Every City Youth Matrix Child to Receive YMCA of Frederick County Youth Membership

YMCA of Frederick County to partner with City Youth Matrix

City Youth Matrix and YMCA of Frederick CountyYouth supported by City Youth Matrix (CYM), a local nonprofit that removes barriers so children can experience the wealth of extracurricular opportunities that Frederick provides, will now receive a free youth membership to the YMCA of Frederick County.

The YMCA of Frederick County is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with community partners to improve the lives of children, adults, families, and the entire community. Thanks to the YMCA of Frederick County Annual Campaign, CYM youth will receive a free youth membership as well as half off any program registration (Camp, Youth Sports, Arts & Humanities programming and more).

“The YMCA focuses on Healthy Living, Youth Development and Social Responsibility and this partnership hits on all three ensuring all our Frederick families have access to the programs and resources they need to learn, grow and thrive,” says Chris Colville, President and CEO, YMCA of Frederick County.

Less than one-quarter (24%) of children 6 to 17 years of age participate in the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

There are three barriers that often prevent families from registering their children for recreational programs, enrichment lessons, or camps: financial hurdles, transportation difficulties, and cultural differences. CYM shatters these barriers so youth can experience life. Youth that participate in extracurricular programming have improved self-esteem, better grades, and enhanced family relationships.

“CYM removes the barriers so that each of our children can experience state-of-the-art facilities and professional instruction from our 30+ enrichment partners, in this instance the YMCA of Frederick County,” says Aaron Vetter, Founder and Executive Director, City Youth Matrix.

Students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, cognitive performance (e.g., memory), and classroom behaviors (e.g., on-task behavior).

About 100 children from age 4 to 18, supported by CYM, will be able to attend the YMCA to workout, play basketball or sign up for paid programs such as youth sports or arts and humanities at no cost to families (cost will be split between YMCA and CYM).

It takes a strong network of individuals working together to make this partnership a success. In addition to the CYM and YMCA staff, volunteers are at the heart of this matrix. From drivers to family liaisons and translators, volunteers are key.