Advancing Equity and Justice For All

2021 was another year of challenge and escalating community needs, but once again we endured. We rose up together and showed up for each other and cared for our community despite the barriers before us. Thank you for walking alongside us in this journey. We cannot do it without you. In this impact report, you’ll learn more about the remarkable ways the Y helped our communities weather the storms of 2021 and emerge even stronger, inspired with optimism, and hope for the future.

Through Community Collaboration

Our volunteers, donors, and partners showed up in 2021 to help us recover and build back stronger from the challenges of 2020. With their support the Y continues to step up to meet community needs.


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"I want to express my appreciation for the webinar event ’Engaging Our Immigrant and Newcomer Communities.' I come from the private sector in human resources and while I take pride in my desire to be informed on social issues that impact our city and communities, I was surprised at how much I didn’t know about this group. Thank you for taking the time to include a rich group of panelists with different perspectives and unique solutions to address these very real needs."

~ Y Community Conversations Participant


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Through Commitment

The Y made concentrated and deliberate investments in re-evaluating and re-thinking our programs, services, and training with a focus on reaching those who are most often pushed to the margins and bringing them to the center of our work, today and tomorrow.


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"Having a Y in your community is a big asset no matter where you live, but I think Seattle is extra blessed. The Y serves so many neighborhoods and populations. It takes a leadership role on issues like foster care and mental health. The YMCA provides the common space for people who need some help and those who have the ability to help, and it really encourages families to play together."

~ Connie Ballmer, 2021 A.K. Guy Award Recipient


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Through Mental Health and Housing

The Y expanded our services to meet community needs, reaching more youth and young adults than ever. The need for mental health and substance use services grew 43 percent last year.


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"Before joining this program, I knew I wanted to attend college, but I didn’t have anyone or anything that could push me to help discover specifically what career path I wanted to take or how to get there. Being involved in this program allowed me to have the support and resources needed to get to where I wanted to be after high school."

~ Dawit, Y Scholar Participant


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Through Health Equity

Health disparities were on full display during the pandemic, particularly among our East African and African American neighbors. The Y hired Community Health Navigators from impacted communities to help address high health disparities in King and Snohomish County. 


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"Kids ask me every day if today is the day we get to go to the pool. I am so grateful. I can’t tell you how much our students needed this."

~ Sarah Talbot, Lowell Elementary Principal


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Through Youth Development

The Y continued to meet the needs of children and families despite the challenges of the pandemic. 


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"I had always considered myself able to purchase my own goods, but lately, as prices have risen and shortages are apparent, I have found myself falling behind. As statistics call it ‘living below the poverty line,’ whatever that means. My family and I are truly grateful."

~ Vera, Y Produce Box Recipient


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Equity and Justice for All.

We are forever grateful to our staff, members, donors, partners, and elected officials who stood by us this year to support equity and justice for all. This support manifests as an investment in the future we all want. One where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to reach their full potential in spirit, mind, and body.

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More Ways to Engage With the Y

Ways to Give

Discover all of the ways you can make a difference with your time, investments, and more.

Your Impact

Many hands help community at the Y, from staff who counsel youth experiencing homelessness, and volunteers who help give out meals, to donors who empower the Y to reach more people in need. Learn more about your impact as a Y supporter.

See What’s New at the Y

Explore our blogs to learn more about our social services, read Y stories, meet our staff and members, and discover why the Y is a pillar of your community.

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