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YMCA holds annual meeting

August 28th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

The YMCA of Cumberland held its annual meeting on Wednesday, August 26th in the Pavilion located across the street from the Y’s front entrance on Kelly Road.

Erin DeLong, YMCA of Cumberland Board President opened the meeting with this message, “The Cumberland YMCA continues to deliver on our promise to strengthen our community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We’re pleased to launch two nationally renowned programs: YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and our youth mentoring program, Reach & Rise®.”

The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program which will launch this fall is a one year, community based program where participants work in small groups with a trained Lifestyle Coach in a relaxed, classroom setting. Participants learn how to incorporate healthier eating, moderate physical activity, and problem solving and coping skills into their daily lives.

“We’re excited to bring this research based program into our community and collaborate with community health partners – Western Maryland Health Systems, Allegany County Health Department, officials from Maryland University Extension and Tri State Community Health Center.” says Don Enterline, Y CEO. “Programs like the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program reduce new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58% overall and 71% in individuals over age 60. Studies show that engaged participants enjoy lower health care costs and more desirable long-term health outcomes.”

The YMCA’s Reach & Rise® is a national YMCA youth mentoring program that matches mentors ages 23 and older with area youth ages 6 – 17.  “Supportive mentoring programs are important as youth who have the influence of a caring adult in his or her life are less likely to use drugs, have fewer behavioral problems and are more resilient in the face of social pressures.” shares Sara Geis, program director, who worked carefully to transition the Big Brothers, Big Sisters local program into a Y mentoring program.  Reach and Rise® trains mentors to work with youth, provides ongoing support and a platform for children to set goals and be successful. 
 

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