Membership is available to all at region's YMCAs
When winter arrives in Sandpoint, it can be a challenging time of year for those who may not relish the season. Cold weather and its limitations can have a significant impact on one’s overall health and wellbeing. Just the thought of having to brave the elements can send people into hiding until spring. When it’s challenging to find the motivation to leave a warm comfortable space, it’s important to have something or someone to help keep us active and engaged in these dark winter months. Sandpoint’s Litehouse YMCA wants to be that someone … for everyone.
Yes, it’s true the Y offers fitness classes and swimming lessons, but the Y also offers an escape, a place to find connection and have fun in the winter. Our local YMCA offers a wellness center, cardio, free weights, studios, child watch, indoor basketball area, racquetball courts, and a lounge area. Yes, there’s more to the Y than just swimming and working out. On the surface, it would seem that gaining access to this sort of facility would be expensive and not an affordable option for many in our area, but that’s a misnomer Litehouse YMCA branch executive, Tammy Campbell wants to dispel.
“At the Y, we believe that everyone should have access to living a lifestyle that encourages a healthy mind, body and spirit,” explains Campbell. “Our Membership For All program is designed to allow people in our community to have full access to our facility at a cost that works for them. The program is based on household income with a sliding scale fee designed to fit a family’s specific financial situation. By having this program in place, people who would not normally have access to wellness and/or social opportunities have a place at the Y.”
The YMCA is also willing to personalize a membership based on individual situations. “Whether it is a medical, family or work issue, we want to step alongside individuals and families during challenging or transitional times. We take pride in being a supportive organization that encourages our community to make healthy choices and change lives in a positive way,” says Campbell.
The Membership For All program is supported by the generous donations made to the YMCA’s Annual Giving Campaign. “Even just the smallest amount helps us offer so much,” adds Campbell. “It’s just an example of our community helping our community stay engaged and connected.”
For more information about Membership for All or to donate to the campaign, please go online to ymcainw.org/join-the-y/financial-assistance .
Dig Chrismer is an advisory board member for Litehouse YMCA.