NORWICH – Despite financial hardships over the years, the Norwich Family YMCA has stayed the course of its mission; to provide a safe environment that helps build sound mind, body and spirit for families and the local community. Now, the organization is reaching out to the community to build a strong YMCA.

The Norwich Family YMCA formally kicked off its annual fundraising campaign this month. Each year, the campaign helps the YMCA help those in need through programs like its Open Doors Scholarship and its Unemployment Membership Program, services that allows individuals to use the YMCA even when they can’t afford a membership, thus helping people stay fit under tough conditions.

Where many see the Y as just a place to workout, there’s more to it, explained YMCA Director James Mullen. “We don’t just strengthen individuals. We strengthen the community,” he said. And although the Y has relentlessly served the community as an invaluable resource, he added, there’s still so much more to be done. “The need is always much greater than the amount we are able to raise, so every dollar helps.”

Programs supported by the annual campaign have a proven tack record for individuals who have been tremendously impacted by YMCA – members like former Chenango County Judge and present YMCA Board of Trustee member, Howie Sullivan. As a boy, Sullivan said the YMCA was a place to turn in difficult times and if not for the Y, things could have turned out differently.