GREENFIELD — Ahead of the kickoff event for its annual fundraising campaign to raise money for membership, child care services and youth programming, representatives from Franklin County’s YMCA shared how increasing access to its programs benefits the whole community.

The Y’s six-week fundraising campaign will begin with its traditional kickoff celebration this week, which will bring YMCA members and staff together to rally the community to raise money toward the organization’s $160,000 goal.

The nonprofit chooses a theme for its fundraiser, and this year’s selection is “Build More Than Muscle,” as the Y and CEO Grady Vigneau emphasize they offer more than the stereotypical phrases of a “gym and a swim.”

In a time of continued social isolation planted by the lingering effects of the pandemic, Vigneau, Franklin County’s YMCA board of directors President Joe Viadero and Director of Development Maddy Oldenburg said the organization’s wide variety of programming can foster community among its members, which can improve folks’ mental and physical health.

“What has really hit home for me,” Vigneau said in an interview alongside Viadero and Oldenburg, “is just how much people depend on us and our organization for that social environment.”

Funds raised during the annual campaign are primarily used for membership scholarships and child care scholarships. Memberships allow people to access YMCA programs for free or at discounted rate.

Oldenburg said the Y’s aim is to “break down that financial barrier for people who aren’t otherwise able to join us.” She added it has been greatly successful in the past, as more than a fifth of the 5,050 YMCA memberships are funded through scholarships.

“There’s a lot more to membership at the Y than people think. We’re so much more than just a gym,” Oldenburg said. “Yeah, you can come here, get fit and build a routine, but most people who come here then also find community and friendship and belonging. … That’s something we’re really trying to hit home on.”

Oldenburg and Vigneau said the Y is all about inclusivity and there is something for everyone, whether it’s a dance class, a dip in the pool or pick-up basketball games.

“The Y is really such a key piece of our community,” Oldenburg said. “We have our larger Franklin County community and then the Y has a community. I think the more we can grow, intersperse into that larger community … it makes a big difference.”

“You go to the supermarket, you go there for one purpose: it’s a business trip. You go to the hospital, it’s a health trip,” Vigneau added. “You come to the Y and it’s a lifestyle visit and it’s a community visit. We’re a happy place, I’m not afraid to say that. I think it’s exciting when people come here.”

Vigneau also credited Oldenburg and Viadero for their leadership and effectiveness in continuing the Y’s growth over the last several years, as well as the 30 volunteers who help drive the fundraising campaign.

This year’s fundraising blitz will close out on May 2. To make a donation, which is tax deductible, visit your-y.org/donate or call 413-773-3646 ext. 447. For more information about Franklin County’s YMCA, visit your-y.org.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.