Gobble Wobble Race Impact
Why we run.
The Greater Philadelphia region is home to thousands of hardworking families who are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of housing, child care, transportation, food, and health care. For these families, the Y can be much more than a gym. It can be a safe place for children after school, an affordable option for child care, a source of confidence through swim lessons, a supportive community during difficult times, and a pathway toward healthier lives.
Through our Financial Assistance Program, we remove barriers to membership and programs so that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Every race registration, donation, and fundraising effort helps make that possible.
The Need in Our Community
Across Pennsylvania, nearly 4 in 10 households are either living in poverty or struggling to afford essential needs. In Philadelphia County, 18% of families live below the federal poverty level. In Camden County, 34% of children live in low-income households and more than 17% experience food insecurity.
Behind every statistic is a family making impossible choices:
- Rent or child care.
- Groceries or swim lessons.
- A summer camp experience or another summer spent at home.
- Investing in wellness or simply making ends meet.
The YMCA's Financial Assistance Program helps families avoid having to make those choices by ensuring access to programs that build confidence, improve health, strengthen relationships, and create opportunities.
The Y's Impact in Numbers
These numbers represent real people whose lives have been changed because someone chose to give.
21,966
Individuals received financial assistance
$3.6 Million
Invested in direct financial assistance
16,683
Memberships supported
5,283
Program registrations made possible
Meet the Families You're Helping
"It's a life saver."
Candice, a single mother whose son has attended Rocky Run YMCA summer camp for five years, credits the Y's financial assistance program with making camp possible.
"As I am a single mom and wanting the best for my son, the YMCA's financial assistance has been a very big help for me. It's a life saver and I honestly believe if they didn't offer this for struggling parents like myself, I don't see it possible for him to attend.
I hope that the Rocky Run Y's financial assistance program continues to provide for myself and other families that are struggling and need help. Thanks for supporting my son all these years with financial help, because it has made it possible for him to keep coming back."
For Candice's son, camp is more than a summer activity. It's a place to learn, grow, build friendships, and create lasting memories.
"We would not have the same level of life progress without you."
Another YMCA family experienced a sudden financial hardship shortly after enrolling their young son in swim lessons.
When unexpected circumstances forced them to pause their membership, the YMCA's Financial Assistance Program helped them remain connected to the Y community.
"Thanks to this program, we were not only able to continue swim lessons, but my husband was also able to use Kid Zone to offer our son social enrichment while he took phone interviews to secure a new job. A new job that not only allowed us to get back on our feet but actually increase our son's registrations at the Y.
We are deeply appreciative for the support of the entire staff at the Pottstown YMCA. We would not have the same level of life progress without you."
