Annual Campaign
There’s no place like this place.
At the Woodruff Family YMCA, we believe that every person—no matter their age, income, or background—deserves an opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. We are more than a gym or a pool; we are a cause-driven organization dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
Every day, we open our doors to a diverse community of individuals and families seeking connection, support, and purpose. From teaching a child to swim to helping a senior rediscover belonging, from feeding hungry neighbors to preparing teens for their future—the Y is where change begins.
But we cannot do it alone.
In communities across our region, families are struggling with the rising cost of living, food insecurity, and limited access to safe, supportive spaces. The demand for financial assistance and community-based programs continues to grow—and the YMCA continues to meet those needs with compassion, innovation, and accountability.
Your support helps ensure that:
• Every child learns to swim and stays safe around water.
• No family is turned away because of financial hardship.
• Youth find mentors, confidence, and a sense of purpose.
• Older adults stay active, connected, and well.
• Our neighbors facing hunger or isolation find help and hope.
Together, we create lasting personal and social change. Together, we make our community stronger.
When you give to the Woodruff Family YMCA, you’re not just making a donation—you’re investing in the future of your community.
Because here, every dollar has a purpose. Every program has a story. And every person has a place.
There’s no place like this place. There’s no place like the Y.
The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, charitable community service organization, EIN: 06-0662195. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation.
Be A Part of Something: Volunteer at the Y
Your generosity and the generosity of other like-minded members of our community is the core of our organization’s success. Volunteer opportunities at the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA run the gamut, from one-time commitments such as working to raise funds to support our Financial Assistance programs, to helping at a special event, to longer-term opportunities such as coaching youth and teen sports and tutoring youth.
BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING WITH THE YMCA
The YMCA offers volunteers a chance to improve the lives of children and families and to make our communities stronger. In addition to feeling great about your efforts, volunteers have the opportunity to:
- Experience personal growth
- Create opportunities for your neighbors to participate at the Y
- Give back to the community through service to others
- Explore and/or discover a hidden passion
- Expand knowledge and skills through training and hands on experiences
- Fulfill community service requirements for school credit
- Develop new relationships and make friends
- Gain community service experience to add to college, financial aid, scholarship and employment applications
- Learn, grow and HAVE FUN!
Volunteers are critically important to carrying out our mission, so we ask our program volunteers to go through an application and screening process similar to that of our paid staff members. You are a part of the team! This process ensures that the best fit is made between you and the program you are working with, while also ensuring we adhere to our safety protocols.
Volunteer Leadership
With a focus on creating lasting personal and social change for our community, the Woodruff Family YMCA is governed by a Board of Managers that consists of volunteers from throughout the community.
- Cathy Berni, Chair
- Craig Dellert, Secretary
- Richard D’Onofrio
- Brian Gresko
- George Hunihan
- Glenn Laudenslager
- Allie Levene
- Elizabeth Maurer
- Diane McCarthy-Bercury
- Michael Pastir
- Kristine Torreso
- Tom Woodard