For years most people who mention their local YMCA have called it the “Y.” Starting this new year, that is how the YMCA of Greater Seattle, along with 2,600 Y’s nationwide, will officially refer to itself. The Northwest’s leading non-profit is unveiling its new brand strategy to help increase understanding of its cause – strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
The revitalized brand launches today at 12 Y’s and hundreds of off-site program centers throughout the greater Seattle area – including communities in the Snoqualmie Valley. The most obvious and visible change is the new “Y” logo. The re-designed logo is forward-facing and composed of 5 different colors – symbolizing the vibrancy and diversity of the organization.
The YMCA’s current, operational programs throughout the valley are adopting the new brand this month – establishing brand recognition for the future Snoqualmie Y. When the new facility opens its doors later this year, it will also use of the new logo and brand message .
From today’s press release, some highlights on how the Y works to strengthen local communities (including our own) in King County through its three focus areas:
“Youth Development: The Y helps guide children, teens and young adults of all socio-economic backgrounds to develop the character traits and skills essential to success. For example, Y child care is where children learn to get along with others and learn to socialize, share and play. It is where they will form friendships, grow, develop and thrive. The YMCA emphasizes and models character development values such as caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
Healthy Living: Through its 12 branches, two resident camps and hundreds of off-site locations, the Y equips people of all ages and abilities to be their personal best in spirit, mind and body. Its full-service facilities bring families closer together as they build healthy lifestyles, and trained lifestyle coaches help set personal health and well-being goals. Locally, participation in YMCA Day Camp Terry uses 12 acres to provide children and teens a chance to climb, swing, run, and appreciate our outdoor environment.
Social Responsibility: The Y listens and responds to our region’s most critical social needs. Through education and training in neighborhoods, connecting diverse demographic populations and building healthier communities with partners, the Y fosters care and respect for all. Annually, the YMCA of Greater Seattle provides $19 million in free or subsidized services so that individuals and families in need can benefit from confidence-building, health-enhancing programs like summer camp, child care and facility membership. For example, this holiday season fathers; sons and daughters gave back to our community with the Thanksgiving Food Baskets and Holiday Giving Tree programs orchestrated through the Y.”
The new Snoqualmie Y is scheduled to break ground this spring and open its doors the beginning of 2012. It will be located at Snoqualmie 
Community Park, 35016 SE Ridge Street, adjacent to Cascade View Elementary School. The construction project is funded by mitigation money, Snoqualmie Tribe contract money and real estate excise taxes.
For more information on the Snoqualmie Y / CC project, including its history, construction schedule, design plans please visit: http://www.ci.snoqualmie.wa.us/CityProjects/SnoqualmieCommunityCenter.aspx
