The City recently announced the award of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in the amount of $100,000 to the Mystic Valley YMCA (“YMCA”). The award was recommended by the City’s ARPA Subcommittee on Non-Profit Support which includes City Councillor Craig Spadafora, Library Director Dora St. Martin, and longtime resident Linda Zalk. The request for funding was enthusiastically supported and approved by Mayor Gary Christenson.
Similar to other non-profits, the YMCA experienced a negative economic impact from the pandemic and the funds will help support programming, including the operation of its food market to over 8600 Malden residents and their full-time childcare service for low-income families. Despite facility closures and restrictions during Covid, the YMCA ramped up its emergency food and meal distribution program and performed Covid outreach. Supporting nonprofits in general is an allowable use of ARPA, particularly given the difficulty these organizations faced during the pandemic in carrying out their mission.
The Mystic Valley YMCA was founded in 1881 and serves the communities of Everett, Malden, and Medford. Governed by a 17-member Board of Directors, they employ 165 staff and 80 volunteers and provide services to over 28,000 individuals each year. Operating from their facility in Malden, the YMCA serves residents of all ages in these communities.
Pictured, from left: City Councillor-At-Large Craig Spadafora, Linda Zalk, Mayor Gary Christenson, YMCA CEO Debbie Amaral