Thanks to donations, the New Canaan YMCA provides approximately $250,000 in financial assistance each year, ensuring everybody has access to all of the opportunities created at the Y.

Financial assistance helps families access safe and engaging childcare and summer camp programs, teaches kids how to swim, and supports anyone who needs a helping hand in order to stay healthy, happy, and connected.

Our Y offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.  Each year, over 130 children, teens, and adults with special needs benefit from inclusive and specialized programs, events, and employment opportunities that help build confidence, social skills, and create lasting friendships.

The Y offers so many life-changing programs like our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA cancer wellness program, chronic disease support programs, character-building youth and teen programs, our ForeverWell senior initiatives, community events, and more!  Many of these programs do not cover their costs, yet the benefits they provide to our community members are invaluable.  Donations make these mission-based programs possible.

Our Y proudly partners with Facing the Future, a child development facility in Kibera, Kenya, Africa’s largest slum.  Facing the Future currently supports over 380 children ages 18 months through 14 years.  FAFU is said to be an oasis for the children of Kibera, where these children have a safe place to learn, grow, and thrive. In many cases, FAFU is a child’s only food and water source.  Through this partnership, our Y and community provide life-saving funds and support for meals, water, education, and medical attention, along with meaningful engagement opportunities throughout the year.

Volunteers are vital to our Y, and by opening up your heart and extending your hand to our Y community, you will be changing the lives of so many.  Each year, over 500 people of all ages contribute their time and talents as volunteers at the New Canaan YMCA. Whether through one-time events or ongoing help, each of our volunteers make a difference at the Y and our community. There are so many ways to give back to others through the New Canaan YMCA.  Volunteers help us further our mission and strengthen our ability to serve our community.

We are always here for our community and look to provide support and programs that relate to the interests and needs of the individual members and groups within our town.  We support our fellow non-profit organizations with space and enrichment programs, host free community health lectures, partner with Silver Hill Hospital to support those recovering from addiction, and when the community loses power, we open our doors to all.