YMCA

Houston Newsmakers: MLK Day - Is the dream still alive?

In the wake of the most devastating public-health emergency in a century and the resulting economic uncertainty, Americans provided more charitable dollars to United Way Worldwide than any other nonprofit focused on direct aid, followed by the Salvation Army and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, according to new rankings by the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

The small city of Greensburg, Indiana, wants to grow, and is offering incentives for people to move in: Cash, a YMCA membership, and oh yeah — grandparents on-demand.

Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to authorize the emergency use of an antibody treatment to prevent COVID-19.

When the heat rises to dangerous levels, you’ll need more than fans to keep cool. Here’s a list of cooling centers.

DNA tests and years long search end with arrest of 44-year-old woman

YMCA of Greater Houston is accepting donations July 6 – Aug. 6 to provide school supplies and backpacks to students in need.

The summer is better with friends. And, the YMCA is making it easier for teens to connect.

The CDC announced youth camps can reopen this summer without masks and social distancing if attendees and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The following is a transcript of an interview with YMCA President and CEO Kevin Washington that aired Sunday, May 30, 2021, on "Face the Nation."

After about two hours on lockdown for reports of a gunman on the Elmhurst University campus in the western suburbs, school officials issued the “all clear” shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Welcome to The Spin, the Chicago Tribune's politics newsletter.

The family of a man who collapsed at a Houston YMCA last week is crediting workers for helping to save the man’s life.

“Nowadays, technology plays such a vital role in our daily lives and can sometimes be the difference between securing resources and not,” said Cherese Ledet, senior vice president of operations at the YMCA, in the release. “Some people, particularly senior residents, might never have had the opportunity or means to develop the tech skills to go online or might not have family members close by to help them register for a vaccine or locate their closest vaccination site. Chicago residents in need can rely on their Y family by calling our Community IT help desk.”

Spring, Texas – The brand-new Holcomb Family YMCA has announced they will begin construction during March. The land was donated to the YMCA by David and Dick Weekley, as well as Jim Holcomb. The location will be at 5201 Imperial Promenade Drive, Spring, Texas. The YMCA of Greater Houston estimates a total of $15 million in construction costs for the entire facility. Once construction begins later this month, the entire project is set to be complete by Fall 2021.

If you’re still looking for a summer camp or two to fill your child’s days this summer, you’re in luck. There are still some spaces open. Many families uncertain about the safety of sending kids to camp waited later to register their children this year. When Gov. Greg Abbott opened all businesses to 100% capacity in early March, it allowed camps to start planning.

Several warming shelters have opened in and around the Houston area because of the arctic blast. AdLakewood ChurchLakewood Church is open as a warming center. League CityWe’ve opened a warming center at the Hometown Heroes Recreation Center. McGuire Dent Recreation CenterThe City of Galveston is reopening a warming center at the McGuire Dent Recreation Center beginning Wednesday, February 17 at 6 p.m. If you need a warming center, please use the Harris County and Houston centers along with this northside center.

HOUSTON – The YMCA of Greater Houston announced Thursday that it will increase the minimum pay for all full-time and part-time associates. The starting minimum pay is $15 an hour for full-time associates and $10 an hour for part-time associates, according to a news release. Stephen Ives, president and CEO of YMCA of Greater Houston said in a statement the initiative was a result of a generous gift received from MacKenzie Scott, who donated $18 million to the organization last year. Read more: MacKenzie Scott says she has given $4.1 billion to charity“Our intention is to increase equity and inclusion starting with ourselves, and this entry level wage adjustment is just one of the ways we are taking action internally,” Ives added. The YMCA will also use their $18 million gift to sustain efforts and to assist with other initiatives to fight inequality, address food insecurity and inspire youth to thrive.

Prairie View A & M University was a big winner toward the end of 2020 when it was awarded 50 million dollars by the Mackenzie Scott Foundation. Happy days for Houston Area nonprofits50 million dollars-Prairie View A & M University18 million dollars-YMCA of Greater Houston15 million dollars-Goodwill Industries Houston7 million dollars-Easter Seals of Greater Houston? Meals on Wheels Montgomery CountyYMCA of Greater HoustonAfter an aggressive pivot on priorities because of the pandemic, the YMCA of Greater Houston now has a much needed cushion for programs. Steve Lufburrow is the President and CEO and recounts his thoughts when told of his 15 million dollar award. More Information:Ruth Simmons, Ph.D., President, Prairie View A & M University· Website: https://www.pvamu.edu/· Twitter: @PVAMUStephen Ives, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Houston· Website: https://www.ymcahouston.org/· Twitter: @YMCAHoustonSteve Lufburrow, President & CEO, Goodwill Industries Houston· Website: https://www.goodwillhouston.org· Twitter: @goodwillhoustonElise Hough, CEO Easter Seals of Greater Houston· Website: https://www.eastersealshouston.org/· Twitter: @eastersealshouSummer Day, President & CEO Meals on Wheels Montgomery County· Website: https://www.mowmc.org/· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mealsonwheelsmc/?ref=hl

The $30 million donation by Scott was announced Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, in a post that detailed the nearly $4.2 billion in gifts given to nonprofit organizations by the philanthropist in 2020. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)SEATTLE – MacKenzie Scott, philanthropist, author and former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has announced that she has given away $4.1 billion in the past four months to hundreds of organizations as part of a giving pledge she announced last year. In Houston, the YMCA of Greater Houston announced that it will receive $18 million from Scott. The gift is the YMCA of Greater Houston’s single largest donation in its 134-year history. Scott announced her pandemic-era philanthropy in a Medium post Tuesday, The Seattle Times reported.

MISSOURI CITY, Texas – Fort Bend County has launched a childcare initiative to help local families. George said that childcare has been an ongoing challenge that many families are facing in the midst of a pandemic. He said that a child care task force was formed in the county several months ago and tasked with the job to come up with solutions to help families facing this challenge. On Wednesday morning, the county announced a new partnership with the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and other private licensed child care facilities. Mom of three, Zipciriah Washington, was so happy when she found out her family qualified for the free YMCA childcare assistance program too.

President Donald Trump, a man who is famously particular about his appearance, is fully embracing doing a dad dance to the Village People's “YMCA” as the finale to his rallies in the campaign's closing stretch. Trump's rally dance has become a rare moment of levity in an otherwise miserable campaign year marked by a deadly pandemic, an economic recession and racial turmoil. Then order 'Dancing with The Don’ and let President Trump teach you all the hottest moves!" Dancing.”“YMCA,” widely considered a gay anthem, is a relatively new addition to Trump's rally playlist. Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller agreed to reveal the secret to an AP reporter “only if we first get a clip of you singing YMCA.”AP’s Jill Colvin declined.

While its gyms were shut down, YMCA of Greater Houston started sharing workout videos on its YouTube channel that featured YMCA fitness trainers guiding viewers through virtual at-home exercise routines. Even after gyms were allowed to reopen, the local YMCA kept posting virtual workout videos online, and is still uploading new ones on a regular basis. Starting September 28, the local YMCA loosened some of those restrictions based “on guidelines put forth by the Governor as well as recommendations by the CDC and local officials” according to an update posted to YMCAHouston.org. These learning centers are a new pandemic-inspired YMCA of Greater Houston offering that started in August. Not all local YMCA facilities and programs are back up and running at this point — a full list of which locations are open along with operating hours can be found at the YMCA of Greater Houston’s website.

TRINITY, Texas – The coronavirus pandemic put a halt to almost all summer activities, including many camps for children. YMCA’s Camp Cullen, about 90 miles north of Houston in Trinity made the difficult decision to cancel in late May. Later this year, families can sign up for theme weeks like “Fall Festival,” “Halloween” and “Winter Wonderland” Family Camp. The YMCA hopes to keep Family Camp running through the end of 2020 to help make up for the organization’s budget shortfall. Here’s a description from the YMCA of what Camp Cullen normally offers:“Camp Cullen offers boys and girls ages 7-17 the experience of a lifetime.

HOUSTON – The YMCA of Greater Houston has always been a great place to enroll your kids in sports programs after school. This August, the organization is launching a new program to help children learn through their schools’ virtual learning program while being supervised by a certified teacher at the YMCA. The academic/ virtual learning program begins at 8 a.m. and runs through 11 a.m. There is also financial aid available for parents who are struggling, through the YMCA and through the Texas Workforce Commission. You can enroll in the program for your children and apply for financial aid by going to the YMCA website.

The coronavirus pandemic is changing some parts of the job for local lifeguards. With city pools in Houston still closed, the YMCA of Greater Houston said its swimming facilities have seen quite a bit of traffic since reopening in June. The YMCA purchased blue filters for its guards to use during CPR. Lifeguards are disinfecting more and swimmers can only use the pool by reservation to control the number of people inside. Bradford said all of the YMCA’s pools now have the filters, though they haven’t had to use one so far.

HOUSTON – There's growing concern that protecting children from the coronavirus could expose them to other dangers around the home, especially this summer. According to Help and Hope, 11 children across our area have drowned already this year. They are not outside doing other things,” American Academy of Pediatrics’ Ben Hoffman, MD, warned. If your teenager has never learned to swim, it's never too late, according to the latest PSA released from the American Academy of PediatricsDue to COVID-19 closures, the YMCA does not yet know if or when they will do their free annual safe swim lessons. Although, they are offering these online videos about swim safety for pre-school and grade-school kids, plus one on the basics of CPR.

HOUSTON – Summer camps will be allowed to reopen soon after Gov. The YMCA of Greater Houston’s summer camps will soon be allowed to open but they will not look like they did every year before this. The thing that won’t be different is the joy and excitement and enthusiasm that the kids are going to have for the good program that’s happening,” said Stephen Ives, the President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston. Summer camps can open on May 31, according to the state’s guidelines. In the video above, see what steps the YMCA of Greater Houston will be taking to protect your kids.

Almost all gyms said they’ll have equipment spaced out or every other machine powered off so they cannot be used in close distance to other members. We got information from a few local gyms about what members should expect and have the state’s criteria to open. State protocolThe state requires gyms to cap attendance at 25% capacity just like other businesses that are currently open. Also, members used to scan their fingerprint to check-in with the front desk. They’ll release which Houston locations will open on Monday but don’t plan to go there just yet.

HOUSTON – The YMCA of Greater Houston will reopen a limited number of facilities for fitness-related services beginning June 1 as part of their phased opening approach, they said. The YMCA said they will not draft member dues for the month of June while the phased approach is being implemented. We will release details the week of May 18 regarding locations, amenities and youth programs, including summer camps, that will reopen in phase one,” YMCA Houston said. The YMCA also continues to provide services such as weekly food distributions, child care for essential personnel and social services for senior citizens. of food, served 285,000 individuals, and cared for more than 600 children at 19 sites designed for child care for essential personnel.

Washington is seeking $60 billion to save non-profit organizations, including the YMCA, which has already laid off more than 75% of its employees. If funding isn't approved, some YMCA organizations may only be able to stay open for three months. With insufficient revenue, YMCA' across the country will not afford to fund youth programs. Youth sports will sufferpatrickheagney | Getty ImagesThe YMCA serves seven million youth under age 18 through youth sports and after-school programs, according to YMCA officials. Joshua Jacobs, the CEO of TGA Premier Sports, said youth sports organizations need to develop a "high-value proposition" in both in-person and online programs for youth to stay engaged with traditional sports.

HOUSTON – Here is a list of food distribution events that are going on in the Houston area. Northwest Assistance MinistriesNorthwest Assistance Ministries will be hosting several food distribution events through early September. Houston Food BankThe Houston Food Bank has created a robust map that will help those in need find food bank partners who may be able to provide them with food assistance. Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston sitesThe Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston is offering some drive-thru food pantry services during the week. YMCA sitesThe map below is maintained by the YMCA of Greater Houston.

HOUSTON – YMCA of Greater Houston is offering child care at select locations to essential business workers amid the coronavirus pandemic. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will be provided by the Houston Food Bank. According to the YMCA website, essential personnel is defined as city and county staff responding to the COVID-19 crisis, first responders such as police, fire, and EMS, medical personnel, those who work at food bank and grocery stores, and other organizations or businesses providing critical services to the community during this time. Proof of employment will be checked up first drop-off. Anderson Family YMCA705 Cavalcade St., Houston, TXTexas Medical Center YMCA5614 H.Mark Crosswell Jr St., Houston, TXYMCA Children’s Academy at University Park11144 Compaq Center W Drive, Houston, TXWendel D. Ley Family YMCA15055 Wallisville Road, Houston, TXThe Woodlands YMCA - Shadowbend6145 Shadowbend Pl, The Woodlands, TXFor more information, visit the YMCA website.

It's Tuesday morning and weve been greeted with news of the first death in Texas due to the coronavirus. The death, confirmed by the Texas Department of State Health Services, was thought to be the result of community spread rather than international travel. The Houston Health Department will close its Bureau of Vital Statistics (birth and death records) office to the public until further notice, effective March 17, 2020. The Health Museum closed temporarily, starting today. In Montgomery County, County Judge Mark Keough signed an order Tuesday morning saying that all restaurants should reduce occupancy to 50 people or less at any one time and that tables should be spaced a minimum of ten feet apart.

If you’re still working on your New Years resolutions, you can get your workout for free this weekend, The YMCA is giving people a chance to try out their classes. Adopt a pet for freeIf you’re looking for a new furry family member, head to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Conroe this weekend. The shelter is open for adoptions 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday and is located at 8535 Hwy 242, Conroe. This Sunday, kids of all ages can take part in sled rides and other winter activities under the Houston sun. The fun starts at 3 p.m. and runs until 5 p.m. at the park in southwest Houston located behind Westbury High School.

The beginning of the new year is the perfect time to focus on your health and workout habits. The YMCA stopped by to give some some tips.

Getting healthy in the new year is easy at the YMCA of Greater Houston | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2Published: December 19, 2019, 2:08 pmThe YMCA of Greater Houston has been serving the Houston community for over 130 years. It’s a place you can work out and get healthy, but also so much more! They offer something for everyone…from infants to senior citizens. Now, they’re making it easy for you to get the entire family active in the new year.

A local female power lifter is heading to Chicago for a major national competition. "They kept loading the bar and kept loading the bar and I just kept pulling and kept pulling," O'kray said. "I have power lifted with them four other times, and I was able to wear my skirt," O'kray said. In a series of emails to the USA Powerlifting Technical Committee, the YMCA pleaded on O'kray's behalf. The upcoming 2019 USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals meet is governed by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).

The YMCA talks about the after-school programs being offered this year. Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

SPONSORSPARTNERSEMBED >More News Videos Operation Backpack: Greater Houston Honda DealersHelp make a difference in a child's education. Take part in this year's YMCA Operation Backpack and give a child the tools he or she needs to get a good education.The 15th annual YMCA Operation Backpack will collect brand new backpacks filled with school supplies for children in 36 Houston area school districts from now through August 9. The 25 YMCA of Greater Houston facilities throughout the city and H-E-B locations, and participating Greater Houston Honda Dealers , and Ashley Homestore locations locations will serve as collection sites for people to drop off backpacks and supplies!1) Purchase a new backpack for a child.2) Buy school supplies, write a note of encouragement and put them in the backpack. List of recommended supplies 3) Bring the backpack to your local YMCA or a participating drop-off location between Now and August 10.For more info call: 713-758-9155

Sign for a package at the front door (4-6 minutes), a child submerged in a tub or pool can sustain permanent brain damage. EMBED >More News Videos Before you head to the pool this summer, check out these pool safety tips. Experts estimate that 200 young children will drown in swimming pools each year. It's the same thing when you get someone in the water with you and push the child back and forth. That's located at 27822 Interstate 45 North, Oak Ridge North, Texas 77385.Activities will include a free, 30-minute water safety swim lesson.

SPONSORSPARTNERSEMBED >More News Videos Operation Backpack: Greater Houston Honda DealersHelp make a difference in a child's education. Take part in this year's YMCA Operation Backpack and give a child the tools he or she needs to get a good education.The 15th annual YMCA Operation Backpack will collect brand new backpacks filled with school supplies for children in 36 Houston area school districts from now through August 9. The 25 YMCA of Greater Houston facilities throughout the city and H-E-B locations, and participating Greater Houston Honda Dealers , and Ashley Homestore locations locations will serve as collection sites for people to drop off backpacks and supplies!1) Purchase a new backpack for a child.2) Buy school supplies, write a note of encouragement and put them in the backpack. List of recommended supplies 3) Bring the backpack to your local YMCA or a participating drop-off location between Now and August 10.For more info call: 713-758-9155

On July 19, the Vic Coppinger YMCA at 2700 YMCA Drive, Pearland celebrates 40 years in Pearland. The YMCA works to eliminate drowning, reduce chronic disease and childhood obesity, improve academic performance and increase social equity. This years Flick N Float event will celebrate the YMCAs anniversary. 281-485-6805.

The YMCA of Greater Houston launched its 15th annual school supply drive, YMCA Operation Backpack, July 9 for students in the Greater Houston area. YMCA Operation Backpack aims to provide school supplies and new backpacks to 120,000 children in need from 36 school districts across the Greater Houston area, according to a July 9 YMCA news release. Participants can make a monetary donation or see a list of school supplies at ymcahouston.org/operation-backpackor. Pre-packaged school supplies and a backpack can be purchased at any participating H-E-B. Supplies and backpacks can be dropped off at any YMCA or at designated drop off locations specified on the YMCA website.

It's a tragic death that many officials believe can be prevented by keeping kids away from the water or teaching them to swim at a young age. Here are a few safety tips from YMCA senior director of aquatics Candi Revere:Drowning does not look like what you thinkIt's nothing like you see in the movies. You see the hand-waving and the screaming, and when somebody's drowning there swallowing a whole bunch of water, they're potentially going under the water, they're not able to do that. Risks of secondary drowningIf your child is ever underwater for a while or swallows too much water while swimming, Childrens Memorial Hermann Hospital said they could be at risk for secondary drowning. Parents should be aware of signs:fast breathingcoughingchange in colorshortness of breathVisit here for more water safety tips from Childrens Memorial Hermann Hospital.

Story Squad, an audio storytelling program at the YMCA of Metro Chicago, encourages children to share their experiences with gun violence. In this web extra, 14-year-old Edward uses his fictional story "Street Life" to explore what he sees and hears outside his window.

So far this year, the city of Chicago has recorded a total of 546 shootings. To fight this, a YMCA youth program called Urban Warriors, created by a former gang member, brings together at-risk youth with military veterans who share a common experience: the stresses of a battle zone. Michelle Miller reports.

On the Road: YMCA patrons stage intervention for anorexic woman As part of our continuing series "On the Road," Steve Hartman meets a group of people who decided to step in to help Lauryn Lax, a woman whom they saw at the gym growing dangerously thin. Their decision to get involved in her life, Lauren says, helped save it.

5/2: Helicopters shot down in Eastern Ukraine fighting; On the Road: YMCA patrons stage intervention for anorexic woman The Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists say two helicopters were shot down in recent fighting, although there was no evidence of any wreckage.The Ukrainian government claimed one of them was brought down by a surface-to-air missile. That hasn't been verified, but U.S. sources are treating the report as credible; As part of our continuing series "On the Road," Steve Hartman meets a group of people who decided to step in to help Lauryn Lax, a woman whom they saw at the gym growing dangerously thin. Their decision to get involved in her life, Lauren says, helped save it.