DURING NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
We Give Thanks to Our Volunteers
The YMCA of Greater Nashua is celebrating our appreciation of our volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 21-27.
Without volunteers, the Y wouldn’t be the same; they’re the heart and soul of our organization and without their hard work, dedication and selflessness we couldn’t do the work we do every day to help kids, families and communities thrive. Our volunteer program brings people together from all walks of life around a shared purpose to do good. The Y is creating a stronger, more cohesive community.
These opportunities also help volunteers enhance their personal well-being and develop meaningful relationships – all while making an impact in communities they care about.
At our Y, program volunteers help with special events like family nights, Kids Stop helpers, as tutors, sports assistants, group exercise instructors, coaches and assistant coaches, and Welcome Center ambassadors. Many more opportunities exist for others to help make a difference. Current volunteer opportunities are listed here: www.nmymca.org/volunteer
The YMCA also has the support of policy volunteers who provide governance, policy direction and fundraising support for our Association. The visionary leadership of these volunteers helps our entire YMCA Association provide extraordinary experiences for individuals and families throughout our Southern New Hampshire region.
This Spring, the Y is re-lauching Togetherhood our member-led volunteer service program. Togetherhood is run by a committee, made up of YMCA members and community leaders working as volunteers, with the support and guidance of a YMCA staff advisor. Our Togetherhood committee will plan and execute service projects that strengthen our community while enabling volunteers to form meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds. Projects are done outside of our YMCA walls. Our volunteers have done projects such as Mine Falls clean-up days, helping the Merrimack Public Library landscape their grounds, packing food bags with End 48 Hours of Hunger, diaper drives supporting the United Way, and volunteering at Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter organizing their large food pantry.
VOLUNTEER APPRECATION WEEK
As a part of the celebration, we will be hosting events and showing recognition all week long on social media and in all three branches. All volunteers that are actively contributing their time are welcome to participate in all the fun.
- • Kick-Off Monday, April 22: Stop by the Nashua Y’s front desk starting on Monday 4/22 through Saturday 4/27 for your gift!
• Togetherhood Tuesday, April 23: Check our social media for a special interviewing highlighting our Togetherhood program.
• We Love Our Volunteers Wednesday, April 24: Enjoy a snack on us during your volunteer hours (snacks will be in the break rooms at each Y branch)
• Thank you Thursday, April 25: Check our social media for some extra appreciation from YMCA members and employees!
• Fueled Friday, April 26: Visit the break room for drinks and treats on us!
• Spotlight Saturday, April 27: Check out our last volunteer spotlight on our social media!
To learn more about becoming a Y Volunteer or to explore our current volunteer opportunities, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Melanie Ribak, at mribak@nmymca.org.
VOLUNTEER SHOUT OUTS!
BRYNA KAMIN
For our first volunteer spotlight we will be featuring Bryna who has been a volunteer with us for about 11 years! Based on her interests and love for community, she decided to start a book club, book fair, Mah Jong group, knitting group as well as many other various monthly activities. She believes this gives the seniors things to look forward to and a welcoming environment. A fun fact about her is she used to teach dance in Boston! She has always had a love for the community and, above all, she loves volunteering because it makes people happy. Thank you for everything you do Bryna!
JUDY LECKLIDER
Judy participated in exercise programs at the YMCA on Prospect St. before the new YMCA was opened. She wanted to volunteer to contribute as much as she could to the YMCA community. She also wanted to become familiar with the members, programs, and organization’s needs. Her tasks as a volunteer include welcoming people at the front desk as well as giving them tours. Her favorite part of the YMCA is meeting new people and working out with them. She would encourage anyone to become part of the YMCA and join in on the fun. Thank you Judy for everything you do!
RIVIER UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Thank you to all of the Rivier students that volunteer their time every year to different program areas. This year, we have four students working with our afterschool program at the Y: Avery, Jessica, Molly, and Brett. Thank you so much for all you do!
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
We would like to extend a special thank you to all of the organizations and groups in our community that have dedicated their time to the Y! We find these relationships invaluable and love seeing how our impact can extend past the walls of the Y. Thank you for all that you do!