Meadville Family YMCA

Goal: $30,000.00

Specific Need

The Meadville Family YMCA is excited to participate in the Crawford Gives again this year. We are excited to share our story in efforts to raise awareness and funding for the community work we do!

As you know, Crawford Gives is coming soon! We would like to tell you a little more about what the YMCA staff have been doing in this past year. The programs listed below are programs that the Y staff believe in, take pride in hosting and require fundraising to ensure they can be offered!

Food Program:

The Food Service Team, including Angie, Tammy, Megan and Tina, have continued to grow our food program into 2026. In 2025, we continued...

1. Serving Free Dinners in Linesville on Tuesday's,

2. Distributing Grocery Bags once a month in Conneautville and Atlantic,

3. Distributing Weekend Food Bags for our Y and Timber Ridge preschoolers on Fridays,

4. Serving 100 hot meals to the Meadville Summer Parks children in the summer 2025.

5. Serving over 19,000 food bags to children in the Summer 0f 2025

NEW in 2026:

We re continuing to grow our Summer Food distribution program in our community.

The Y's food program relies on community donations of food, monetary donations and grants from several of our local community groups. It takes a donation of $50 to fill a food bag, $120 to serve the weekly Linesville dinner, $10 to fill a weekend food bag and $225 a day to feed the Meadville Summer Parks children and Meadville Public Library children. Can you help fill some food bags or plan for summer lunches in 2026?

Scholarship Program

At the Meadville YMCA, our staff takes great pride in offering high-quality programs that positively shape the lives of children in our community. Our youth sports offerings include gymnastics (recreational and competitive), ninja warrior classes, softball, indoor and outdoor soccer, floor hockey, basketball, dance, and summer sports camps.

Alivia, Megan, and our dedicated team work to ensure children gain more than just athletic skills. Through participation, kids build confidence to try new things, develop problem-solving abilities, learn to take healthy risks, and understand what it means to be part of a team.

In Fall 2025, we once again partnered with the Crawford County Youth Football League to launch a flag football program. What began as a small group grew rapidly—reaching 450 youth participants this past spring. Our goal is simple: no child should miss out due to cost. Families can apply for scholarships to ensure every child has access.

$25 donation → supports one child’s sports season

Beyond sports, the YMCA is proud to be the largest provider of STAR 4-rated childcare in Crawford County. This top-tier rating ensures families receive high-quality care and education. Under the leadership of Stacie and Megan, our teachers provide a balanced daily experience of structured learning and play, helping children grow academically and socially—while ensuring a safe, trusted environment for families.

Our scholarship fund makes all of this possible, ensuring no barrier to participation.

$200 donation → provides 6 children access to gymnastics or ninja classes
$500 donation → supports one family’s afterschool program participation

Mental Health Program

In 2021, the YMCA made a commitment to strengthening mental health support for the children, families, and educators in our childcare programs.

Today, we are proud to have a full-time mental health counselor, Deanna, who plays a vital role by:

Developing behavior plans for children
Helping families connect with outside services
Supporting teachers with classroom mental health needs
Providing social-emotional learning programs

Deanna’s impact has been transformative. Over the past four years, this program has helped more than 25 children and families access essential community resources and develop the skills needed to thrive.

Donations help cover staffing and essential tools such as:

Noise-canceling headphones
Fidget tools
Sensory and calming resources

These supports create a safe and responsive environment where children can regulate emotions and succeed.

Meadville Summer Parks Program

For the past five years, the YMCA has proudly partnered with:

Creating Landscapes
Fairview Fairmont Family Center
The City of Meadville

Together, we provide the Meadville Summer Parks Program, a free, 8-week experience serving local youth.

This collaborative effort raises $40,000 annually to give children opportunities to:

Explore the outdoors
Play in nature and local creeks
Disconnect from technology
Try new activities
Build friendships and confidence
Cost: $15 per child per day

This program continues to grow and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children across our community.

Join Us in Making an Impact

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the work of the Meadville YMCA. Every program we offer exists because of the generosity of supporters like you.

We invite you to give during Crawford Gives August 19-21:

Donate online: crawfordgives.org
Or give by cash/check at the YMCA (checks payable to Crawford Heritage Community Foundation)

Learn more: meadvilleymca.org

A word from Tina Carter. “As CEO, my goal is to ensure we are meeting the needs and filling the gaps within our Crawford County communities. The generosity of our donors makes this work possible. Because of you, we can continue providing these vital services and opportunities. Thank you for believing in our mission and in every child we serve.”

Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. We build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.