(Salem, OR), June 9, 2020 – The Salem Family YMCA announced today it would be taking over many programs formerly offered by the Salem Keizer Education Foundation (SKEF). After 38 years of supporting Salem-Keizer areas schools and students, SKEF is dissolving — effective June 30, 2020.
According to a June 9, 2020, SKEF news release, the nonprofit found itself in “difficult financial circumstances” and will no longer offer programs to local students and teachers. The Salem Family YMCA has been working with SKEF on integrating its Awesome Youth Sports, tuition-based childcare, and summer camps into the Y programs.
“We appreciate SKEF’s confidence in the YMCA,” says YMCA CEO Sam Carroll. “SKEF built some incredible programs. I want to assure the Salem community and SKEF participants that we will maintain the same high-quality that they have come to expect. We are also hoping to work with SKEF personnel to maintain continuity.”
YMCA Board Treasurer Darin Silbernagel said, “The Y is perfectly positioned to help SKEF. We have a new, fantastic building coming and have developed solid plans for the future. I think this is another example of how the YMCA steps up to meet the needs of the community.”
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About the YMCA: The Y originally opened on the south side of State Street in May of 1892, but quickly grew and needed expansion. It moved to the Court/Cottage location in 1926 and the Youth Development addition was completed in 1956. The Y has continually provided for the youth of Salem childcare to basic health and fitness programs. The Y serves over 600 of Salem’s children every day at 22 different sites. It also provides for over 5,000 of its member’s health and fitness needs at its downtown location.
