$1.5 Million for Bangor Region YMCA Secured by Senator Collins in Funding Bill in First Key Step

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured $1,500,000 for the Bangor Region YMCA in the draft Fiscal Year 2023 Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill.  

As the Ranking Member and lead Republican on the Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Collins secured funding for this project in the bill, which was officially released by the full Senate Appropriations Committee today and must now be voted upon by the full Senate and House.

“Community institutions like the YMCA are wonderful assets for towns that bring families and neighbors together,” said Senator Collins.  “This funding for the Bangor Region YMCA would significantly expand access to child care, creating a safe, structured environment for children to play and learn while their parents are at work.  In addition, the new programs offered by the youth center would help young people acquire new skills and build a strong foundation to succeed throughout their lives.  As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”

The funding would be used to construct an Infant, Youth and Teen Education & Engagement Center as part of the Bangor Region YMCA’s effort to replace its aging facility with a new regional YMCA and youth center.  The 30,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art youth center would allow the Bangor Region YMCA to provide infant care for the first time.  Specifically, the facility would: 

• Provide licensed, affordable infant care for babies, starting at six weeks old.

• Triple the size of the Y’s early education program for infants and children ages 18 months-5 years.

• Double the size of the Y’s before-and-afterschool program for elementary and middle school children.

• Expand the Y’s free, no barrier Teen Center through inclusive programs for all middle and high school teens, including those at risk of opioid abuse and suicide, and for vulnerable, underserved teens from LGBTQ+, BIPOC and other populations.

Programs at the new youth center include STEAM education, healthy lifestyle and mental health support, and a food pantry and community kitchen.