NEW $31 MILLION INITIATIVE GIVES MILITARY FAMILIES ACCESS
TO MEMBERSHIPS AND PROGRAMS AT AREA YMCA'S AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY

A partnership between the United States Department of Defense (DoD) and the Armed Services YMCA is giving families of active military personnel FREE access to youth development, family strengthening, and health and well-being programs at local YMCAs across the country. Through the $31 million initiative, membership fees for up to 18 months will be funded by the DoD. Locally, families can join any one of 17 branches of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati located throughout Northern Kentucky, Greater Cincinnati and Southeastern Indiana.

Those eligible for the program include:

• Families of joint deployed National Guard and Reserves
• Active duty families assigned to newly established joint bases created by the Base Realignment and Closure process
• Active duty independent duty station personnel
• Relocated spouses and family members of deployed active duty personnel

Eligible participants can register by identifying their local YMCA branch (a local branch listing can be found at www.myy.org or by calling 513-362-YMCA), providing proof of eligibility by showing a military identification card and copy of deployment orders, and completing an eligibility form. Eligibility forms can be found at www.militaryonesource.com or by calling 1-800-342-9647. The initiative will fund the cost of memberships only. Camps, sports, afterschool programs and other fee-based activities will not be included. As always, with the YMCA, scholarships are available for all programs and services.

“The YMCA has always been committed to helping people of all ages reach their fullest potential,” said Shelley Spiegel, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati director of membership. “Families of active military personnel very much deserve the positive opportunities of a YMCA. It is a privilege to be able to offer them our support.”