June 3, 2024 – YMCA of Snohomish County

EVERETT, WA. June 3, 2024. — The YMCA of Snohomish County is hosting a free Healthy Heart Fun Run at the 2nd Annual Healthy Heart Fair on Saturday, June 8 from 10 am – 1 pm at Everett Memorial Stadium (3802 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201). The Y is partnering with other Snohomish County organizations to create awareness and educate the community about heart health.

“We are delighted and proud to partner with the Healthy Heart Fair for the second year,” said Gael Gebow, Association Director of Healthy Living & Membership Advancement, YMCA of Snohomish County. “Our commitment at the Y is improving the health of our community so hosting a fun run at an event that promotes heart health is a natural partnership.”

The 90-minute Healthy Heart Fun Run will be held on the track from 10:30 am – Noon. There will be special prizes for the top finishers who complete the most laps in two divisions: age 10 and under and age 11+. Finisher medals and certificates of achievement will be awarded to the first 100 participants. Waves start every 15 minutes, beginning at 10:30 am.

“Run or walk for 15 minutes or join us for the full 90 minutes,” said Gebow. “Any type of movement is a simple way to help prevent heart disease and cardiac events, as well as so many other adverse health conditions.”

The event is held in memory of Robert C. Polk, former Everett School District Athletic Director and active Everett community member who passed away from a sudden heart attack in 2021. Robert Polk was a college athlete and physical education major with lots of health and fitness knowledge, but his family wasn’t aware of all the signs and symptoms of heart attack.

“The goal of this event is for the community to better understand how to be healthy at every stage in life,” said Tara Polk, Robert’s wife. “I want people to learn the symptoms of a heart attack and what kinds of exercise we need as we age to get optimal health benefits. I hope that people will participate and leave the event knowing a little more, having a great time, and getting some exercise.”

This event falls during National CPR/AED Awareness Week, highlighting the importance of CPR and AED training and education. The event is free and open to the community.

“This event will honor Robert and help others in the community,” said Tara Polk. “Nothing seemed out of the ordinary until it was too late. My goal is to prevent that from happening to another family.”

For more information about the event, please visit healthyheartfair.com. For more information about health and wellness programs and classes at the Y, please visit ymca-snoco.org.

EVERETT, WA. June 3, 2024 – The YMCA of Snohomish County is proud to announce that 18 of its School-Age Care sites are recipients of complex needs funding from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), a vital investment in supporting the mental health and holistic development of youth in YMCA child care. This funding, totaling $1.3 million, will enable the Y to better support the diverse needs of all children in its care.

“This funding is a gamechanger for our programs and the communities we serve,” said Megan Proost, Association Director of Child Care Advancement. “It will allow us to retain and hire mental health staff and provide necessary resources like adaptive materials and one-to-one support staff for children with complex needs in our program.”

The Y’s commitment to its holistic approach to care includes mental health and behavior specialists who adopt a trauma-informed care approach, enhancing the standard of care for children with distinctive needs. These essential staff members not only offer immediate support, but provide ongoing care that comprehensively addresses the multifaceted aspects of complex needs.

“We recognize the importance of tailored support,” said Proost. “Our programs employ essential elements to nurture and support every child in child care, including individual success plans, staff training and development, collaboration with families, schools, and community partners, and safe, inclusive environments.

The impact of this funding extends beyond the child care setting, influencing children’s families, peers, and communities. Children learn valuable skills and strategies such as emotion regulation and conflict resolution in School-Age Care, which they take home, enriching their family dynamics and relationships.

“We believe in a holistic approach to child development and this funding will enable us to continue providing quality care and support from Stanwood to Bothell, helping children academically, socially, and emotionally,” said Proost. “Our goal is to meet every child where they are at, ensuring they find friendship, achievement, and belonging in our programs.”

The Y is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. With the support of complex needs funding, the Y is positioned to make an even greater impact on the lives of youth and families in the community. To learn more about YMCA child care, please visit: ymca-snoco.org/child-care/. The Y is currently enrolling for the 2024-25 school year.

Thanks to state funding, the Y is hiring additional mental health support staff and one-on-one leads. To learn more about a rewarding career in YMCA child care, please visit: https://childcare.ymca.careers or https://mentalhealth.ymca.careers.

leads. To learn more about a rewarding career in YMCA child care, please visit: https://childcare.ymca.careers or https://mentalhealth.ymca.careers.

Day: June 3, 2024

The Y Hosts Free Fun Run at the 2nd Annual Healthy Heart Fair

YMCA Child Care Programs Receive $1.3 Million in Complex Needs Funding

YMCA of Snohomish County

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