The Treasure Valley Family YMCA is excited to announce the recent acquisition of AquAbility, a Boise-based nonprofit focused on therapeutic aquatics for people with diverse abilities.
Founder Karen Morrison will work with the Y as the AquAbility Coordinator, training Y staff in AquAbility’s unique programs. “We are so excited to carry forward the important work that Karen and her team put in over the last decade. This programming is a perfect fit with our mission, and our belief that the Y is for all”, said David Duro, Treasure Valley Family YMCA President and CEO. AquAbility’s six instructors will all be employed by the Y, where they will be instrumental in expanding programs to other facilities.
“I am thrilled that the Y will increase AquAbility’s reach to more community members,” said Morrison. AquAbility at the Y programs will be available beginning September 7 at the Tomlinson South Meridian YMCA and will serve current program participants at the outset. In 2022, programming will expand to all other Treasure Valley Family Y facilities and will be able to serve waitlisted people, as well as new participants.
AquAbility at the Y will be one of the offerings available through the Blue Cross of Idaho THRIVE Center, located at the Tomlinson South Meridian YMCA. THRIVE (Together Helping Realize Inclusive Victories Everyday) opened in March of 2020 and is a dedicated, barrier-free space featuring two sensory rooms. THRIVE offers programming designed specifically for children and adults that are neurodiverse such as day camps, cooking and life skills classes, adaptive dance, and more.
AquAbility was founded in 2010 and specializes in improving the lives of people with diverse abilities through therapeutic aquatic programs and instructor education. Since its inception, the nonprofit has served over 700 individuals, and overall attendance for sessions since its founding is 17,000.
Anyone interested in AquAbility at the Y or other THRIVE programming can contact THRIVE Director Andrea Parker at andrea.parker@ymcatvidaho.org.
Media Contact:
Mo Valko
208 344 5502 ext 282
mo.valko@ymcatvidaho.org
ABOUT THE TREASURE VALLEY FAMILY YMCA
Established in 1891, the TreasureValley Family YMCA (the Y) is a cause-driven, nonprofit organization that works to strengthen the foundation of our community by developing successful youth, engaging people in healthy living, and instilling a commitment to social responsibility. Annually, it operates over 100 programs that serve 110,000 youth and families throughout its 4 facilities, 440-acre summer camp, and 30 child development sites. The Y believes all people deserve the chance to achieve their highest potential; therefore, it does not turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. The Treasure Valley Family YMCA provides over $4 million in financial assistance every year so all may participate in our life-changing programs and services. www.ymcatvidaho.org.
ABOUT AQUABILITY
AquAbility provides year-round therapeutic aquatic programs for people of all ages with diverse abilities, including Autism, Blind or Visually Impaired, Cerebral Palsy, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Developmental Disabilities, Down Syndrome, Limb Loss, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Post Traumatic Stress, Parkinson’s Disease, and Spinal Cord Injury. AquAbility provides Education and Certification for Therapeutic Aquatics for People with Diverse Abilities.