The YMCA of Metro North received $15,500 from Wells Fargo & Company for the Homeless Camper Program at Camp Sachem at the Saugus Family YMCA.

Camp Sachem at the Saugus Family YMCA delivers a summer full of new and rewarding experiences to campers of all ages while giving them the opportunity to belong in a safe and supportive environment. The YMCA strives to provide the opportunity to go to summer camp to as many children as possible. If a family is unable to afford the price of camp, the YMCA offers financial assistance to offset the price to ensure the children are able to attend camp.

In 2016, the Y provided camp services to 11 homeless children through a partnership with the Department of Children & Families and Cambridge Camping. After seeing the need grow for a safe space for homeless campers, the YMCA sought to increase the program at the Saugus Family YMCA. The grant from Wells Fargo will provide 50 weeks of camp to homeless children in the summer of 2017.

“Thanks to Wells Fargo’s generosity, the Y can provide the best summer ever to the children who need it most in our community,” said Crystal Bates, Vice President of Communications at the YMCA of Metro North. “We are thrilled to be able to give kids who may be living in a local motel room the opportunity to have fun, play outside and make new friends because of the support from Wells Fargo.”

The YMCA of Metro North was one of seven Massachusetts nonprofit organizations awarded to receive a donation from Wells Fargo in support of creating solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges aimed at strengthening local communities.

“Wells Fargo has a rich history of community support across Massachusetts and is committed to investing in nonprofits addressing critical social needs,” said Greg O’Brien, Executive Vice President and Division Manager for the Wells Fargo New England Middle Market Banking group. “These organizations have innovative and impactful programs that increase workforce readiness skills, advance educational opportunities and provide access to basic needs services.”

The YMCA of Metro North provided over $84,000 in financial assistance to 149 campers in the summer of 2016.

Pictured is Michael Sullivan of Wells Fargo, his son Anthony, who attends the Saugus Family YMCA Early Learning Program, and Crystal Bates, Vice President of Communications for the YMCA of Metro North.