Miami County Young Mens Christian Association

Programs: Public mass transit program: provides a mass transit system for the elderly and citizens of the city of peru and miami county. The organization provides rides for citizens that include medical appointments, grocery shopping, work, visitation with friends and relatives in senior centers, nursing facilities, and long-term care, and any other transports requested from citizens needing a dependable transportation system.

child care/family: our ymca provides high quality child care and day camp by providing comprehensive activities for school age 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 child care and day camp 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. The ymca provides tuition assistance for child care and other programs. Over 106,000 was awarded to families to defray their fees this past year. In addition, we provide 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. Last year, child care scholarship units were given throughout the school year and summer. More than half of our school age child care program participants are helped with financial assistance.

memberships and programs: the ymca is a membership organization. The combination of individuals in a common organization provides structure and strength. As a volunteer organization, ymca members serve on the board of directors and related committees. Members also provide volunteer program leadership. Through the board, members determine the quality and quantity of the services, facilities, leadership, and assess themselves dues to provide for these things. The ymca participates in a long range planning process to determine the direction of its programming, and all elements of the plan are tested against the mission to determine if they contribute to our purpose. This plan is approved by the members of the board of directors. Members also are asked to contribute financially to the ymca. Each year, we strive to raise funds through annual partners of youth/strong kids programs to help offset the cost of memberships and programs to those in our community that do not have the ability to pay full membership fees. In support of our exemption, the ymca is committed to providing memberships to those who cannot afford to pay. This is in sharp contrast to those who provide fitness services in private, for-profit organizations. Last year, we provided financial assistance to individuals, awarding over 26,000 in membership assistance. We have a membership base of approximately 3,800 individuals. Last year more than 60% of our membership base received some form of financial help for membership and programs, touching lives of those affected and making a difference for generations to come. Helping people of all ages and abilities develop health in spirit, mind and body is the core of the ymca movement. 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, adults, and seniors are an important aspect of the ymca's mission to the community. Our carriage club is a program that keeps seniors active and flexible; and family swim time gives adults and children shared time in the pool to appreciate one another and to promote intergenerational relationships. Our services are offered at affordable fees for the community at large, with reasonable accommodations for those with special needs, and with financial assistance available for those who cannot afford full fees. Members can participate in most adult health and wellness programs. Our ymca offers programs designed to promote total wellness of individuals, through group support and incentives, that will give them the tools needed to make permanent lifestyle changes for the better. These programs team up members and participants with others to give them additional support and encouragement. In light of the rising obesity rates in this country, our ymcaengages in a variety of events and community activities designed to help the at risk population develop habits and relationships that lead to more active lifestyles. One such event is the healthy kids day/kids fair/bike rodeo, a free event for the community, collaborating with many community health organizations to provide information, screenings, and activities that will improve the health of our families. This program serves over 500 families annually. Health and wellness programs serve a total of 5,000 participants each year.