Stratford YMCA Programs Continue Online Amid Coronavirus

Via the Stratford YMCA:

STRATFORD, CT — During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Stratford Y, a branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, is committed to serving the community.

As needs grow, the Y continues to adapt new strategies to support families and youth, ensure the safety and well-being of older adults, and connect those in the community.

“Now more than ever, I am proud to be a part of an organization and a community full of helpers. I grew up watching Mr. Rogers and love his message about looking for the helpers during dark or scary times. We are learning how to be a virtual Y and help our members from beyond the four walls of our building,” said Chelsea Kordiak, executive director at the Stratford Y. “While the facility is closed, we are still here to serve our community!”

Residents in Stratford and beyond are encouraged visit stratfordymca.org for free online classes, fitness tips and virtual exercise classes. There is something for every age and every fitness level from youth to active older adults. For families, there are supplemental educational ideas, STEAM activity suggestions and videos of our Y leaders reading books, and doing arts and crafts. To help maintain routines, several fun fitness challenges are available. And to engage families, there are entertaining games like Bingo and ABC Planks.

Additional connections are being made through the Y's social networks and online programming such as Facebook, Twitter and video-conferencing calls. Stratford Y preschoolers and their families have been video-conferencing for digital circle time daily and love “seeing” their friends and have been adapting to new homeschool routines.

To help foster community, the Y is reaching out and calling as many members as possible, to check in, talk and understand their needs. Local community resources are shared for those requiring additional assistance. In partnership with the CARES Activity Program at the Baldwin Center, preschoolers and youth members are sending artwork and letters of hope to seniors and adults who are homebound.

“The Y is here! And the Y will reopen when Gov. Lamont, our town officials and community partners say it is safe,” Kordiak said. “We are here to serve.”

To stay current on all the Y is offering, consider signing up for its digital newsletter, visiting stratfordymca.org or calling 203-375-5844.