About Us

Dear Members and Friends,
2020 was a year like no other that brought us new experiences, creativity and pivoting our priorities; for learning new technologies, new ways to operate and a year to be flexible. It was stressful and sometimes overwhelming with this new pandemic as many were afraid to catch it and spread it to loved ones. Certainly, we all were worried that we didn’t want the Y to be a place where the virus spread.

On March 16, our world changed as we know it. With the fast spreading Covid-19 virus, all fitness and sports programs and facilities were forced to close by the Governor. Those who could work remotely, were required to do so. Our childcare center was designated an emergency childcare location for essential workers and we continued to serve children in a limited basis according to the state’s requirements.

We continued to provide safe housing environment for our 16 shelter guests and 57 low-income apartment tenants as we made quick adjustments so these congregate living environments were safe as possible.

In April, a Payroll Protection Program loan allowed us to employ our staff to help clean, paint and modify our spaces to meet re-opening CT guidelines. By year end, 100% of the loan was forgiven.

During the pandemic, the Torrington & Winchester Youth Service Bureaus no longer were able to serve students in the school environment, so we pivoted to begin serving kids remotely, as well as, providing essential needs including food to families in great need.

On June 29, we reopened Torrington and Winsted branches facilities refreshed to limited access with equipment spread out, with new cleaning protocols and a reservation system. Members returned ever so slowly. On September 21, Canaan branch reopened following its renovations including a new separate outside entrance, new member services office and new flooring throughout.

For the eighth year, Center Subaru has selected the Y as its local charity in its November to January “Share the Love” sales event. In September 2020, Center Subaru and Subaru of America, despite the hardships of the pandemic, made a gift of $65,180. To date, Subaru contributions exceed $374K that have provided financial assistance for youth and families, program funding, new equipment and building improvements. We are so grateful and honored for this support.

In total, in the safest way possible, we had over 23,000 members visits, served 156 kids in childcare, 125 kids in summer camp, over 4,000 shelter bed nights, 70 residents and 799 in youth various programs. All the while serving 8,223 individuals, we’re pleased to report that no COVID-19 cases originated at any of our Y locations.

We’re so grateful for the community support to help the Y through this period. From personal contributions to grants from the State of CT, local foundations and companies. We felt very supported as everyone was working to help as much as they could. We close with a special thank you to our staff who showed great compassion, resilience and flexibility in difficult situations. We are so grateful for all your caring and hard work.