Lower Bucks Family Young Mens Christian Association

Programs: At the y, strengthening community is our purpose. We serve three crucial areas of focus to help individuals, families and communities learn, grow and thrive. The y is for youth development, offering all kids the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That's why, through the y, millions of youth today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. At the y, we know that a successful development process fulfills children and teens' innate need to be loved, educated, competent and healthy. The y is for healthy living, improving the nation's health and well-being. The y brings families closer together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, millions of youth, adults and families are receiving support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body. The y is for social responsibility, giving back and providing support to our neighbors. The y has been listening and responding to our communities' most critical needs for decades. Whether developing skills or emotional well-being, welcoming and connecting diverse populations or advocating for healthier communities, the y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. Through the y, thousands of volunteers, donors, leaders and partners are empowering millions of people, and the communities in which they live, to be healthy, confident, connected and secure. We know that when we work together, we move individuals, families and communities forward. The y has responded to society's most pressing needs by developing innovative, community based solutions and uniting people from all walks of life to participate in and work for positive social change. Lower bucks family ymca had 11,244 members during the year 2017 and an additional 2,934 individuals enrolled in programs. No one is turned away from lower bucks family ymca based on their financial situation. The y provides assistance to individuals of all ages and stages of life. $451,042 was given to needy families and individuals. This assistance allows them to participate in y programs, gives families opportunities to build stronger bonds, individuals to achieve greater work/life balance, and youth to explore their potential. In 2017, our y's community benefit exceeded $1. 8 million through financial assistance, programs offered to individuals who may not have had access to them through any other venue, the value of volunteer hours, and the holiday gifts to individuals in need. A staff of 471, including 41 full time employees, provided service delivery of 300 programs and services. The y has over 20 collaborations and informal partnerships with other organizations in the community. A number of programs are offered for individuals with special needs such as autism, post rehab and therapeutic recreational swimming, programs for developmentally delayed adults and special fitness programs for physically inactive adults, and more. Our y provides high quality child care by offering comprehensive activities for preschool and kindergarten children drawing on diverse members of the community. We provide both full and part time options to serve a wide range of family scheduling needs. Woven into the fabric of the ymca mission is a commitment to strengthening families. Ymca childcare programs relieve the burden of balancing work and family and make it possible for parents of children in our care to remain gainfully employed, knowing that their children are thriving in a safe, developmentally sound environment. Our y provided $240,644 of tuition assistance for child care services as well as aid to families who need help due to family violence, substance abuse, etc. By collaborating with other social service agencies. We also provide a variety of activities that emphasize parent education and help parents learn more about how to raise healthy, happy children who develop self-esteem and moral and ethical values. Our y's camp programs provide a lasting experience of personal enrichment and skill enhancement. Day camps offer adventure and learning activities that provide challenge and promote spiritual awareness, mental development, physical well being, social growth, team building, and self-respect. Camping helps youth become aware of their physical and mental capabilities, expanding their horizons, to recognize the value of cooperation, and to gain confidence. Financial assistance of $156,708 was given to families with children who could not afford to attend camp. The offering of child care services and camps, along with financial assistance, are a way for a parent to have peace of mind that their child is safe and well-cared for while the parent pursues education and/or employment to improve the family's circumstances. Helping people of all ages and abilities develop health in spirit, mind and body is at the core of the ymca movement. Whether for triathlete level individuals or for a health seeker new to exercise and activity, our programs are designed to help people create realistic goals for self-improvement and emphasize disease prevention through regular exercise, proper nutrition, stress management, and health education. Sports programs for youth, families and adults promote teamwork, interaction, and development of social and physical skills. Providing educational and recreational opportunities and a solid family structure fuels economic growth and social development throughout the area, lessening the burden on public funds. The ymca's diabetes prevention program is a community based lifestyle improvement program for adults with prediabetes. The purpose is to empower adults with lasting lifestyle changes that will improve their overall health and reduce their change of developing type 2 diabetes. The program provides 16 weekly sessions and 8 monthly sessions free to participants. Lower bucks family ymca is a cause-driven organization for youth development fulfilling its mission with the 7th grade initiative. The y offers free memberships to anyone in the 7th grade. Research has shown that seventh grade is a critical time in a young person's life when exposure to risk factors greatly increases. Risk factors are conditions or influences that have been shown to increase the likelihood for unhealthy behaviors including substance abuse, delinquency, teen pregnancy, school drop out and violence. It is also during these years that youth begin to distance themselves from family and positive support systems. The y makes the support accessible and opportunities that empower these youth to reach their personal potential. It also provides youth with the knowledge, skills, character and passion to be more active in the community as adults. The y offers a 12 week program for veterans who are looking to get back to a healthier lifestyle and includes activities such as yoga, personal training, classes and more. The program includes access tothe facility for the veteran and their family during the 12 week program. Participants receive a free 6 month membership after successful completion of the program. Lower bucks family ymca's programs are for everyone - from infants to the elderly, rich and poor, physically fit and out of shape. Everyone can feel comfortable to enjoy the lifestyle that they aspire to, in an atmosphere of acceptance, social interaction, recreation and healthy living.