- YCares - Financial Assitance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Application Form
Financial Assistance
The YMCA of the Upper Main Line is a not-for-profit organization committed to helping people grow in spirit, mind and body. The Y is community based and believes that its programs and services should be available to everyone regardless of ability to pay. This program has a sliding fee scale that is designed to fit each individual's financial situation. No eligible person will be turned away.
All YMCA members receive the same membership benefits regardless of whether they are receiving assistance. The YMCA of the Upper Main Line is an organization that cares greatly for the well being of people and is committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
Eligibility and level of assistance will be determined once a completed application and supporting information is submitted.
What does financial assistance cover?
Qualifying applicants can get financial assistance for all activities the Y has to offer, including membership, childcare, camp and programs. Please understand that even though the financial assistance committee will consider all requests of each applicant, the purpose of the Upper Main Line Y is to promote Health and Wellness of individuals and families in the community. To ensure that all qualifying applicants get financial assistance, the amount of aid may be limited by the resources available at the time the application is processed.
Are there Limitations if I get Financial Assistance for Membership?
No. The Upper Main Line Y is an organization that cares greatly for the well being of individuals and their families, therefore all Y members receive the same membership benefits regardless of whether they receive assistance.
How Do I Get an Application?
You can either stop by the Welcome Center to pick up an application, call the Welcome Center to have one mailed to your residence or download and print the application at http://www.umly.org/UMLY/UMLY_ycares.asp. Along with the application, you will need to submit supporting financial documentation.
What Do I Need to Submit to Receive Financial Assistance?
You are required to submit the completed YCARES financial assistance application along with supporting financial documentation. Every application is required to submit most current tax forms (if you are required to file taxes), two (2) most recent pay stubs (or letter from employer stating the number of hours you work and amount of pay) and proof of any additional income (Social Security, Child Support, Food Stamps, Etc).
IF AN APPLICATION IS RECEIVED WITHOUT SUPPORTING FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION, IT WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Where Do I Submit the Application?
Once you have filled out the application and have all your supporting financial documentation, you can hand it in at the Welcome Center or mail it to Upper Main Line YMCA, c/o Financial Assistance, 1416 Berwyn-Paoli Rd, Berwyn, PA 19312. For your safety, please black out all social security numbers.
How are Decisions Made?
The decisions are made by a volunteer committee that uses a sliding fee scale based off of Chester County Assistance guidelines. The sliding fee scale gets updated yearly.
How Often Does the Volunteer Committee Meet?
The committee meets every other week on Tuesdays. This schedule might vary a small amount due to vacations or holidays.
What about Confidentially?
When the application is turned in, the Staff Liaison will take it and assign a number to that application; therefore all the applicants and their applications are kept confidential.
I was Accepted…Now What?
Once you receive your award letter for membership, programs or camp (you can choose to receive your letter via email or postal mail), you can come into the Welcome Center and sign up. If you are uncomfortable with going to the Welcome Center, you can make an appointment with the Staff Liaison.
If you apply for childcare, you will want to make an appointment with the Daycare Coordinator (full time childcare) or the Preschool Coordinator (half day enrichment) to get registered in the program. Once the child is in the program, your award will be applied.
How Often Do I Need to Apply?
All applicants will be reviewed once a year and will be required to re-apply every year to continue receiving assistance. There may be special circumstances when the YCARES committee will ask the applicant to re-apply more or less often. The Staff Liaison might contact you with questions regarding your application or if additional information is needed.
YCares Application
Please download, fill out and return the completed application packet for consideration.
Your YCares staff liason is Jill Duda, 610 363 9622.
YMCA Mission
To enrich our community by building a healthy Spirit, Mind and Body for all.