MADISON COUNTY – Heart of the Valley YMCA has received a transformational gift of $2 million from national philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

This gift will benefit needs in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility and is one of several substantial investments that Scott contributed to 384 nonprofits around the country and globe.

Frank Williams, YMCA Board Chair/Chief Volunteer Officer, said Scott and her team identified organizations with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition, the recipients have a history of serving marginalized and under-served people, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am especially proud of the board, staff and the YMCA for their commitment to meeting the everchanging needs of our community,” Williams said.

“We are humbled by this level of investment in our local community and the validation of the impact that our YMCA is having throughout North Alabama,” Jerry Courtney, Heart of the Valley YMCA President/CEO, said. “The support of our local donors and members, along with the work our staff and volunteers do every day, put us in the right place at the right time to be able to accept this amazing gift.”

“When donors make transformational gifts in local communities, generational impact takes place for decades to come,” Courtney said. “This gift will allow the YMCA the opportunity to continue services in academic support for vulnerable students, provide child care for working parents and expand our rural feeding programs and our evidence-based health programs for vulnerable populations.”

Heart of the Valley YMCA also will continue to provide access for scholarships to individuals with financial need.

“During this time of crisis, this gift will help sustain the operations of the YMCA while broadening the scope of our outreach programs,” Courtney said. “The Y will continue to rely on its members, donors, stakeholders, board members and volunteers to help ensure that community needs are met by the YMCA.”

Chartered in 1910, Heart of the Valley YMCA serves Madison, Morgan, Limestone, Jackson and Marshall counties and operates three membership branches, three early childhood education centers, one resident camp and numerous charitable and educational programs throughout North Alabama.

In 2019, Heart of the Valley YMCA served 56,154 adults and children and provided $1,204,775 in local financial assistance for programs and membership. Annually, the YMCA provides more than 183,800 meals and snacks to children, many from food insecure households. The YMCA cared for 361 preschoolers and infants in three licensed centers for early childhood education.

The address of Heart of the Valley YMCA’s corporate office is 120 Holmes Ave., Suite 300 in Huntsville. For more information, visit ymcahuntsville.org.