time for the Y,” said Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of YMCA of the USA.  “For 160 years, we’ve focused on changing lives for the better.  Our commitment to building greater awareness for the important work we do will enable us to expand our efforts and further strengthen communities across the country.”

As part of the Y’s assessment of community need, the organization surveyed a cross section of Americans to learn more about the most pressing issues and challenges facing their communities today. Among the key findings of The Y Community Snapshot –56 percent of Americans are strongly satisfied with their own lives today, while 66 percent say the current quality of life in their community is worse than it was a year ago.  When asked about what the future holds for quality of life in their community, Americans were divided – 51 percent were optimistic about the future while 49 percent were not.

“People are concerned about the problems facing their communities.  Like the Y, they understand that lasting change will only come about if we work together to improve our health, strengthen our families and support our neighbors. Our hope is that more people will choose to engage with the Y,” added Nicoll. 

Today, across the United States, Ys are making a difference in three key areas of focus:

•Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen
•Healthy Living: Improving the nation’s health and well-being
•Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors

“We are changing how we talk about ourselves so that people better understand the benefits of engaging with the Y,” said Kate Coleman, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of YMCA of the USA.  “We are simplifying how we describe the programs we offer so that it is immediately apparent that everything we do is designed to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being and support our neighbors and the larger community.”

The Y’s former logo had been in place since 1967 and was the organization’s sixth since its inception. The refreshed logo, with its multiple color options and new, contemporary look, better reflects the vibrancy of the Y and the diversity of the communities it serves.  The new logo’s bold, active and welcoming shape symbolizes the Y’s commitment to personal and social progress. 

YMCA of the USA
YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the Y, one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.  Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.  Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about our brand revitalization and what it entails.

To purchase tickets, click on the link below:
http://tinyurl.com/YMCA-CTSUN

Special Offer Code:
YMCA

Step-by-step ordering process
Click on ‘Find Tickets’
Fill in the Special Offer Code (YMCA) leave email address blank, and click ‘Verify’
Look to far right side ‘Create an Account’ box and enter your email then click ‘Sign Up Now’
Fill out personal info, select a password then click ‘Continue’
Select number of tickets and click ‘Continue’
Confirm seat location and click ‘Continue’
Enter billing an payment info, click ‘Submit Order’
You will receive a file attachment via email that contains your tickets.  Open the attachment and simply print the file.  These print outs will be your tickets for the game.

Please contact Lou Nuzzo at 860-862-4067 or LNUZZO@connecticutsun.com with questions.

It’s time to get healthy – and there’s no better way to do it than by participating in this years Community Corporate Cup! A Valley tradition since 1991, it’s a great way to improve your healthy life style and have a great time along the way. The event is open to area employee groups. This year’s event has one new even – Bocce.

Groups can participate in as few or as many events as they choose. Since the overall winner is decided by total points accumulated throughout the series, it’s beneficial to enter every event. We have special incentive pricing available for full registrations. Click here for information and the online registration form.

For more information please visit the Valley United Way Corporate Cup Page.

http://valleyunitedway.org/cup/2010/index.htm

Through Membership For All, the YMCA hopes to continue to be accessible and affordable to all community members, particularly those who now find themselves having to make tough choices based on personal finances.  The program uses a sliding scale rate structure based on gross annual household income so that all people are able to have access to the YMCA, regardless of income.

The plan covers all of CCC’s twelve regional branches serving twenty-five towns in the greater Bridgeport, greater New Haven, and Valley areas, and is open to both new and current members.

Proof of income is required at the time of enrollment and all personal information will remain confidential.

Contact your local YMCA branch or call the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA for further information at  203-777-9622.

Beginning in 1859, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA began its long history of accomplishment in your communities. Click here to read for yourself about the early days of the first YMCA organization and the first CCC YMCA in New Haven and follow it through to present day. Enjoy learning all about CCC YMCA and its distinguished legacy!