As stated in the recent article, "Getting fit for free" (published Thursday, June 2), there is a plethora of free exercise options for residents to take advantage of throughout the Baltimore area. Given our mission and 160-year history, the Y of Central Maryland applauds The Sun for featuring free and inexpensive ideas for people to stay fit and active. However, I was disappointed and quite puzzled that the Y's many free and low-cost program offerings were not mentioned in the article.
As the largest provider of health and well-being services in the state, the Y is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality programs to every individual regardless of race, age, faith, gender, ability, background and income level. In addition to offering dozens of free classes, the Y hosts a variety of free activities for the public such as free monthly Family Fun Nights, Senior Health & Fitness Day and Healthy Kids Day. The Y also provides scholarships to those who cannot afford Y services. In 2010, we provided around 600 membership scholarships to people throughout the Central Maryland region. Additionally, we do not ask people to sign contracts. Membership is on a month-to-month basis. Our focus is not profit; it's participation and a healthier community.
I encourage everyone to visit their local Family Center Y (we have nine, plus two aquatics centers) and participate in any of our free or highly affordable activities. If you want to take advantage of a Y membership but cannot afford it, simply talk to the staff at your local Family Center Y and they will help with the financial assistance process. At the Y, we look forward to providing health and well-being services to Central Maryland residents for another 160 years.
John K. Hoey, Baltimore
The writer is president and CEO of the Y of Central Maryland.