EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The YMCA of El Paso is celebrating its 138th anniversary, making it one of the oldest non-profit organizations in El Paso.
KTSM has partnered up with the YMCA to bring awareness to El Paso and the surrounding area about the different programs the Y has to offer.
KTSM will have the YMCA staff waiting to answer your call for all the questions you may have at “The More You Know Phone Bank: YMCA” on Thursday, April 17.
Tune in at 6:30 p.m. on KTSM 9 News as the YMCA will be sharing info on all of their programs and resources.
The YMCA is open to the whole family, providing fitness and wellness programs and sports to keep the family happy, healthy and having fun.
To utilize all that the Y has to offer, you can opt in for a day pass or look into purchasing memberships.
Daily pass rates are $5 for children and $10 for adults.
Memberships allow members to have access to all YMCA programs, swimming pools and aqua fitness. Here’s a breakdown the specifics of each membership:
Youth MembershipAdult MembershipFamily MembershipAges 12-17 (up to ages 26 if going to school)Ages 18 and older1 or 2 adults and dependent children in houseUnlimited group exercise classesUnlimited group exercise classesUnlimited group exercise classesAccess to all YMCA El Paso locations and AWAY* programAccess to all YMCA El Paso locations and AWAY* programAccess to all YMCA El Paso locations and AWAY* programAccess to Swimming Pools and Aqua FitnessAccess to Swimming Pools and Aqua FitnessFree Child Watch for up to 2 hours per dayMember pricing on swim lessonsMember pricing on swim lessonsPriority registration and membership pricing for programs, sports and swim lessonsMonthly draftMonthly draftMonthly draftNo contractsNo contractsNo contracts$30$49$75*The AWAY program allows members to use locations outside of El Paso for a limited time of two weeks without having to pay for a membership fee or daily fee.
The Y understands that not everyone can afford these memberships. That’s why the YMCA offers the Membership For All financial assistance program.
The Membership For All program offers reduced rates for family household income below $45,000. This program is also offered for individuals who experience a temporary financial setback.
If you want to apply, bring a copy of your most recent tax return and let the YMCA staff know you’d like to discuss the Membership For All program.
Fred and Maria Loya YMCA location | Photo courtesy to Shaun Felice – KTSM
The YMCA offers a variety of programs for the whole family to enjoy. Here are some of the programs the Y offers:
Youth Sports
Youth and Adult Programs and Fitness
Aquatics
Day Camp and Afterschool
Senior Lifestyle
KTSM had the opportunity to visit the YMCA’s Westside location and speak with the Senior Aquatics Director Bernadette Perez about its year-round Aquatics Programs.
“One of our programs that is very popular is our Westside pool and that’s because they are indoor pools. The temperature is 84 degrees year-round, so comfortable for swimming any time of the year,” Perez said.
The swimming programs they have are Swim Starters for parents and children, Swim Basics for preschool children and Swim Strokes. Each program program emphasizes the importance of water safety and having fun.
YCMA Swim Instructor and Child Participant | Photo courtesy to Shaun Felice – KTSM
“Swim lessons and water safety helps children to build confidence, especially when they have adults who may not know how to swim themselves. What we teach children in our care through the swim lessons is to always ask for permission first, make sure there’s an adult present and watching or make sure there is a lifeguard on duty. All of our instructors are certified through the Y-USA V6 Swim Lessons Curriculum,” Perez said.
Perez believes that what the YMCA offers in swim lessons is a very important life skill.
“Through the CDC, its reported that there’s over 4,000 drownings, water-related incidents, whether in home or in bodies of water. It’s important for us to reach out to the community to give them all of the information that they need and the resources that are available to them here locally in El Paso,” Perez said.
Read: Read More