Since 1993, YMCAs have celebrated Military Family Month, providing Americans the opportunity to recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and service of military personnel and their families. The YMCA of Snohomish County supports military families this November and throughout the year with programs and initiatives that improve their well-being and provide opportunities to connect with other families waiting at home.

“Military families have many needs when a loved one is away from home,” said Scott Washburn, President/CEO, YMCA of Snohomish County. “Whether it’s proving a place where kids can make friends and have a sense of belonging or providing a place for adults to meet health goals, the Y has a number of options to help.”

Nationally since 2008, the national YMCA Military Outreach Initiative has provided more than 75,000 Y memberships to military members and their families and more than 115,000 children received child care through the Respite Child Care program or similar programs.

Here in Snohomish County the YMCA supports military families by offering Y memberships through the Military Outreach Initiative. To honor military personnel and their families, YMCA of Snohomish County family branches will be open to all military (active or retired) and their families for free to celebrate Military Appreciation Days Nov. 8-14. Military ID is required.

In addition, the Marysville Family YMCA will offer Military Family Night on Nov. 21 from 4-7 pm. This special evening includes dinner, games, crafts, family swim time, dodgeball and lots of opportunities for making family memories! All Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard families with current military ID are invited. This is a free community event. Register at the Member Services desk or email Allison at AHoot@ymca-snoco.org to reserve your space.

First established by the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) and recognized by first lady Nancy Reagan in 1993, Military Family Month recognizes the dedication and service of military personnel and their families. On Oct. 30, 2009, President Barack Obama continued this important initiative by proclaiming November as Military Family Month, calling on “all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in the support of our service members and our Nation.”