The Y Today
As a charitable organization, our mission is to strengthen the foundation of the community through programs, services and relationships that build a healthy spirit, mind and body. We aim to be an effective resource and influential community partner by building meaningful, caring relationships and promoting healthy, productive lifestyles for generations.
Our Values
Here in our greater Wallingford community, we’ve been committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities for 75 years and are determined to keep doing it for at least 75 more. Everyday, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, background, or income, feels welcome and has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive here at the Wallingford Family YMCA. We’re committed to having a greater impact on the overall well-being of the community by seeking collaboration, inspiring trust and heightening awareness to foster support & sustain youth development, healthy living and social responsibility here in Wallingford.
Our core values drive everything our staff & volunteers do to live out our mission and make a meaningful and long lasting impact in our greater Wallingford community. By holding ourselves accountable to build character around our core values, we build a healthy spirit, mind and body FOR ALL.
Caring
We demonstrate sincere concern for others, their needs and well-being.
Honesty
We tell the truth and demonstrate reliability & trustworthiness.
Respect
We treat others as we would want to be treated and value the worth of every person.
Responsibility
We do what is right and are accountable for our choices & actions.
The COVID-19 global pandemic has amplified the disparities in life outcomes that marginalized communities, especially communities of color face. These disparities are a direct result of current systems and policies that perpetuate historic oppression and systemic racism. We can be most effective in our communities when we recognize intersectionality and that each individual’s dimensions of diversity influence how they cope with social isolation; chronic stress and trauma; as well as access to employment, health care, safe and affordable housing, food, education and other critical needs.
The Y is focused on creating equitable and sustainable solutions that address both the immediate needs of the community and the systemic root causes that lead to inequities. Equity is the guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for everyone, where individuals are not at a disadvantage from achieving their potential because of their background or social position.
Equity requires intentionality around identifying and eliminating the institutional, systemic and societal barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups (based on certain characteristics including ability, age, economic background, ethnicity, faith, gender, national origin, race or sexual orientation), and developing the solutions and support systems that are relevant to social structures, trends and emerging opportunities.
Organizations such as the Y are built on people – without individuals at all levels having the same understanding of diversity, inclusion and equity – the organization cannot begin to effectively strengthen communities. We must be mindful of others and respectful to all.