Remember your first day of school? You likely had a new backpack, pencils, clean shoes, and outfits you picked out yourself. For many families, however, the start of the school year brings stress and uncertainty—not celebration. That’s where the YMCA Bright Beginnings program makes a difference.

Each year, we support local 150 students, providing essential clothing, new shoes, and school supplies they may not otherwise receive. But we can’t do it without YOU—and amazing community partners like Brightspeed. 

The Chaplaincy Program is one of the many ways the Y intentionally lives out our mission. Our Chaplains demonstrate the love of Jesus by serving, supporting, and caring for the staff, members, and guests of the YMCA—whether through faith-based programming or simply offering a listening ear and an encouraging word.