April 3, 2018 (Exeter, NH) – Exeter Area YMCA is honored to become “Home Base,” the dedicated meeting space for a very exciting project providing our nation’s active and retired service men and women, as well as first responders and their families, with access to The Military & First Responders Family Story Project, powered by TheVoiceLibrary.net.
“We recognize that the life of military personnel and first responders comes with unique challenges, placing enormous strain on families,” said Tanisha Johnson, Associate Branch Director, Exeter Area YMCA. “In an effort to further support these families and the bonds that unite our community, Exeter Area YMCA has formed a partnership with TheVoiceLibrary.net.”
This collaboration with TheVoiceLibrary.net also provides a creative avenue to help strengthen the community, an integral part of the YMCA’s mission to build a healthy mind, body and spirit for all. “The Military & First Responders Family Story Project provides families with life-strengthening connection through shared experiences and stories that broaden family ties and emotional bonds,” said Al Brandano, founder of TheVoiceLibrary.net.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said it best: “the voice is the organ of the soul.” The Voice Library and Exeter Area YMCA believe that nothing in this world still can comfort, inspire, teach and entertain like it (the human voice).
The Y, therefore, invites you and your extended family members (high school age students and above) to listen, learn, participate, and build new friendships through this FREE Introductory, 3-week series focused on learning new ways to build trust and help break down communication barriers that have been unconsciously built into our daily lives. The class will be exposed to:
- Creative, fun, interactive family activities focusing on the art and structure of storytelling. You along with your family and new friends will learn how to find new ways to more effectively communicate your personal experiences with one another.
- At the conclusion of the series, you will also be introduced to creating and capturing your family legacy, sage advice, and humor into an audio family journal/audiobook that will become a joy for generations!
Please join us at Exeter Area YMCA, 56 Linden Street, Exeter, NH on Tuesday, May 15, from 6:15 to 7:30 pm, and subsequently May 22 and 29.
Light refreshments served!
Each participant will receive a free 6-year family subscription to TheVoiceLibrary.net.
Instructors are:
- Al Brandano, TheVoiceLibrary.net;
- Dan Ward, Veterans Count Easter Seals Care Coordinator and veteran; and
- Amy Davenport Dakin, CMHC, LCPC, NCC, DCC.
This 3-week opportunity is a free program, open to military and first responders offered by the YMCA. Class size is limited. Please email tanisha@sdymca.org or phone 603 642 3361 to add your name to the Military & First Responders Story Project.
Additionally, in partnership with the Armed Services, YMCA and the Department of Defense, Exeter Area YMCA is proud to offer FREE memberships to eligible military families and personnel, providing extra support during deployment. It is our way of giving back to those who dedicate themselves to serving our country.
The free membership is open to Title 10 personnel. Exeter Area YMCA invites you to spend quality time together and enjoy fun activities in a warm, supportive community environment.
For more information about The Military Families Story Project, please visit TheVoiceLibrary.net. For more information about Exeter Area YMCA, please visit ExeterYMCA.org. For more information about the YMCA Military Outreach Initiative, visit ymca.net/military-outreach.
Southern District YMCA
Southern District YMCA is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose programs build healthy mind, body, and spirit for all. Exeter Area YMCA is a community health and wellness center focusing on youth development, heatlhy living and social responsibility where all people are welcome, regardless of age, gender, background, or ability to pay. Through Camp Lincoln in Kingston, NH, the YMCA offers summer camp for ages 3 to 15, and youth leadership programs for ages over 14. The YMCA runs 15 state-licensed before-and after-school programs in 7 school districts that provide homework time, physical activity, a healthy snack, and positive relationships. For more information about Southern District YMCA/Camp Lincoln, Inc. and Exeter Area YMCA, please visit www.sdymca.org or email YMCAexeter@sdymca.org.
The Voice Library
Al Brandano is founder and president of The Voice Library.net, a remarkable storytelling service that is fun and easy to use for all ages. Simply let you share life, teach or present and idea, in a more human, soulful and emotionally interactive way thru voice and pictures.
Back Story; The Voice Library.net was challenged in 2010 by Clair D. of Stratham NH, wife of a NH National Air Guards man to get local sponsors to provide Gift Subscriptions for Military families and distribute them. The Military Families Story Project – powered by TheVoiceLibrary.net was born.
From Dec. 2011 to 2017, 742 gift subscriptions were distributed through 9 military based family organizations and non-profits. The Voice Library was invited to the Pentagon by Col. Philbrook of the suicide prevention task force.
The goals of The Voice Library are:
To strengthen family ties, build morale and emotional bonds, give family members 24/7 global secure access to their loved ones. Preventing one or many from ever feeling isolated or alone… before, during, or after deployment!
To give military families & Veterans across the globe, a simple more soulful way to “Tell their story” captured as a legacy gift of a lifetime, in a compelling, engaging, and emotionally interactive way!
To capture the epic power of voice, (like music) and timeless treasure of a story to: Comfort, Inspire, Teach, and Entertain for Generations.
