Staff report
Even as the Hays YMCA opened its doors again on June 1, it also named a new chair to its board.
At the end of May, the board affirmed the appointment of Brian Carter as its new board chair. As he takes this role on during uncertain times, Carter wants the community to know the role of the Y is as important now as it ever has been. “For many within our area, the Y is their community center. Our neighbors come here for childcare, for programs that help them stay healthy and fit, and to participate in group sports and activities,” Cater said. “There’s an eagerness from our members to restore that sense of community with each other.”
The Hays County location was one of six Austin-area YMCA locations to open June 1 with reduced hours and new safety procedures for staff and facility users.
While the doors physically opened to the public after being closed for almost ten weeks, the members of the board continued to work closely with the leadership staff during that time.
Financial support for the Y became a primary goal as many programs were cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Y provided programs remotely to local essential workers and healthcare providers with childcare, virtual fitness programming, outreach to seniors, parent resources, and more. The help of the community’s financial support assisted in carrying out these programs.
From the beginning of March through the end of May, more than 60 donations were made totalling about $8,200.
