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North Suburban YMCA receives $25,000 grant from UPS Foundation
Jill Narens (right), UPS Central Region Security Director and North Suburban YMCA Board Member, presents a grant of $25,000 from The UPS Foundation to Howard Schultz, Executive Director/CEO of the NSYMCA.
Updated: June 28, 2012 12:58PM
The North Suburban YMCA has received a $25,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS.
The grant will fund Y renovations to ease accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including automatic entry doors, redesigned locker rooms, and improved rest rooms.
These renovations supplement other recent efforts made by the Y to become a fully accessible, inclusive community.
The NSYMCA, which serves a 12-city region from its Northbrook facility, places great emphasis on accessibility and specialized programming for children and adults with disabilities. Under the banner of H.A.W.K.S. — “Helping All Wonderful Kids Succeed” — the Y offers a wide range of classes and activities for special needs youth, such as fitness clubs, dance classes, and a Special Olympics swim team.
The Y has also made accessibility a main priority of ongoing renovations of its 50-year old building.
Recently completed projects include the installation of a passenger elevator and construction of a new playground with specially-designed accessible features.
In 2011, the NSYMCA was honored by disability advocacy organization JJ’s List with its Disability Awareness Award.
Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Ga., The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues.
In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: nonprofit effectiveness, encouraging diversity, community safety, and environmental sustainability.
In 2011, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $45.3 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as the YMCA and provide support for building stronger communities.
“The UPS Foundation is honored to support the North Suburban Y’s commitment to serving its entire community, including individuals with disabilities,” said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation. “Our goal is to fund powerful programs that make a lasting difference to the global community.”
