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YMCA Leaders Urge People To Come Together

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: December 31, 2008

TRINITY - The economic downturn in 2008 has left many people feeling blue, so it's time to come together, rather than try to go it alone, YMCA of the Suncoast leaders say.

"Like so many Americans, members of our communities are feeling overwhelmed, stressed and powerless in these challenging economic times," G. Scott Goyer, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of the Suncoast, said in a press release.

The Clearwater-based YMCA of the Suncoast has nine branches, including the James P. Gills Family Branch YMCA in the Trinity area and the NPR SunTrust Branch in New Port Richey.

"Now more than ever, we need to focus on the important areas of our lives where we have the power to make a positive difference - our health and wellbeing, our family and our community," Goyer said.

Physical exercise, even at moderate levels, can reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety, YMCA officials emphasize.

Family time becomes a high priority. Parents can include children in discussions about how to trim budgets. Eating dinner as a family or enjoying a Saturday afternoon activity together can bring families closer.

Communities benefit when people volunteer to help others in need or neighbors get together, say the YMCA leaders.

Financial assistance is available to make YMCA programs and services available to all members of the community. The YMCA of the Suncoast has distributed nearly $1 million in financial assistance in 2008.

For information, call the Gills YMCA at 727-375-9622 or the NPR SunTrust branch at 727-844-0332.

"Times of change and uncertainty are not times to go it alone," Goyer said.

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