La Porte Hospital and the Y are partnering to ensure every child in our community has access to programs that promote health and well-being!
Through a generous donation of $2,500, La Porte Hospital has made funding available for scholarships for youth swimming and sports programs at the Y’s La Porte branch during the spring and summer of 2017. Eligible programs include preschool and school age swim lessons, soccer, T-ball and more.
“The Y operates with the philosophy of charging fees to those who have the ability to pay, and helping those who don’t,” says Michelle Shirk, Y Development Director. “This generous gift will enable many kids in our community to enjoy being active while learning essential teamwork and water safety skills.” She estimates this partnership will allow the Y to provide approximately 100 scholarships to area children.
La Porte Hospital and the Y have collaborated on many previous occasions. In 2015, the hospital donated $100,000 to the Y for the maintenance and operation of the pool at the Michigan City Elston Branch. Instead of exercising their naming rights to the pool, the hospital offered community members the opportunity to participate in a Hometown Swim Heroes competition. After the competition, the pool was christened the “Tucker-Babcock Pool” in June of 2016.
“We are grateful for the continued support La Porte Hospital gives to the Y,” says Cindy Berchem, Y Executive Director. “La Porte Hospital is a longtime partner of the La Porte County Family YMCA. The hospital's support of the Y allows us to continue our work to strengthen our community.
“The family atmosphere and programs of the La Porte County Family YMCA are excellent resources for the children and families in our community to be active and maintain healthy lifestyles,” adds Stacey Kellogg, regional manager of community relations at La Porte Hospital. “La Porte Hospital is very pleased that the Y has created the Healthiest Summer Ever program that helps families connect with these programs. It’s all about improving the health of our patients and communities, and we are happy to be part of it.”
Families interested in participating in the Healthiest Summer Ever Scholarship Program can pick up a scholarship application at the Member Services Desk of the La Porte Branch, or contact Michelle Shirk at mshirk@lpymca.org or (219) 325-9622 for additional information.