Open Doors Scholarship
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPEN DOORS – Contact: Ashley Anderson, ashleya@rochfamy.org
The Rochester Area Family Y is a non-profit, charitable organization. Our mission is, “Providing for the mental, spiritual, and physical well-being of the individual, family, and community.” As a part of our mission, an important goal is to offer financial assistance when membership and program costs prohibit participation. It is our policy to encourage people who have a need for this aid and can justify that need to come to us for assistance. The majority of our scholarship funds come from the annual Strong Kids Campaign run by the Y. Financial aid is based on need and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION PROCESS
Financial assistance eligibility will be determined using guidelines formulated by our Y staff and Olmsted County. All application records are kept confidential. The YMCA reserves the right to refuse assistance to any applicant.
PARTIAL FEE IS REQUIRED
The YMCA believes that a strong sense of ownership and pride is developed if the financial assistance recipient contributes to the cost of their membership of their Y involvement. No payment plans are available for scholarship memberships. Applicants will have 60 days from their approval date to take out the membership at their approved rate. It is also strongly encouraged that you volunteer at the Y in some way.
HOW TO APPLY
Please fill out the attached Open Doors Application. To ensure that the process moves quickly, enclose all requested documentation at the time of application. Applications will not be considered until all of the forms are completed and documents are received.
PROCESS:
- Complete the Open Doors Application Form.
- Attach the required documentation (see back of application). We can make copies here.
- We process your application, which usually takes about 10 business days.
- You must check back with us by calling or stopping into the Y to receive your award letter.
- You must pay for the amount owed in FULL to begin your membership at the Y.
- Your award letter is good for 60 days from the date of processing. If you do not sign up for your membership within 60 days, you are required to complete the entire application process
CERTAIN PROGRAMS ARE HALF THE COST
All scholarship recipients will receive 50% off youth programs such as swimming lessons and youth sports. You will not automatically receive this benefit. You must request this discount when signing up for the program.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS TEMPORARY
The Rochester Area Family Y recognizes that from time to time people may need some financial help. Financial assistance is intended to be temporary. Every 6 months you must reapply. You will not be notified prior to your expiration date. It is recommended that you start the application process to renew 15 days prior to your expiration date to ensure no interruption in your membership.
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
The Rochester Area Family Y needs volunteers! They are the backbone, the lifeblood, and the muscle of the organization. Volunteer’s craft policies, raise money, build positive public relations, monitor finances, and assist programs such as aquatics, fitness center, youth sports, classes, camp and kids care. As a financial assistance recipient, we ask that you consider volunteering and give back to others. Information about volunteer opportunities is available at the front desk.
