As national Five Days of Action kicks off, Bellingham YMCA earns reaccreditation

Whatcom Family YMCA has earned an accreditation for its commitment to abuse prevention for the second time. It’s among the first 11 YMCA facilities nationwide to receive reaccreditation. Whatcom Family YMCA was first accredited by Praesidium, an international organization focused on preventing the sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults, in December 2022. The accreditation lasts for three years and involves a “comprehensive and rigorous” review process, according to the YMCA.

“At the Y, safety is not optional,” said Whatcom Family YMCA CEO Courtney Whitaker. “It is something we build into every program, every interaction, and every decision we make.” Whitaker said the reaccreditation “reflects the intentional work our team continues to do every day to create spaces where families feel confident and kids can truly thrive.” The announcement comes at the start of the Five Days of Action, a national YMCA initiative that runs April 13-17. This year’s theme is Keeping Kids Safe in the Digital Space. Whatcom Family YMCA said it will be sharing resources and tools for parents, caregivers and community members to better recognize warning signs and take actions to protect children online. It will host a training from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16 for parents and caregivers. “Five Days of Action is about extending this work beyond our walls,” said Lynda Purdie, Association Director of Human Resources. “When adults feel informed and empowered to speak up, it creates a stronger, safer community for all kids.”

Read more at: https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/local/article315395908.html#storylink=cpy