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As the COVID-19 virus has been confirmed in several Connecticut communities, we have developed this website as a way to communicate the latest information about the YMCA. Below are recent updates we've made to YMCA programs & services. Please understand that all information is subject to change based on recommendations from the state and local Health Departments.

COVID-19 INFORMATION UPDATES FROM THE STATE OF CT AND HARTFORD HEALTH CARE
The State of Connecticut has set up an information line for people with questions about COVID-19 symptoms, travel recommendations, what to do if you are sick with COVID-19, and more. Simply call 2-1-1 on any phone, and follow the automated phone prompt. You can also visit http://ct.gov/coronavirus for the same information. Hartford Health Care is also offering  text alerts, sign-up by texting "COVID-19" to 319-96.

UPDATE - 4/6/2020 - 5:30AM

Each year, the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs reach tens of thousands of people across the communities of Southington and Cheshire through programs that help everyone reach their full potential, including Day Camp at YMCA Camp Sloper, Livestrong at the YMCA, Preschool, Before & Afterschool Childcare, the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program, Swim Lessons, Youth Sports, Gymnastics, Group Exercise classes, and so much more.
 

Since the COVID-19 situation arose, the Y shifted its focus and responded quickly as the needs of the Southington and Cheshire communities changed. So far, we’ve taken these actions:

  • We’ve partnered with Hartford Healthcare to provide childcare for first responders and healthcare workers. These heroes are on the front lines and have enough to worry about—a safe place for their children to continue to learn, play and grow shouldn’t be one of them.
  • We are working with Bread for Life and the Cheshire Community Food Pantry to ensure families and individuals in need receive healthy meals and snacks.
  • We have partnered with the American Red Cross to be an essential blood drive location due to the blood shortage the community is facing.
  • We are also creating pathways for wellness checks in an effort to engage our senior population. Our seniors, many of whom live alone, are feeling isolated and vulnerable right now, and we are committed to helping them feel connected during this scary time. We are calling our senior members daily to check in and are also providing meals and other household necessities to those who cannot leave their homes.
  • We have been providing a location for valuable outdoor recreation and wellness for our YMCA families and members at YMCA Camp Sloper. A safe place for you to get fresh air, get some exercise and stay healthy.

 

This work is essential to our community, and the Y is in a unique position to provide these services. But we cannot continue this critical mission without support. We want to thank our membership for "Staying With The Y" and allowing us to draft your membership fees, so we can continue this valuable outreach into our communities and continue to offer our virtual Y experience for our members. With our doors closed, your membership dollars will now help us continue this important work. For anyone who is not a Y member, please considering joining or donating today to help support our efforts. You can do so by calling (860) 628-5597 or visiting our website at sccymca.org.

We are just as eager as everyone to reopen our doors, and when that time comes, we know it will be an exciting day, filled with celebration. Until then, we will continue to do the work that is needed to keep our children safe, our seniors connected and our community healthy. But we can’t do it alone.

Stay with us, and we will make it through this together.

Mark Pooler
Chief Executive Officer
Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs

UPDATE - 4/2/2020 - 4PM

Silver Sneakers Members,
 
Though the YMCA's doors have closed temporarily, the Y is still here for our members. For over 90 years, our Y has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. We're excited to tell you that we will be expanding our online fitness options for Silver Sneakers members in April!
 
As we work to continue to serve you, we have an urgent request of you: follow the steps below to watch our online fitness videos. In just 30 minutes per day, you can stay fit and active AND help us fulfill our obligation for reimbursement from Silver Sneakers. With your Silver Sneaker membership, you can make a difference.
 
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
 
  • Join the SCCYMCA Group Exercise Club Facebook page. It's easy to do - just click here!
  • View one of our 30 minute Fitness videos, and enjoy a GREAT workout. 
  • We will be sharing LIVE classes every day at 9:30AM and 10:30AM.
  • "Like" the video OR post your name in the comment section below the video. This step is VERY important. This is how we will verify that you exercised, and this will enable us to submit this to Silvers Sneakers for reimbursement.
  • If you do not have a Facebook account, you will need to set one up. It's very easy to do! If you would like help, please contact Mark Guerin, our Marketing Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

As we learn the importance of social distancing, and more and more people are impacted by school and business closures due to the spread of COVID-19, we recognize the need for healthy living programs that can be accessed from anywhere. Shifting to offer classes online feels like the best way to continue to live out our mission to strengthen our community.

These classes are designed to help individual exercisers and families engage with the YMCA virtually from the comfort of home. Dozens of classes are already available, with more to be released in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your ongoing support during these difficult times. We hope you will not only support our ongoing mission, but take advantage of our offering to help keep you healthy and strong.

UPDATE - 3/30/2020 - 12PM

First and foremost, know that your entire YMCA community is thinking of you, your families, and our community-at-large. We hope you are all staying safe, healthy, and managing as well as you can under the current circumstances. The efforts you have made to prioritize your health and well-being do not need to come to a halt despite this pause in our face-to-face connections.

While we may not be gathering in-person for the time being, we are together in spirit and want to help you continue progressing toward the goals you set for yourself. We hope you will consider taking advantage of one or more of the following options:

ONLINE COMMUNITIES

As many of you adjust to new routines that may involve more solitude, set a routine to help stay mentally strong. We have created more than 20 Facebook Groups for a variety of activities and interests including Health & Wellness, Child Care tips & guidance, creative ideas for indoor and outdoor activities, and a whole of of FUN from our friends from YMCA Camp Sloper!

Click here to see ALL of our new Facebook Groups.

VIRTUAL FITNESS

We are happy to offer all YMCA members a 60 day free subscription to MOSSA Move - a library of on-line group fitness classes. These classes are featured in our Group Exercise Facebook Group, but you are welcome to sign-up to use the classes whenever you want. Please note: you will be asked to provide credit card information, but you can cancel within 60 days without being charged. You may also access YMCA 360, a YouTube site full of exercise videos taught by Y instructors from around the country.

Click here to access MOSSA Move.

Click here to access YMCA 360.

ONLINE COACHING

We have been getting requests from people looking for an online option for personal training and coaching. This is something that we have the ability to offer, but we would like to gauge interest before we are ready to schedule clients. These programs would be offered in a variety of formats including the Zoom Conference App and, potentially, though a new on-line fitness system.

If you are interested in on-line options for group or 1-on-1 training, please click here to fill out a brief survey.

YMCA CAMP SLOPER OUTDOOR CENTER

Outdoor recreation is still available to our YMCA members, and it might be more important now than ever. YMCA Camp Sloper, located at 1000 East St, Southington, is 143 acres of open fields and hiking trails. It's a perfect spot to get outdoor with your family and still maintain an appropriate physical distance from others.

Click here for all of the YMCA Camp Sloper Trail Maps.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU, AND WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Please consider setting up time for a phone check-in during the week between 8:30am-4:30pm by contacting Jay Jaronko via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. He will connect you to YMCA member engagement staff person to call you to help set goals and share with us how you and your family are doing. We will have office hours available for the duration of our closure. Visit www.sccymca.org for more information about all of the critical work our YMCA staff are engaged in during this temporary closure.

Know that you are in our hearts and minds, and we look forward to connecting with you virtually in the immediate, and in-person in the near future.

UPDATE - 3/25/2020 - 10AM

As you are aware, on March 16, we closed the doors to our YMCAs in compliance with the executive order of Governor Lamont. We’re doing our part to help control the spread of the Coronavirus. What you might not know is that, since then, we’ve had a small and dedicated team of YMCA staff working diligently to identify critical community needs and put together a plan to serve our members, and the community at-large.
 
As we work to continue to serve you, we have an urgent request of you: Please stay with us during this difficult time and keep your membership active! 
 
Our YMCA has been here for our members and the community for over 90 years. We’ve seen good times and bad times, and our hope is, if you can afford to, that you choose to stick with us during these challenging times. Our next membership draft is scheduled for April 1 or April 15 (depending which you have selected) and again, our hope is that we can count on your support to “Stay With Us” and allow us to draft those critically needed funds to keep our YMCA in good health. Of course, if your family is in a challenged financial position, we would be happy to freeze your membership upon your request.
By continuing to pay your membership fee, you will allow us to maintain the financial resources needed to focus our time, our people and our energies to where our community needs it most. In particular, our Y is focused on the following key initiatives:
  • Providing education and recreation outreach services to our youth by supporting families in their homes through a variety of Facebook Groups.
  • Continuing support for our members, especially our seniors who may feel isolated, through free online health resources, daily inspiration, and positive connection. One way we are supporting people looking for fitness options is with a free 60 day subscription to MOSSA Move. Click here to get started today.
  • Allowing the YMCA Camp Sloper Outdoor Center to remain open for our members in order to provide one of the few places in the area where outdoor recreation, health and wellness and family time can be enjoyed while practicing social distancing.
  • Aligning with community partners regarding Emergency Child Care needs for healthcare workers and first-responders protecting our community.
  • Engaging our food partners, like Bread for Life and the Cheshire Community Food Pantry, to continue providing meals to targeted high-need populations.
We need your help to ensure that the YMCA will be in a position to return to normal, as fast as possible, when this challenge is over. In order to do this, we hope you will keep your membership active for the April Membership draft. If you would like to speak to a Member Services Representative to discuss your option, you can reach the YMCA by phone at 860-628-5597, Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm or contact the following staff via email:
  • Southington - Jackie Seeger - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Cheshire - Wendy Fisher – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
In addition, as community needs continue to emerge, we want to help in any way we can! If you feel there is a community need that the YMCA could play a part in, we’re open to any and all suggestions. Please reach out to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at any time.
Thank you for your commitment to the YMCA over the years, and thank you for considering staying committed to the YMCA over the next few challenging weeks ahead. Finally, don’t forget to stay engaged with us on Facebook and check out all the groups we have created: www.facebook.com/southingtoncommunityymca or www.facebook.com/CheshireCTYMCA or www.facebook.com/ymcacampsloper

UPDATE - 3/24/2020 - 5PM

Emergency Child Care Now Available

The Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA is happy to announce we are doing our part to help with this crisis! We are currently able to offer Emergency Childcare for CT Hosptial Workers during these challenging times.  We are working with the CT Office of the Early Child (OEC)  and have been approved for Emergency Childcare location to serve Southington and surrounding towns.  Per OEC guidelines and for the safety of our staff and those we will be serving, there is a MAX of 30 Children with no more than 10 per room to allow for social distancing. Service will begin on Wednesday, March 25 at our YMCA Learning Center located at 30 High Street in Southington for children ages 3-12.  Care is available Monday-Friday from 6:30am-6pm.  Please contact, Chrissy Cassesse, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 860-621-8130 for more information and availability. The Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA has been offering childcare for over 40 years and we are honored to continue that for those fighting for a better tomorrow on the front lines in our health care system.

Emergency childcare registration form
Emergency childcare FAQ

UPDATE - 3/16/2020 - 5PM

YMCA FACILITY
Over the past 24 hours, the State of Connecticut has taken significant steps to keep the public safe as the Coronavirus (COVID-19) begins to spread. Early this morning, Governor Ned Lamont ordered the closure of all bars, nightclubs, restaurants, entertainment venues and gyms, effective 8PM today, March 16, 2020.
 
As a result of this action, the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs will be closed at 8PM today, March 16, 2020 for all activities at all locations until further notice. The Pool will be closed at 7:30PM. This includes all programs and services provided through the Southington Community YMCA, Cheshire Community YMCA, YMCA Gymnastics Center, Spirit, Mind & Body Center, Sports Performance Center and YMCA Learning Center.
 
YMCA Camp Sloper will remain open for hiking and other wellness activities. However, the playground, basketball courts and ninja course will be closed per the recommendation of the state and local health departments. If you intend to visit the YMCA Camp Sloper Outdoor Center, please practice social distancing, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer and be respectful of the other members using the property. As a reminder, all dogs must be on a leash and you need to clean up after them. YMCA Camp Sloper closes at sunset each day!
 
In partnership with state and local health officials and other community leaders, w e are exploring alternative ways to meet community needs during this time.
 
Unless other ordered by the State or Local Government, our branch offices will be open to address all business-related matters (please check our website for updated hours). Also, during this mandated shutdown, we will be working on some maintenance issues and conducting a deep cleaning and disinfecting of all of our locations.
 
YOUR YMCA MEMBERSHIP & OUR PLANNED ACTIVITIES
We understand closing our facility will impact many of our members and the community we serve. Since 1928 in Southington and 1965 in Cheshire, the YMCA has been the pillar of our community throughout both good and challenging times. The decision to close our facilities was made to best ensure the safety of everyone in our community while also complying with the State's directive. We are hopeful that you will be patient during this unprecedented time. Our YMCA has helped keep you healthy and we ask that you please keep your membership active so we can keep our YMCA healthy and afloat during these challenges. Naturally, we will put your membership on hold upon request. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in Southington or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. in Cheshire to do so.
 
As members, we do not want you to think we will forget about you and your health & wellness. In fact, we are adding other virtual and live stream class options to our website within the next couple of days. We will be rolling out online classes for our members later this week. In addition, we are looking at other ways to keep our members engaged, active and healthy. Finally, your YMCA membership gives you opportunities at YMCA Camp Sloper for outdoor recreation and wellness.
 
These workouts will enable you and your family to exercise together from home. Needless to say, we will reopen at first chance, and hope that you will find it in your heart to continue to support us during this unprecedented time.
 
ONLINE, STREAMING CLASSES & AT HOME WORKOUTS
During this closure, you can expect regular updates from us via sccymca.org/coronavirus, email, and our social media channels below.
 
Southington Community YMCA: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Cheshire Community YMCA: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
YMCA Camp Sloper: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
 
We are asking everyone to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and take their own measures to protect themselves, including not putting themselves in situations with large crowds or where they come in close contact with others, staying home if they do not feel well, frequently washing their hands with soap and water and covering their coughs and sneezes.
 
Please continue to check with the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Town of Southington Department of Public Health for the most up to date information regarding COVID-19.
 
Please visit sccymca.org/coronavirus for ALL updates and changes. Please understand that all information is subject to change based on recommendations from the state and local Health Departments.
 
We will continue to work with the state and local health departments to determine what other actions, if any, would be prudent on our part and when it will be safe to reopen our facilities.
 
Thank you for for working with us to ensure our YMCA community remains safe and healthy as we navigate this evolving and challenging situation. We look forward to returning to business as usual as soon as possible.
 
With gratitude,
 
Mark Pooler
Chief Executive Officer
Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs

QUESTIONS & FEEDBACK

If, at any point, you have questions about how the YMCA is responding to COVID-19 or if you have any ideas about how we could better prepare our YMCA family, please reach out to your branch's executive director, or any administrative staff person at any time.
1. Cheshire - Chrissy Cassesse - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2. Southington - Jay Jaronko - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
3. Southington & Cheshire - Mark Pooler - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WHEN IN DOUBT, REMEMBER THESE BASIC STEPS
1. If you feel sick, please stay at home.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water regularly for at least 20 seconds.
3. Routinely clean surfaces that are frequently touched.

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