YMCA’s Honor Senator Seward

With ‘2016 Y Champion’ Prize 

ALBANY – State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, today received the “2016 Y Champion” award from the Alliance of New York State YMCAs, which represents the 40 independent Ys across the state.

Oneonta Family YMCA Executive Director Frank Russo, who made the presentation, said, “Senator Seward has been a longtime friend of the Oneonta YMCA and has also stood strongly for all New York Ys.  He clearly recognizes the important role YMCAs play in fostering healthy lives and communities.”

Seward has consistently delivered state funding to assist YMCAs and included $500,000 in the recently adopted senate budget resolution for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Standards (HEPA) in YMCA afterschool programs

Each year, the Y provides New Yorkers with $80 million in free, sponsored or subsidized programs and services. These valuable services are delivered by 30,000 cause-driven employees and another 50,000 volunteers across New York State. The Y is an established part of the nonprofit community and partners with local governments, school districts and a variety of other charitable organizations to strengthen communities and families statewide.