YMCA at Virginia Tech

YMCA at Virginia Tech

403 Washington St. SW
Blacksburg, VA 24060
540-961-YMCA
540-961-5217 Fax
http://www.vtymca.org/Home.asp
http://www.ymcasp.org.vt.edu

Gail Billingsley, Executive Director

ymcagail@peoplepc.com

Mission

University Relationship
The YMCA at Virginia Tech was founded in 1873; one year after the university was founded. The Y initially performed almost all non-academic student services on campus. As the student union movement grew, the Y's role focused upon community service and enhanced social awareness. Programs such as the Open University, International Programs and the Thrift Store began during this dynamic period of YMCA history. In an effort to re-create our student connection, Student Programs was created in 1986 to provide a means for students seeking ways to develop student leaders and have an impact on society and the environment.
There is no official partnership between the university and the YMCA; however, due to its long history with the university and its accomplishments, the Virginia Tech recognizes the Y for what it does and provides opportunities for us to work within the university setting. To date, the YMCA at Virginia Tech Student Programs is given office space in the Student Union building. We work closely with the VT Service-Learning Center and individually with many different professors to provide service-learning opportunities.
The YMCA provides volunteer opportunities, internships, and work-study positions for the students. Our staff sits on various university committees and partners with other student organizations to participate in campus events such as AIDS Awareness Week, Women’s Month, Earth Day Fair, and more. Students and professors also participate in the Y’s Open University classes, book sales, etc.

The YMCA at Virginia Tech’s main administrative office is housed across the street from the dorms and dining halls. The Lancaster House was a gift and is now owned by the YMCA at Virginia Tech. Additionally, it does have an office in the Student Unions building for the Student Programs. Originally, the YMCA at Virginia Tech had an entire building on campus. After the university bought that building, it offered us space in the Student Union. The space is more like a grandfather clause. It is neither rented nor owned by the Y. We continue to stress the history of the university and the Y as well as demonstrate the importance of our organization on campus to maintain our current status.

Staff and Volunteer Structure
Volunteers: 1200 volunteers (all programs), including 500 student volunteers, and 21 policy volunteers
Staff: 11 full-time and 50 part-time

Student Program Leaders plan, facilitate and execute many of the YMCA’s community based programs.

Programs
Student Programs include:
Alternative Breaks
Garden Project
Nature Awareness and Trackin’ Stuff
Y Recycling
Therapeutic Horse Riding
Project Home Repair
After School Programs
Buddy Programs
4-H Cloverbuds
Elementary School Tutoring
Middle/High School Tutoring
Senior Connections
GLE Cares
Other campus collaborations include AIDS Awareness week and Women’s Month

YMCA at Virginia Tech also features International Programs, YMCA Crafts Fair, Open University, Y-Zone Childcare, and 2 Thrift Stores.

Funding
The YMCA at Virginia Tech’s Student Programs is a registered student organization and does receive annual funding from the VT Student Budget Board. The money allotted must be for campus-wide events that are open to all students. It does not support administrative costs. Funds from the Student Budget Board are used for speaking events, conferences, recruitment fairs, and supplies for the student leaders’ office. The YMCA generates revenue from two Thrift Stores, the YMCA Crafts Fair, Program fees associated with Open University, Y-Zone Childcare, conducts and Annual Campaign and has an endowment fund that collectively sustains YMCA programming.