The Yonkers Healthy Connections for L-Y-F-E is a diverse coalition of over forty (40) community stakeholders representing a cross section of the committee
To achieve the REACH goals, the Yonkers Family YMCA will collaborate with the City of Yonkers led by Mayor Mike Spano, community and faith based organizations, local businesses and corporations, neighborhood and civic organizations to implement targeted interventions that address the specific needs of African American/ Black and Hispanic/Latino communities. Strategies selected address critical issues to ensure all community members can achieve one or more of the following:
a healthy weight
have access to nutritious foods
are able to be physically active
are not exposed to smoke and other tobacco products
live in places that encourage emotional well-being
“The City of Yonkers continually works with our community-based organizations such as the YMCA to better the lives of our residents,” said Mayor Spano. “Unfortunately, we

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have some disadvantaged residents who do not have the chances that some others do. The REACH program will allow the great work of our YMCA and our local community to target these residents and provide them the opportunities and knowledge needed to live healthier and more active lives.”
The grant will support the certification of personal trainers and health coaches to provide health education seminars and training as well as community gardening projects and advertising for health campaigns, training and community based exercise classes to get people active and moving.
The Yonkers Family YMCA has selected Cheryl Brannan, President and CEO of Brennan Solutions Group and Sister-to-Sister International to serve as our Community Partner Coach. Ms. Brannan states, “I am pleased to partner with the YMCA, the city of Yonkers and all of our community partners on this initiative. I believe this collaboration will enable us to broaden our impact in the community and positively affect health outcomes.”
“Where you live should not affect your health,” said Neil Nicoll, President and CEO, YMCA of the USA. “Yet, too many communities lack the resources for individuals to access opportunities for physical activity and healthy foods and improve their health and well-being. The Y’s longstanding partnership with CDC has allowed us to strengthen communities through programs and initiatives that create environments where all people have the opportunity to make a healthy choice. These funds enable us to continue this work and expand it to communities that need it most.”
Many preventable risk factors—tobacco use, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity—are more common in communities of color, often resulting in higher prevalence of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and asthma, among others. Chronic disease contributes to roughly 75 percent of the $2.5 trillion spent annually on health care in the United States.
The Yonkers Family YMCA has many unique approaches for positive change in downtown Yonkers that include, housing for men, youth and adult employment training programs, after school child care and teen programs, Project SNUG (an anti-violence program), community feeding programs, and serves as a place for strengthening the health of children, adults, and older adults.
Patterson Howard states. “Through REACH, the YMCA will continue to work with Mayor Mike Spano and his incredible administration, over 50 partnering organizations and businesses to introduce and pass legislation, programs and environmental changes that support residents of Yonkers in living and further embracing a healthy lifestyle.”
The Yonkers Family YMCA shares Mayor Spano’s passion for enhancing the quality of life for all of Yonkers residents and this can only take place through strategic and innovative partnerships.
The mission of the REACH Community Leadership Team in Yonkers is to decrease obesity rates and improve behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity and weight loss - while improving the overall mental health of both African-Americans and Hispanics by addressing social and emotional wellness. We will do this by working collaboratively with a cross section of community partners including government, community, faith based and civic organizations, neighborhood associations, community health providers and educational institutions. Our decisions will be guided by our collective ability to advance our stated REACH goals and objectives.
