With funding crucial during the down times of the economy, the Atmore Area YMCA has a friend in the United Fund.

Every year, the YMCA receives a contribution from the United Fund to help with the costs of operating and maintaining the nonprofit organization.

Ross Terry, manager of the Atmore Area YMCA, said the United Fund has been there to help the YMCA for several years.

“With the economy the way it is any funding is helpful,” Terry said. “But the United Fund has been supportive of the YMCA efforts and has done it for many years. We are so grateful for their generous support.”

To receive their contribution from the United Fund, the YMCA like other organizations has to submit a letter to the United Fund requesting for a certain amount of assistance.

Terry said the staff and board at the Y look to see what areas need the most from the funding.

“Every year we receive a letter letting us know that it is time to get our request in,” he said. “Our next step is to identify the areas that the fund will help the most.”

With the contribution that the YMCA receives from United Fund, the money is used for several things that help the organization and its members.

Terry said scholarships and programs are the main beneficiaries of the United Fund donation.

“The United Fund’s contribution goes toward helping with our membership scholarships, youth sports and other youth and family programs,” he said.

Finding funding and donations is one thing that helps keep the YMCA open and in shape to run for its members.

If the Y did not receive a contribution from the United Fund, then memberships and programs might suffer.

“We would have to cut back on the amount of scholarships that we did through out the year,” Terry said. “We are just so thankful for the contribution that the United Fund makes to us each year. It helps us bring people that normally could not afford the YMCA services in, so that they maybe able to participate and become apart of the YMCA family.”

For more information about the Atmore Area YMCA call 368-9622.