The mission of the Seacoast Family YMCA is to put into practice the positive values of respect, caring, honesty, and responsibility through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Description:
The Seacoast Family YMCA has been serving the community in Portsmouth for nearly 150 years. Today's Y meets the community need for social services such as Out of School child care, summer camp opportunities, prevention programs for teens, and aquatics and fitness. More importantly, the YMCA never turns away anyone regardless of ability to pay. We offer a financial assistance program that operates on a sliding scale system to afford every member of our community the advantages of membership. The YMCA works for social health, and our committment to families has been the cornerstone of our existence.
At the YMCA, we strive to live the four core values of judeo-christian life: respect, responsibility, caring and honesty. Each member is treated with these in mind and is expected to treat others in this way.
Nearly 4000 members throughout the Seacoast benefit from our programs. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization and are valued and appreciated at the Y.

Contact people:

Rob Kirkman, Project Manager, (phone), (email) Frank Nappo, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Address:

550 Peverly Hill Road Portsmouth, NH 03801 (See a map)

Directions:

Located off Route 1, Lafayette Road, Portsmouth on Peverly Hill Road (by Yoken's).

Miscellaneous Information

Name of Executive Director (or equivalent) if not listed above:
	Frank Nappo
Type of organization
	Nonprofit 501(c)3
Is your organization a Health and Human Service agency?
	No

Overall Experience   
Tending the entry garden at the Y is my favorite volunteer experience!

As I passed by it three days per week, the entry garden at the Y kept calling to me, "I need you! Please help me!" So, the summer of 2001, I went to work. September 11 of that year was the United Way Day of Caring and I was given 3 volunteers to help with a major garden renovation. When the first plane hit the WTC we were shocked. When the second one hit, we were incredulous. A few people had to leave, but most stayed and with other volunteers and staff we spent the day alternating between work and watching the drama unfold on TV. There was not much discussion--I think we were all in shock, but I still remember the sense of togetherness I felt with these people whom I didn't know, and never saw again. The garden grows full and lush thanks to the work that day, and provides pleasure and joy to many people. I know that is true because as I am planting, weeding, and deadheading they tell me how beautiful it is and how much it means to them. And THAT makes my work there worthwhile! posted by Cynthia Muse on November 16, 2005