Defense Department Extends Armed Services YMCA Contract

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, February 5, 2016 — The Defense Department recently announced a one-year extension to the Armed Services YMCA Military Outreach Initiative, DoD officials said today.

The contract with the Armed Services YMCA was set to expire in March 2016 and will now continue until March 16, 2017.

“We are thrilled our service members and military families will continue to have this important resource for another year,” said Rosemary Williams, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy.

“The Department of Defense is steadfast in its commitment to support all military service members and their families, in particular to those who serve in geographically dispersed assignments,” she added.

The partnership between DoD and the Armed Services YMCA offers no-cost memberships and respite child care services to eligible service members and their families during times of deployment and to those geographically dispersed, officials said.

The Defense Department’s contract with the Armed Services YMCA for the Military Outreach Initiative will continue to offer access to no-cost fitness and child care, Williams said. These services, will remain uninterrupted for eligible members and families until the new contract end date, she noted.

“This initiative is especially valuable for those living in areas distant from a military installation, allowing them to access services in their own communities,” Williams said.