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Governor Rell Announces Funding for New YMCA on Albany Avenue in Hartford

By Northend Agent's Staff

February 27, 2008

Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that $1 million to help build a new YMCA on Albany Avenue in North Hartford is expected to be approved by the State Bond Commission at its meeting on February 29.

The new facility will be developed by the YMCA of Greater Hartford in partnership with the Urban League of Greater Hartford, Inc. and Community Health Services, Inc. on a parcel of land at 430 Albany Avenue, adjacent to the Community Health Services, Inc. building. The parcel was purchased for one dollar from the City of Hartford in December 2007.

“These bond funds represent an investment in Hartford’s youth and in our North Hartford neighborhoods,” Governor Rell said. “A new YMCA will make a real difference in the lives of many Hartford young people by providing a safe haven as well as the positive lifechanging programs and services offered by the “Y.”

“Funding for a new YMCA in North Hartford is welcomed,” State Representative Marie Kirkley-Bey said. “Our inner city neighborhoods should not be neglected when it comes to state bond funds, and a new YMCA sends a message to our young people that we care and this is an important step forward.”

“The YMCA does great work with city youth and their families,” State Representative Art Feltman said. “This moves these resources directly into the neighborhoods.”

The YMCA of Greater Hartford estimates that more than 6,000 additional children and families in the north end will be served in the first year alone. The YMCA of Greater Hartford has raised some of the development funding from YMCA Board gifts, as well as private donations from individuals and corporations.

“The YMCA really does change lives through its investments in children and families,” Governor Rell said. “By partnering with two major Hartford stakeholders with long and successful track records, the new facility will provide exceptional service to the community.”

Today the YMCA of Greater Hartford serves over 34,000 children and 27,000 adults in personal development and educational programs. The YMCA:

• is the largest provider of quality child care in Connecticut, serving over 1,800 children at 49 sites.

• is the largest provider of day and residential camping in the Capital Region with over 7,000 children participating each summer.

• is the largest provider of non-competitive, character-building youth sports programs in the region with over 5,000 participants annually.

• teaches adults with dyslexia to read and write in its Read to Succeed program.

• provides health and fitness activities to thousands of children and adults annually.

• teaches more than 2,000 children to swim each year.