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PARKERSBURG -- The YMCA of Parkersburg for more than 140 years has evolved to meet the changing needs of the community.
"And today, the community is going through unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic," Melonie Victory of the YMCA said. "Though the doors may be temporarily closed, the YMCA of Parkersburg is still working to meet the needs of its friends and neighbors in these uncertain times."
For example, Victory said, the YMCA of Parkersburg, community partners and local authorities including public health officials transformed the facility into a child care site for essential working families. Because of this service, first responders, health care workers and essential personnel are able to work and serve the community while the YMCA of Parkersburg serves them.
"In addition, the YMCA of Parkersburg has also created pathways to continue engaging the senior population. Local seniors, many of whom live alone, are feeling isolated and vulnerable right now, and the YMCA of Parkersburg is committed to helping them feel connected during this scary time," she said. "Thus, Y staff are daily calling its senior members to check in as well as work with the Wood County Senior Citizens Association, Inc. to deliver meals to those who cannot leave their homes.
The YMCA also is giving its facility a facelift so the community can have a better experience at the Y when it fully reopens, Victory said. The renovations consist of painting doors, building walls, deep cleaning crevices and more, she said.
YMCA Business Coordinator Criss Welshans, in the black Jacket, and membership director Sarah Lemley working at the member service desk. (Photo Provided)
"Current YMCA employees who desire to continue working are completing the renovations. However, there is no penalty for current YMCA employees who desire to stay home and practice social distancing," Victory said. "The YMCA of Parkersburg honors their wishes by providing them with alternatives and work-at-home opportunities."
Even though the YMCA of Parkersburg is helping the community, the true heroes are the current Y members who have decided to continue their membership due payments despite these challenging times, Victory said.
"While all memberships are currently frozen during the temporary closure, those who have continued their membership payments are classified as the YMCA of Parkersburg's Sustaining Members. Without their support, the YMCA of Parkersburg wouldn't be able to continue its community work," she said.
All paid membership dues during the YMCA of Parkersburg's temporary closure will be considered as tax-deductible donations, Victory said. Thus, all Sustaining Members will receive a donation letter for tax purposes to reflect paid membership fees during the closure. Becoming a Sustaining Member is available to both current Y members and individuals in the community who would like to become Y members. To become a Sustaining Member, contact Sarah Lemley, Membership Director, at (304) 485-5585 ext. 212 or Sarah.Lemley@parkersburgymca.org.
"The YMCA of Parkersburg is just as eager as everyone to reopen its doors, and when that time comes, it will be an exciting day, filled with celebration," Victory said. "Until then, the YMCA of Parkersburg will continue to do the work that is needed to keep children safe, seniors connected and the community healthy. But the organization can't do it alone. The YMCA of Parkersburg kindly asks for the community's support during the COVID-19 pandemic."