The YMCA is now officially "The Y" - with a new logo

The Dale Turner Family YMCA is unveiling a new strategy to increase understanding of its cause, which is "strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility."

The Y will emphasize how it nurtures the potential of youth and teens, improves health and well-being and provides opportunities to support our neighbors and give back to our community.

The most visible change is the Y’s new logo, which points forward and is used in five different colors to reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the organization. Along with more than 2,600 Ys nationwide, the nonprofit will refer to itself collectively as “the Y.” Most importantly, the new strategy aims to help the public understand the Y’s impact and hopefully inspire involvement in the Y as a cause.

“This is a very important, exciting time for the Y,” said Courtney K. Whitaker, Branch Executive Director. “Since our opening in 2008, we’ve focused on building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to learn, grow and thrive. Today we start a chapter that clarifies our belief that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.”

Below are highlights of how the Dale Turner Family YMCA currently strengthens communities in north King and south Snohomish counties through its three focus areas:

Youth Development

The Y helps guide children, teens and young adults of all socio-economic backgrounds to develop the character traits and skills essential to success. For example, the Y’s Hang Time program at Kellogg Middle School provides tutoring, mentoring and healthy activities free of charge, in partnership with the Shoreline School District and Cities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park. The Y also provides high-quality child care throughout the region; including the newest Child Development Center focused on the youngest learners from infancy to pre-Kindergarten.

Healthy Living

Through its 12 branches and two resident camps, the Y equips people of all ages and abilities to be their personal best in spirit, mind and body. Its full-service facilities bring families closer together as they build healthy lifestyles, and trained lifestyle coaches help set personal health and well-being goals. Actively Changing Together (ACT!) helps overweight children and their families incorporate healthy changes. Exercise and Thrive empowers cancer survivors to restore their strength, and the Diabetes Prevention Program is equipping community members at risk of the disease to take control.

Social Responsibility

The Y listens and responds to our region’s most critical social needs. Through education and training in neighborhoods, connecting diverse demographic populations and building healthier communities with partners, the Y fosters care and respect for all. In partnership with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, the Y operates POPY’S Café, serving more than 175 hot, healthy meals to community members in need each week.

About the Dale Turner Family YMCA

Opening in 2008, the Dale Turner Family YMCA has quickly become a favorite gathering place in the community where families can engage in activity together, seniors can socialize and improve their health, and adults can find release from their busy lives. From youth sports and recreation to adult cooking programs and from swimming lessons to summer day camps, the Y has the cause of strengthening community at the core of our work. Every day we work side-by-side with our neighbors in more than 20 local communities to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive at the Y.

About the YMCA of Greater Seattle

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is one of the Northwest’s leading nonprofit organizations strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y nurtures the development of children and teens, equips and encourages people to improve their health and well-being and mobilizes volunteers and community partners to address critical social needs. Founded in 1876, we enhance the lives of more than 171,500 people annually through 12 branches, two overnight camps and more than 200 program sites throughout King and south Snohomish counties.