Marshalltown Young Mens Christian Association-Ywca

Programs: The marshalltown ymca-ywca's focus is on strengthening families, developing leadership in youth, promoting healthy lifestyles and assisting with positive community development. The marshalltown ymca-ywca welcomes everyone, regardless of age, race, sex, faith, ethnicity, ability or religion. In 2017, the marshalltown ymca-ywca provided $2523,537 in membership and program scholarship assistance to a total of 2,846 children and adults with financial need. The y also provided indirect assistance to non-profit organizations and community groups who utiliized facility space, including providing office space to embarc (ethinic minorities of burma advocacy & resource center) at the y's cultural center. This collaboration supports efforts to help refugees from burma with education and becoming connected in their new community. A total of 1,270 volunteers donated their time to the marshalltown ymca-ywca in 2017 to help with various programs and events, as well as serving on the boards and committees. The y emphasizes character development in all programs and services, promoting the core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, leadership, racial justice and empowerment. An annual fundraising campaign is held each year. There were 211 individuals and 55 businesses that made contributions to help provide scholarships given by the y in 2017 to children and families in need. Program/service accomplishments: 1) the marshalltown ymca-ywca is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We believe all kids have great potential and deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what then 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. The marshalltown y's fit kids after school program has incorporated the national healthy eating and physical activity (hepa) standards into the curriculum. There were 119 children that prtivipated in fit kids in 2017 at the y's cultural center and 139 children participating in the y's summer day camp program. Program participation scholarships were offered to children with financial need. In 2017, the marshalltown ymca-ywca and woodbury elementary school continued their partnership to provide woodbury fit kids, an after school program aimed at health, wellness, homework assistance and giving youngsters a safe place to be during after school hours. On average, 73 students in grades k-4 have attended the program on a daily basis at minimal or not cost to parents. 2) the y is committed to improving america's health and well-being, community by community. We bring families closer together, encourage good health and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. Our programs are accessible, affordable and open to all faiths, backgrounds abilities and income levels. In 2017, the marshalltown ymca-ywca provided $253,537 in membership and program scholarship assistance to a total of 2,846 people who otherwise may not have been able to afford to participate. As our nation struggles with chronic disease and obesity, our y continues to offer the diabetes prevention program. During 2017, the marshalltown y was again a leader in this area by participating in a pilot program with athena that seeks to prove that health may help reduce healthcare costs and prevent chronic diseases. The marshalltown ymca-ywca continues to offer livestrong at the y, a free 12-week program for cancer survivors tailored to fit specific needs of the individuals who are working to improve their quality of life before, during and after treatment. 184 survivors took part in 2017. 3) our y believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We have been listening and responding to our community's most critical needs for many years. The teach them to swim program was created following the loss of four young lives to drowning in the iowa river during the summer of 2012. The tragedies highlighted the community issue: all children need access to proper swim and water safety instruction. Our teach them to swim program in partnership with lenihan intermediate school offers free swimming lessons and water safety to 5th grade students who had no formal swimming lesson experience and were in financial need (free and/or reduced lunch). Each child received 12 weeks of water safety/swim lesson instruction, a swim suit (if needed) and a life jacket, in addition to a youth membership to the y. The program served 155 children that were enrolled during the 2016-2017 school year. This is an example of how we deliver training, resources and support that empower our neighbors to effect change, bridge gaps and overcome obstacles. A total of 550 students have been served since the implementation of the program.