Penobscot Bay Ymca

Causes: Human Services, Physical Fitness & Community Recreational Facilities, Religion, Religion-Related, Sports, Young Mens or Womens Associations

Mission: Through programs the ymca promotes healthy living as well as fostering a sense of social responsibility. The goal is to ensure that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.

Programs: Fitness and grants - through the use of recreational and wellness activities, the penobscot bay ymca teaches its core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Members and program participants range in age from infants to senior citizens. Approximately 6,000 members and 26,000 program participants are serviced annually. Through the use of community collaborations, various asset building programs, substance abuse prevention programs and anti-bullying programs are offered throughout the year. Many of these programs are funded through government grants for which the ymca is the fiscal agent. The penobscot bay ymca also welcomes everyone regardless of age, race, sex, ethnicity, ability of religion. Dues are based on affordability, also financial assistance is available for those who cannot afford to pay for the membership or programs.

child care - our early learning programs offer high quality care for infants to school age children from all segments of our community. We offer a variety of state licensed programs, both full and part-time, which provide a safe and nurturing environment where youth can develop self-esteem, good values and positive social skills. The mission is to nurture the spirits, minds and bodies of individuals and families within our service area. An integral part of the mission is a commitment to strengthening families. Our early learning programs assist families with nutrition education, child development counseling, and programs that help parents learn more about how to raise children that are happy and healthy in spirit, mind, and body. We partner with community agencies such as the department of health and human services so that financial assistance is available for those who cannot afford to pay. We provide assistance to over 30% of our families.

camp - the penobscot bay ymca provides high quality services that meet the youth development, healthy living, and social needs of individuals and families in the communities we serve. Through our camping programs we offer youth challenges, education and promote spiritual awareness, mental development, physical well-being, social growth and self-respect through our daily activities. Our camps are open to all, regardless of income or special needs, so that children appreciate diversity, become community leaders and develop life-long values. In 2017 we served hundreds of youth and provided over 230 weeks of financial assistance to the families in our community.

livestrong- cancer survivors, heartwatch- survivors of heart attacks and north haven- fitness for island citizens, nutrition program - this program features personalized nutrition advice and dietary care for diabetes prevention, nutrition, management of diabetes and heart disease, and nutrition advice for healthy aging.