This holiday season, we’re serving up a slice of gratitude to all of you.

One of our favorite parts of Thanksgiving is the shared moments between friends, families, and neighbors, whether over a slice of pie or meeting for a post-Turkey Day workout. We are grateful for the connections we have made over the last year, which have inspired meaningful changes in community.

Thank you to our Y staff for your service to community. We are grateful for you and your dedication. Thank you to every volunteer for showing up for your neighbors. Thank you to our donors and advocates for investing your treasure and time in removing barriers to our work. Thank you to every member who has enrolled in a Y membership or programming for your trust and commitment. The impacts we’ve made prove that we are a community caring for community. And together, we can build communities we all want to live in. Thanks to your dedicated support:

1. 541,000 meals and snacks were served to youth and families experiencing food insecurity. 

2. 39 seniors graduated from the Y Scholars college-readiness program and are all pursuing higher education. Plus, 39% of Y Scholars graduated high school with their Associate's Degrees. 

3. Pre-K students in Y Kindergarten Readiness Pilot Programs in Des Moines and Kent saw an average gain in all tested areas compared to pre-pilot results, respectively: 7% and 14% in social-emotional learning, 25% and 34% in literacy, and 28% and 23% in math.  

4. 270 kids learned how to swim through the Y’s Safety Around Water scholarship program.  

5. We served 1,000 families at the Community Baby Shower hosted by the Y and Amazon. 

6. And so much more. 

We are grateful to be a part of this amazing community. Thank you for sharing with us through programming, events, and more. 

From our Y family to yours, we wish you joy and peace, filled with gratitude with your family and friends. 

In community and gratitude,  

   
Loria B. Yeadon 
President & CEO