Summary

The Sam Bernstein Law Firm provided funding to the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit’s "Detroit Swims" program, thanks to a unique partnership with CBS EcoMedia’s WellnessAd program. Our support provided eight weeks of swimming lessons at the Boll Family YMCA in Detroit for 216 children with physical and cognitive impairments from September 2015 through April 2016.

The funding provided swim instructors and lifeguards, transportation, lifejackets and water toys for all 216 children. The participants also received three YMCA family guest passes to encourage family recreation and participation in YMCA activities.

The "Detroit Swims" program not only enhances water safety for Detroit’s special needs youth, it also helps with behavior and speech issues. The flexible curriculum meets children where they are and builds on their confidence, safety knowledge and competency in an aquatic environment.

The 216 swim program participants came from eight schools across metro Detroit, including Spain Elementary-Middle, Marcus Garvey Academy, Nichols School, A.L. Holmes Elementary, Sampson-Webber Leadership Academy, Keidan Special Education School, Turning Point Academy and Detroit Collegiate Preparatory High School. The children’s teachers and school aids worked alongside YMCA staff members to reinforce the learning and social skills taught in the classroom.

To celebrate this partnership, the Boll Family YMCA hosted representatives from The Sam Bernstein Law Firm and CBS EcoMedia, who toured the facility and interacted with children in the swim program.

"Since our family started The Sam Bernstein Law Firm, our focus has always been on providing support for Michigan families who need it most," said Mark Bernstein, president and managing partner at The Sam Bernstein Law Firm. "The Boll Family YMCA’s swim program is one example of worthy activities designed to help kids learn new skills while building lasting confidence in themselves."

"Through this generous gift, we are able to help more youth learn important and potentially life-saving skills to ensure they are safe around water," said Elena Crowley, director of community outreach at the Boll Family YMCA. "Unfortunately, the cost of swim lessons can be a huge barrier preventing a child to learn to swim, but through donations to Detroit Swims, we are able to remove those financial barriers and keep more kids safe."

"The Sam Bernstein Law Firm has a long history of public service and supporting people with special needs," said Paul Polizzotto, president and founder of CBS EcoMedia. "Their participation in CBS EcoMedia’s WellnessAd program to once again support local youth and families is a demonstration of their commitment to the metro Detroit community."

Read more from The State Bar of Michigan about our firm’s participation in this worthwhile program.