To Our Y Family,

We appreciate your patience as we navigate these difficult and unprecedented times while also striving to meet unique community needs. On behalf of all staff at the YMCA of Bristol, we value you and hope you remain safe and well. Though our buildings are temporarily closed, we’re still here for you.

As you know, the Y is a non-profit organization that operates our family center, after school program, Camp Adventure, Float for Life, and so much more. With Governor Lee making the decision to temporarily close all gyms, including our Y, it has placed us in a challenging financial position.  We are concerned about our long-term ability to serve the communities we treasure; however, we know without a doubt, that when this pandemic subsides, the services the Y provides will be needed throughout Bristol.

We are working in partnership with our sister Y the Greater Kingsport YMCA to provide emergency childcare services to first responders, police, firefighters, and more. We are working with multiple hospitals to care for the children of medical staff so that they can care for the sick. The Greater Kingsport YMCA accomplishing this has meant obtaining state and city approvals, coming up with safety protocols and screenings and logistically determined the best way to do this.  We feel it is better to partner and collaborate at this time to pool our resources and keep safety the top priority.  If you are in need of these services please contact the Greater Kingsport YMCA.

There are many needs that need to be met in our community to get through this difficult time, but we’re confident they can be met if we work together. We understand that this season is also difficult for you, and the best course of action is not a “one size fits all” solution. So, we’re here to offer two options and hope one will work for you and your family. Please select the option that is best for you.

1.     CONTINUE YOUR MEMBERSHIP as is and this will be considered a charitable, tax-deductible donation (We will ensure you receive an appropriate tax letter.).
2.     HOLD YOUR MEMBERSHIP for a period of 30 days. During this time, no bank draft will occur. We will re-evaluate at the end of April.

If we do not hear from you before 5 p.m. on March 31, 2020, we will continue your current membership draft and Y membership, per Option 1 above.

If you have questions about any of these options, you can email us.

We will continue to communicate with you during this time, based on information that’s available to us all. Making tough decisions to preserve the Y for future generations is unavoidable during this time, but every single commitment of support from you will help.

The Y remains positive that this health crisis is temporary, and our intention is to reopen your Y and Y programs as soon as it is safe to do so.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding. We know you are also dealing with challenges, and we’re thankful for you, even if it’s just in spirit during this time.

For those who can STAY WITH US, you are helping us accomplish so much more…together.

Yours in Health,

Rick Matthews
President and CEO
YMCA of Bristol