Category: Blog

TOPSoccer is a community-based program that offers a modified version of soccer and is designed to provide a positive space for all athletes with intellectual, emotional or physical disabilities to participate. The focus of this program, which is offered in partnership with the Merrimack Valley YMCA, Beyond Soccer in Lawrence and Massachusetts Youth Soccer, is...

Welcome to beCAUSE whY: The monthly podcast of the Merrimack Valley YMCA, hosted by the President and CEO Frank Keneally. Each month we will highlight the programs and services of the Merrimack Valley YMCA. We’ll look at the community issues that our YMCA is addressing and you’ll get chance to meet the volunteers, staff, and...

We’re Open and We’re Stronger Together As a community, we’ve ALL been doing our part to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. In July 2020, the Y opened with safety protocols that helped prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our Merrimack Valley YMCA community. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe!...

This year the Merrimack Valley YMCA hosted the Second Annual Innovate for Impact Virtual Mini-Grant Awards Night. Over the past several weeks, a series of workshops were offered to staff members, who were invited to submit their proposals and make a pitch around a new program idea or enhancement of a current program. In all,...

Our tips this month have all focused on how you can help add layers of protection to help keep you and your family safe around water. One more layer is ensuring that you know what to do in a water emergency. No matter the situation, the Y wants you to remember four simple phrases: 1....

Here at the Y, we believe that every person deserves access to water safety classes, no matter their circumstances. Each year we provide swim lesson scholarships to ensure that all families have the skills they need to keep them safe, opening up a world of possibilities for all! In the Y’s Safety Around Water program,...

Thank You For Going The Extra Mile: Anne Whalen As Camp Executive Director and Camp Registrar – all while dealing with the craziness of COVID, Anne has been a one-woman machine. She is on top of everything, staying current with all the regulations and trying to provide the best, safest summer possible to all of...

Thank You For Going The Extra Mile: Rafael Molina Molina is “Numero Uno!” at the Methuen Branch! Over the last year and a half Molina has stepped up and taken on more responsibility in the Maintenance Department at the Methuen YMCA. You can always tell where Molina is in the building because you hear all...

Thank You For Going The Extra Mile: Alvaro "Chippi" Gutierrez Chippi has been a part of the Lawrence school age team for quite some time and throughout his time here, he has made a quite an impact. The kids and staff all respect him and miss him whenever he’s gone. He’s known for his quiet...

Thank You For Going The Extra Mile: Jessica Borges Jess has taken a leadership role in our Inclusive Programs and monthly meetings. She is passionate about providing programs for people with disabilities and has worked hard to develop and execute classes. She puts her all into everything she does − whether it’s training clients, teaching...