Open Doors Scholarship

What Is The Open Doors Program?

We believe that everyone in our community should have the opportunity to benefit from YMCA programs and services. We are a community-based nonprofit with the mission to be “A worldwide fellowship untied by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ for the purpose of helping persons grow in spirit, mind and body”. Our Open Doors Program is central to our mission. When someone loses a job, when medical bills become overwhelming, or when other challenging situations occur, people need the support of the Y. This Open Doors program offers a fee scale to fit the financial situation of individuals in our community. We want all people to be involved with the programs and services of the Y that nurture spirit, mind and body—especially during difficult times when they are needed most.

In the past two years, the Hopkinsville/Christian County YMCA has provided more than $90,000 in financial assistance.

How Do I Get Assistance?

1. Contact the Hopkinsville YMCA and request an application or click this link to print an Open Doors Application.

2. Provide required information. In order to process your application, you must attach copies of the following items to your completed application. This application will be processed only if the application is complete and the required items are attached:

• A copy of your most recent tax return (1040 or 1040EZ) for everyone living in the household, or verification of non-filing (phone number for IRS is 1-800-908-9946)

• The last 2 paycheck stubs of everyone in the household who is working

• Proof of Social Security or Social Security Disability Income, if applicable

• Proof of any other sources of income, if applicable (e.g. Unemployment Compensation, Food Stamps, etc.)

• A copy of your school schedule if applying for child care and you are a non-working student

3. Please allow 10-14 days to process your application. After this period a YMCA representative will contact you with approval or to request further information.

Note: If you do not have a copy of your tax return, you may obtain one by calling the Internal Revenue Service. If you did not file taxes last year, or if you don’t have other documentation required, please submit a letter explaining your personal financial situation.

Note: If required documentation is not complete, the process will be delayed.

FAQs

 




Who Does This Program Serve?

Our Open Doors Program helps anyone in the community who desires to become part of our YMCA family. We frequently assist:

• Youth referred by schools, churches and organizations

• Adults (and their families) who are temporarily out of work

• Adults on fixed incomes

• Single parent families

How Much Assistance Will Be Provided?

The level of assistance depends on the extent of need and the cost of programs. No one is turned away from the Y because of an inability to pay.  However, it is unusual that 100% of the fee is provided since recipients develop a stronger sense of ownership when contributing partially to their involvement.

How Long Will The Assistance Continue?

Assistance is provided for a specific time period and will be reviewed for eligibility every year. If help is still needed when assistance is reviewed, you will be asked to re-apply. If your circumstances change before the time period is up, please let us know so we may serve others.

What Programs Qualify For Assistance?

Financial Assistance is offered for YMCA programs including:

• YMCA Memberships

• Summer Day Camp

• Sports and Other Programs (Swim Lessons do not qualify for Financial Assistance.)

Who Provides Funding For The Open Doors Program?

The Open Doors Program is possible through the generosity of donors to our Annual Giving Campaign. All money raised through our Annual Giving Campaign goes directly to provide assistance through our Open Doors Program. The YMCA also receives funding as a participating United Way Agency. We want to be good stewards of the money awarded, and therefore strongly encourage you to use the membership/program(s).

Why Does The YMCA Request Financial Information?

With information on income and family size, we can award assistance in a fair and consistent manner. We use these procedures to ensure that everyone receives equal consideration.