The Greater Augusta Family YMCA has been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and its impact within the communities we serve. Late last week, we reduced program offerings, eliminating all group activities and paid programs, but kept facilities open for individuals in an effort to continue serving the wellness needs of our members.

However, we have made the very careful and thoughtful decision to close all of our YMCA facilities, beginning Wednesday, March 18 – March 31, 2020, with a commitment to reopen as soon as the health and safety of our community can be assured.  All youth sports programs are discontinued immediately as well.

The guidance we are receiving from all sources informs us that the most effective way to curb the spread of COVID-19 is for community members to practice social distancing and remain at home as much as possible. We hope you understand this decision. The Y is so much more than a gym, we are a connected community and service organization. Serving the best interest of all is vital during this difficult time.

Closing our facilities, however, doesn’t mean we’ve “closed shop.” Just the opposite. In many ways this is our moment to truly deliver on our promise of service to those who turn to us for community and to those who turn to us for survival. We’re pivoting and repurposing and working to provide programs and services that will be critical in the coming weeks.

The Y is working with the Golden Harvest Food Bank to expand food pantries at two of our locations (Steiner and Thomson) and offer food distribution to the community in the coming days, based on need, with more to follow based on need.

We have developed a childcare program for emergency responders. Working with healthcare partners, the Y will provide childcare for those who don’t have the option to work remotely, including medical professionals, emergency response workers. The first two locations will open by the end of this week at our Wilson and North Augusta branches, with two additional locations added in the coming weeks based on need.

We are providing alternative virtual workouts you can do at home through a vendor relationship. These are professionally produced, robust workouts and fun.

For our dedicated members and greatest supporters, thank you for staying with us during these challenging times. You are a part of our cause-driven effort to support the entire community. As a charitable organization, we humbly ask that you remain a part of the Y family by continuing your membership.  Help our support efforts by retaining your membership if at all possible. 

Membership dues are vital in helping us to continue to serve the community during this time of extreme need. While we cannot serve members in person, we are working diligently to provide virtual resources and engaging activities to ensure that your health and wellness continue to be supported. We ask for your understanding and patience to “stick with us” as we all go through these challenges as a community.