Ed & Ruth Lehman Ymca

Programs: See schedule oyouth development: the ymca is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That's why we help young people cultivate the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. Our ymca programs, such as preschool, after school, summer camp, youth sports and leaders in training offer a range of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical and emotional growth. Through community partnerships the ymca cultivates opportunities to engage youth in self-discovery, their community and the world. Critical programs and their impact include:preschool, both full and partial day: it is crucial to prepare young children so they are kindergarten ready and have the tools to succeed in school and life. Quality early childhood education can close the achievement gap, defined as the disparity in graduation rates, income and health levels that is most apparent in the latino community. State of colorado ccap and cpp subsidies as well as grants from local and regional foundations and donor contributions help more than 50% of the children attend with financial assistance. More than 95% of children graduating from y kindergarten readiness programs are evaluated as "ready to start". We also ensure that children are educated in healthy eating and activity habits. Youth sports for all: no child should be sidelined from participating in youth sports by lack of resources or accessibility. This program targets elementary-age youth attending the school district's four title i schools; 100% of participants receive financial assistance through grant and donor funding. More than 400 children participated in soccer and basketball programs and played all games in the ymca league. Children learn teamwork, sportsmanship and sport skills; their parents coach or manage teams. The program promotes inclusivity and helps build community on the sports fields. Summer camp leaders in training: children transitioning to middle school find purpose and fellowship in this summer program to encourage service learning, community involvement and leadership. Independence is fostered through group directed projects; participants come from diverse backgrounds, including very low income households and foster families.

see schedule ohealthy living: the y is a leading voice on health and well-being. We bring families closer together, encourage good health and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, nearly 10,000 people in our community are receiving the support, guidance and resources they need to achieve greater health in spirit, mind and body. This is particularly important as our neighborhoods struggle with an obesity crisis where the long range consequences of this health crisis are many: declining quality of life, more years living with chronic disease, higher health care costs and possibly a shortened life span. We also help families cope with work/life balance and individuals search for personal fulfillment. Our programs are accessible, affordable and open to all faiths, races, genders, backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientation and income levels. In 2014 we provided financial assistance to more than 1000 families who otherwise would have faced economic barriers to participation. Critical programs and their impact include:older adult wellness: more than 1,900 older adults participated in ymca programs to maintain physical health, increase social networks and support independence. An important outcome is the participants' perceived value of their health, and numerous individual stories of triumph and recovery from diseases and other setbacks. Culturally competent and relevant programming for new immigrants and those of hispanic/latino heritages: examples are salsa, sabor y salud support groups and activate for life/tomando control, a chronic disease management program in collaboration with salud family health center of longmont. Adventure kids: the y collaborated with a local church to provide healthy and physical activities for children of single mothers who then attended life management classes.

see schedule osocial responsibility: our ymca believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We have been listening and responding to our community's most critical social needs for more than 40 years. "y" programs, such as y educational farm, sabroso y saludable health fair and mend (mind, exercise, nutrition, do it) are examples of how we deliver training, resources and support that empower our neighbors to effect change, bridge gaps and overcome obstacles. In 2014 we engaged more than 10,000 ymca members, participants and volunteers in activities that strengthen our community and pave the way for future generations to thrive. Longmont has seen a tremendous increase in new immigrants over the last decade, as well as a rise in poverty: more than 1 in 10 of longmont's residents are living below the poverty line. It is inclement upon the y to create a welcoming and resourceful community center for all people with the conscious intention of reaching out to the city's most vulnerable, displaced or disconnected. Critical programs and their impact:y educational farm: includes nutrition and gardening curriculum for all ages and backgrounds to learn the value of local fresh foods and ways to both grow and incorporate into a healthy diet. A collaboration with local cbo el comite helps distribute vegetables from the y farm to persons of very low income. Y youth development programs all participate in growing, cultivating and harvesting produce, as do several area nonprofits who involve their clients in hands-on healthy eating curriculum. Sabroso y saludable fair: this collaborative health fair drew more than 500 people who attended health screenings and cooking demonstrations as well as cultural festivities in conjunction with september 16th independence day.