YMCA of Greater Hartford

Congratulations Jim, looking forward to working with you.

We are proud to announce Thomas J. (Tom) Rechen (pictured second from the left) as the 2023 recipient of the Robert C. Knox, Jr. YMCA Distinguished Leadership Award. Tom's dedication spans over 35 years, with notable contributions like fundraising for Downtown Hartford YMCA, chairing fundraising campaigns, and serving on the Board of Managers and Directors. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of Executive Committee of YMCA of Greater Hartford’s Board of Directors, and a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee.  His commitment reflects the YMCA's values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, shaping countless lives. Tom's leadership extends beyond the YMCA, impacting our community through legal practice and involvement in organizations like the Hartford Bishop’s Foundation and Talcott Mountain Science Center. His tireless efforts exemplify true leadership and service. Join us in celebrating Tom's remarkable achievements and unwavering support for the YMCA and our community. Thank you, Tom, for embodying the spirit of giving back and inspiring others to do the same! #YMCA #CommunityLeadership #Gratitude Pictured left to right: Peter Olson, outgoing Board Chair Tom Rechen, 2023 R.C. Knox, Jr. Award Recipient Phil Kane, 2019 R.C. Knox, Jr. Award Recipient Harold Sparrow, President and CEO of GHYMCA

We are excited to announce that James (Jim) Martin has been named the newest Chair of the Board for the YMCA of Greater Hartford. With a lifelong dedication to the Y's mission, James brings a wealth of experience as both a supporter and former board member. James' journey with the YMCA started in childhood, where he found lifelong friendships and a passion for promoting healthy minds and bodies. Now, as Chair, he's honored to lead the board and work alongside President and CEO Harold Sparrow to shape a bright future for our organization. “I have always felt a real need to give back to the Y, as I was the beneficiary of so much of what the organization has to offer as a kid. It is an honor to be chosen by my Board colleagues, for whom I have so much respect and admiration, and to chair this amazing board is truly humbling,” Mr. Martin said. “I greatly look forward to working with our fantastic President and CEO Harold Sparrow to lead our organization into a great future.” Together, James and Harold envision a YMCA that continues to be a beacon for individuals and families, offering quality education, enriching activities, and inclusive exercise programs for all. James' leadership and advocacy will undoubtedly strengthen our community and propel us forward. Join us in congratulating James Martin on this well-deserved appointment! Let's continue building a healthier, stronger Hartford together. #YMCA #CommunityLeadership #HealthyLiving

We are proud to announce Thomas J. (Tom) Rechen (pictured second from the left) as the 2023 recipient of the Robert C. Knox, Jr. YMCA Distinguished Leadership Award. Tom's dedication spans over 35 years, with notable contributions like fundraising for Downtown Hartford YMCA, chairing fundraising campaigns, and serving on the Board of Managers and Directors. He currently serves as the Vice Chair of Executive Committee of YMCA of Greater Hartford’s Board of Directors, and a member of the Nominating and Governance Committee.  His commitment reflects the YMCA's values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, shaping countless lives. Tom's leadership extends beyond the YMCA, impacting our community through legal practice and involvement in organizations like the Hartford Bishop’s Foundation and Talcott Mountain Science Center. His tireless efforts exemplify true leadership and service. Join us in celebrating Tom's remarkable achievements and unwavering support for the YMCA and our community. Thank you, Tom, for embodying the spirit of giving back and inspiring others to do the same! #YMCA #CommunityLeadership #Gratitude Pictured left to right: Peter Olson, outgoing Board Chair Tom Rechen, 2023 R.C. Knox, Jr. Award Recipient Phil Kane, 2019 R.C. Knox, Jr. Award Recipient Harold Sparrow, President and CEO of GHYMCA

YMCA Of Greater Hartford in partnership with the Hartford Yard Goats will be having our association Healthy Kids Day on April 20th, 2024 from 10am-1pm. We hope to see you there!

See you there today!

🚀 Elevate your career with us! Join us at our Job Fair on March 28th, 3-6 PM at 90 National Dr., Glastonbury, CT. Explore exciting opportunities in group exercise instruction, camp counseling, and childcare roles. Current employees can refer candidates and earn a $250 bonus upon their successful hire and three months of work. Don't miss out on on-the-spot interviews and immediate hiring. Let's connect and take your career to new heights! #JobFair #CareerOpportunities #GlastonburyCT #YMCA

On this International Women’s Day, we honor and remember a woman who made an immeasurable impact on the YMCA of Greater Hartford: Judith Stearns. Judy served as an active volunteer leader for the Y for nearly 50 years. In 1994, Judy became the first female board chair of the YMCA of Greater Hartford’s corporate board. During her years of service to the Y, she was an active member of our Global Initiatives Committee (formerly known as the International Committee), working to support diverse YMCA communities locally and abroad. In 1999, Judy’s decades-long commitment to the Y was celebrated as she received the YMCA of Greater Hartford’s Robert C. Knox, Jr. YMCA Distinguished Leadership Award. This honor is presented annually to a volunteer who has demonstrated steadfast commitment to the growth and progress of the YMCA of Greater Hartford. A retired educator, Judy was very active in her hometown community of Glastonbury, where she served on the town council from 1991 to 1999. She was also engaged in several other community agencies, including the Easter Seals Capital Region. Although Judy passed away in 2022, her enduring legacy and achievements live on at the YMCA of Greater Hartford, especially through two branches that were closest to her heart: YMCA Camp Jewell and the Glastonbury Family YMCA. We are proud and honored to recognize Judy for steadfast dedication to the YMCA of Greater Hartford.

We're thrilled to announce that this spring, we'll be opening a newly renovated Child Development Center at the Wilson-Gray YMCA! Early learning programs are so important in providing a safe, happy environment that fosters intellectual, emotional, and social growth in children. From teaching them how to socialize and play to encouraging creativity and critical thinking, these programs set the foundation for lifelong learning. At our campuses, we're dedicated to supporting quality care from birth to age six, ensuring every child and family can reach their fullest potential. That's why we're expanding our childcare offerings, making high-quality education more accessible in our community. Stay tuned for the official unveiling date! We can't wait to share this exciting milestone with you and continue our mission of providing top-notch early childhood education to those who need it. See you at the Wilson-Gray YMCA this spring!

Happy Read Across America Week! Let's dive into the magic of books and celebrate the joy of reading together! This week, we're joining hands to inspire children and teens to embark on amazing literary adventures. At our local branches, we're spreading smiles and igniting imaginations by reading to our wonderful kids. Because here, we believe that reading knows no bounds – it's for EVERYONE! Let's explore new worlds, discover diverse cultures, and unlock the endless possibilities that books offer. Together, let's make this Read Across America Week an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, learning, and love for reading!