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 - 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.
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.
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 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,
