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Today's Family Magazine

YMCA of Greater Cleveland is so much more

Feb 20, 2017 01:36PM ● By Today's Family
By Laura Lytle

Every program held at the branches of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland focuses on enhancing the community by providing families a place to have fun and spend quality time together, helping children and teens discover who they are and what they can achieve, and creating opportunities for communities to thrive because neighbors support each other.

Serving nearly 11,000 members, the Hillcrest Family YMCA engages kids, adults and seniors in numerous programs while serving as a community hub.  Along with all of the traditional YMCA programs, such as before and after-school care, youth and adults sports and swim lessons for all ages, the Y has something for everyone.

“We are always looking for new ways to enhance the experience of our members.  Each of our branches strives to provide a quality experience for all––that includes developing new programs to meet the changing needs of our community,” said Chris Scheuer, district executive director at the Hillcrest Family YMCA.

Families can get involved in youth or adult sports teams as well as programs that build family relationships.  The Y's monthly Parents Night Out gives parents time to reconnect with each other while their kids (ages 4–12) are entertained with a variety of activities.  Parents Night Out is open to anyone––not just members.

Because childhood obesity is a growing concern across the nation, the Y’s Healthy Weight and Your Child program engages the whole family. Focused on children ages 7–10 years old that are diagnosed as obese (ie, having a BMI of 90% or higher) the program teaches and encourages lifestyle changes for the child and their family.

Adults can also gain motivation to lose weight and live healthier in the Real You program.  For eight weeks, adults get personal support and attention as they learn how to eat and live healthier. With weekly check-ins, the program helps monitor your daily food and activities including joining two group workouts a week.  Across YMCA of Greater Cleveland, adults have lost over 400 pounds in the last 10 months – truly making an impact on the overall health of the community.

Great success has come from the Y's national Diabetes Prevention program.  In the past year, more than 100 adults and youth have received education and support to make critical lifestyle and healthy habit changes to decrease their chance of being diagnosed with diabetes.  Diabetes prevention is important not only for the immediate health of an individual,but also because it helps prevent other illnesses related to it.

In addition, the Y is addressing the need to meet the specific needs of cancer survivors who would like to reclaim their health and well-being before, during and after treatment. By focusing on the whole person and not on the disease, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA helps participants move beyond cancer in spirit, mind and body. 

Now is a great time to get involved with the Y  during an exciting upcoming event:
  • Healthy Kids on March 25, from 3 to 5 pm at Quicken Loans Arena.  Kids and their families are encouraged to come out and participate in this free event with fun, interactive activities.
  • Free health fair at the Hillcrest YMCA on April 5.  More than 25 community partners will be available to educate and engage seniors on various ways to enhance many aspects of their daily lives. 
Call your local YMCA today for more information on membership, special programs and more!  

Euclid Family YMCA
631 Babbitt Road | 216-731-7454

Hillcrest Family YMCA
5000 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst | 216-382-4300

Warrensville Heights Family YMCA
4433 Northfield Road | 216-518-9622