Mission Forward is dedicated to sharing donor stories, celebrating the impact of giving, and inspiring others to join us in strengthening our community. | Volume 1 Issue 2 | September 2026
Sometimes the best mission moments happen when kids take the lead. Toward the end of Day Camp, a group of our campers decided they wanted a new Gaga Ball pit for next summer. Their goal? Raise $300.
They put together a 13-page PowerPoint presentation, met with members of our leadership team to present their idea, and once approved, they got to work. From August 12–14, they filled our lobby with smiles, lemonade, homemade desserts and plenty of determination.
More than raising money, these kids learned what can happen when you have an idea, work together and take ownership. We couldn’t be more proud of them. Their Gaga Ball pit will become a reality, they’ll have a banner displayed upstairs celebrating their accomplishment, and they’ve already decided this should become an annual Day Camp tradition.
Their $300 goal quickly turned into $1,560 raised in just three days–420% of their original goal!
This summer marked the second year of our Rural Non-Congregate (RNC) food program. The Rural Non-Congregate program provides meals to children in rural areas and is intended to be taken and enjoyed off-site. Through this program, we provided 10,340 meals to local children.
Every Thursday, volunteers came together to prepare and package meals before distributing them to families at the Hampton Township Public Safety Building. For 11 weeks, dedicated community partners worked side by side to help ensure these meals reached children and families who may not have had enough food at home.
We are grateful to have volunteers from community partners, including the Bay City Noon Optimist Club, Satellite Bay City Rotary, Bay City Morning and Afternoon Rotary Club, YMCA Board members and staff, and groups of YMCA members, many of whom returned each week to help. Watching so many different people come together for a common purpose was truly inspiring. It was a powerful reminder that the Y is more than a gym; it’s a community.
The generosity, teamwork, and dedication of our volunteers and staff made this year’s RNC program more impactful than ever. Serving 10,340 meals is an incredible number, but behind every meal is a child, a family, and a community coming together to help one another.
This is what driving our mission forward looks like in action and a powerful example of the impact we can make when we work together.
Dow Bay Area Family YMCA participates in the SUN Meals To-Go (SFSP) program funded by the USDA and administered by the Michigan Department of Education. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Leave your mark!
Share and preserve your legacy and help us pave the way towards a brighter future for our community!
Bricks are a great way to commemorate:
The Dow Bay Area Family YMCA welcomes more than 1,000 visitors daily, providing meaningful exposure for community supporters. Annual donations of $1000 or more will be proudly recognized in a location visible to all who visit our YMCA.
When you give $1000 or more in a year, you’ll have the special opportunity to choose an inspiring image from our approved selection, which will be proudly highlighted on the banner for all to see.
Serving the individuals and families in Bay County since 1885.
For more information on how to purchase a brick or a banner, please contact: Steve Krankota by email skrankota@ymcabaycity.org or 989-778-3447
Individuals will not be turned away from participating in programs, activities, and/or membership due to their inability to pay. The Y maintains a generous financial assistance program for youth, adults, and families who demonstrate financial need. Funding for this program is provided by fundraising events at the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA and community-wide donors.
There is a reduced joining fee. $25 for Youth/Teen, $25 for Adult, and $50 for Household memberships.