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Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope: One Neighbor at a Time

“No one is useless in this world … who lightens the burden of it for anyone else.”

— Charles Dickens, Our Mutual Friend

It is hard to focus on school, work, or much of anything else when you are wondering where your next meal will come from. That is a real concern for many of our neighbors. At the Y, fighting hunger starts close to home, with a simple promise: if you need food, you should be able to get it without feeling judged.

Our food pantries at the Stratford, Valley, Woodruff Family, Soundview Family, and New Haven YMCA Youth Center YMCA locations are open to anyone who needs them. No Y membership is required. No questions asked. A parent can stop by for groceries. A neighbor can pick up what they need to get through the week. Sometimes that small bit of help makes room to breathe.

The work goes well beyond our pantry shelves. Across our Y, we serve meals and snacks in childcare and camp, bring food to families, pack weekend backpacks, and offer dinners in our warming and cooling shelters. From 2020 through 2025, the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA has provided, directly or indirectly more than 860,000 meals. And we are on pace for another 350,000 in 2026. Those numbers reflect a lot of hands, and a lot of neighbors looking out for one another.

We could not do this alone. Local food groups, schools, businesses, service clubs, volunteers, and donors all help put food on the table. Every food drive, grocery bag, delivery, and hour of volunteer time matters.

Dickens had it right. We may not solve hunger in one day, but we can lighten someone’s burden today. If you can give food, volunteer, or simply tell a neighbor where to find help, please do. That is how we build a stronger community… one neighbor at a time.

-Tim Bartlett, CCC YMCA President & CEO

More Than a Summer Camp: A Place to Grow, Belong and Thrive

One grandmother shares how the Bridgeport YMCA Summer Camp made a lasting impact on her granddaughter and their entire family.

For Tanya Berrios and her family, finding the right summer camp for her granddaughter, Avalynn, was about more than keeping her busy during the summer. They wanted a safe, nurturing and affordable environment where Avalynn could learn, make friends, build confidence and create lasting memories.

What they found at the Bridgeport YMCA Summer Camp exceeded their expectations.

“This was Avalynn’s first summer camp experience,” Tanya shared. “My daughter and I were looking for a camp that offered engaging activities, qualified staff, convenient hours and affordability. The Bridgeport YMCA Summer Camp was all that and more!”

For Tanya’s daughter, knowing Avalynn was in caring hands provided peace of mind while she worked. The camp’s meal program was another welcome benefit, easing the family’s financial responsibilities while introducing Avalynn to new foods.

“Avalynn has always been a picky eater, but she would come home excited to tell us about the new foods she had tried!”

Throughout the summer, Avalynn discovered new interests, developed important skills and found the courage to try things she had never imagined doing.

Swimming lessons became a highlight of her experience, helping her build water safety skills and confidence in the pool. “Now she thinks she’s a little fish!” Tanya said proudly.

Another unforgettable moment came when the family saw photos of Avalynn ziplining at Camp Mt. Laurel.

“We had no idea how brave our little lady could be until we saw those pictures!”

But perhaps the most meaningful part of Avalynn’s summer was the friendships she made and the sense of belonging she discovered.

“The Bridgeport YMCA Summer Camp gave my granddaughter confidence, strengthened her social and emotional development, and taught her what it means to be part of the Y family,” Tanya reflected.

At the end-of-summer talent show, when Avalynn was asked what she loved most about camp, her answer was simple and heartfelt:

“My friends and the pool!”

When summer came to an end, Avalynn was already looking forward to returning.

“Mama, I can’t wait to go back next year!”

For Tanya, seeing her granddaughter grow, gain confidence and feel connected to a community made the experience truly special.

“I thank the Bridgeport YMCA for all that you do. My daughter, my granddaughter and I have hearts that are completely full!”

At the Y, summer camp is more than a place to spend the day. It's a place where children discover their potential, build meaningful friendships and develop the confidence to thrive, creating memories and connections that last long after summer ends.

Ed Heberger: Finding Strength, Friendship and Community at the Y

For nearly a decade, Ed Heberger has found more than a great workout at the YMCA. He’s found friendship, encouragement and a community that feels like family.

A familiar face in AOA Cardio and AOA Adult Fit classes, Ed looks forward to staying active, sharing laughs and connecting with friends. Known for greeting everyone with his signature “terrific” or “mucho goodo,” Ed brings warmth and positivity wherever he goes.

That spirit remained strong even during his cancer treatment. On days when he felt well enough, Ed continued coming to the Y, finding comfort in familiar faces and encouragement from the people around him. With Pat by his side and the support of his YMCA community, Ed stayed connected through both the challenging days and the good ones.

Now in remission, Ed is grateful for the friendships and sense of belonging he has found at the Y. When asked if he would recommend the YMCA to others, his answer says it all:

“Of course! It’s worth it!”

Ed’s story is a reminder that the Y is more than a place to exercise. It’s a place to build friendships, find encouragement and know you belong.

Lakewood-Trumbull Y: More Than a Place to Work Out, A Place to Belong

At the Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA, community is at the heart of everything we do. More than a place to exercise, the Y is a welcoming space where people of all ages come together, build friendships and feel a true sense of belonging.

From Child watch for little ones as young as six weeks old to gentle chair exercise classes for older adults, the Y offers opportunities for every generation to connect, stay active and thrive.

Step into the lobby on any given day, and you’ll likely find members sharing stories, catching up with friends or simply enjoying each other’s company. What begins as a friendly hello often grows into a lasting friendship.

The Lakewood-Trumbull Y is a wonderful example of a third place, a gathering space beyond home and work where meaningful connections happen naturally.

Because at the Y, it’s not just about what you do. It’s about the people you meet, the relationships you build and the feeling that you belong.

Celebrating Mary: 22 Years of Making a Difference

After 22 remarkable years of dedicated service, the Fairfield YMCA recently came together to celebrate Mary as she begins an exciting new chapter.

As a longtime Member Service Representative, Mary was more than a familiar face at the front desk. She was a welcoming smile, a compassionate listener and a trusted friend to countless members and colleagues.

Whether greeting someone as they walked through the doors, offering kindness and understanding while assisting with a financial assistance application, or simply taking a moment to connect, Mary made everyone feel seen, valued and welcomed.

The appreciation for Mary was evident as members, colleagues and friends gathered to celebrate her incredible contributions and the meaningful relationships she built over more than two decades.

Mary's legacy is a beautiful reminder that the heart of the Y is its people.

Her kindness, compassion and dedication have left a lasting impact on the Fairfield Y community.

Thank you, Mary, for 22 wonderful years of service, friendship and making the Y a place where everyone belongs. We wish you all the best in your next chapter!