Ron's fundraiser for the Y!

A PROUD "HOKIE" TRADITION OF SERVICE TO THE NRV

The YMCA at Virginia Tech’s long-standing relationship with the students of Virginia Tech and the region began during the 1870's during the university’s early years when the YMCA performed all non-academic functions of the university – constantly working to improve and enrich the lives of all Hokies.  In fact, the Y funded and built the first student services building on campus, which is now home to the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, also known as the Old Performing Arts Building; we are proud that this building launched the tradition of "Hokie Stone" as the university’s beautiful architectural signature.  

The 1970s marked a critical change as the Student Union movement grew and the university took over many responsibilities that the Y had previously performed.  The YMCA responded positively, using the Y's relationship with Virginia Tech to enhance and expand services to the community by focusing on social inequity, environmental stewardship, and student leadership.

Following are just a portion of the current community support programs provided by the Y throughout the NRV:

•    Meals on Main – our largest food security program serves as a USDA sponsor for the region, helping to provide more than 250 kids with a healthy snack and dinner 5-days a week, every week of the year  

•    Afterschool Programs – the 3 afterschool programs provide 50+ elementary and middle school-aged children with a safe, fun environment for academic enrichment and personal growth

•    International Programs – the International Women’s Group helps address the potential isolation experienced by international women by providing them with a support system, practice conversational English skills, and learning about the region. Additionally, the Y leads the community’s efforts for the Annual Welcoming Week which celebrates the cultural diversity of our newest international neighbors

•    Student Leadership Development – providing college students with methods and systems to develop a sense of volunteerism and the value of community service by empowering them to create and operate programs that address issues of social equity and environmental responsibility while giving back to the community.

•    Thrift Shop – one of the region’s largest sustainability programs, many used items are diverted from the waste stream by making them available for purchase at greatly reduced prices for our neighbors living on a budget. Additionally, we serve as a collection site for used electronics, rechargeable batteries, compact fluorescent bulbs, ink jet cartridges, and much more to ensure responsible recycling and that heavy metals do not leach into the environment, all the while the proceeds contribute to the funding of the varied programming of the YMCA at Virginia Tech.

In summary; It is the spirit of UT Pros1m.