NSYMCA Partners with The Kindness Connection and Athleta to Support Community, Youth Services, and a Giving Spirit

Few local agencies create a sense of community and inclusivity like the North Suburban YMCA. The Y's latest efforts include holding events with local organizations The Kindness Connection and Athleta Northbrook Court, which both align with the Y's mission of youth development, social responsibility, and healthy living.

The Kindness Connection partnered with the girls of the Y's North Suburban School of Dance and the NSYMCA gymnastic teams to host a series of "team building" projects. As a team, the participants created original art projects to gift to senior residents at Covenant Living in Northbrook, along with a personal written note of "kindness" to each recipient. A volunteer organization that provides service opportunities to children and their families, The Kindness Connection was created to nurture empathy, compassion, social responsibility and a giving spirit.

"We are thrilled to partner with the NSYMCA because both organizations are about kindness and volunteerism. We see first-hand what joy these creations bring to people, especially in our senior community. It is a wonderful learning lesson for our youth to bring happiness to others," said Shannon Valko, Chief Operating Officer of The Kindness Connection.

Also, to announce its new "all-inclusive"sizing products, Athleta partnered with the NSYMCA to host several shopping events. The events included the Y's fitness pros, as well as the mothers and daughters of the Y's North Suburban School of Dance and gymnastics team. Every lucky participant received $100 in shopping cards and an Athleta gift bag. The Y also raffled off $50 shopping cards to its virtual and in-person fitness class participants.

"Athleta's brand mission is to empower girls and women, and we love that the NSYMCA shares a similar mission statement," stated Andreana Phillips, Athleta Northbrook Court's Store Manager. "It's exciting for us to see the moms and daughters at the events, coming together and enjoying their shopping experience at Athleta."

"Both Athleta and The Kindness Connection believe in community, inclusivity and partnership. These types of events give our youth programming an extra educational and service element that this world needs right now," added Kim Nyren, director of Community Investment at the Y. "We plan to do more community projects this year to enhance our youth programming and remind them of the importance of giving back."

For more information on opportunities to partner with the NSYMCA, contact Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investment at knyren@nsymca.org.