Causes: Arts & Culture, Human Services, Humanities, Physical Fitness & Community Recreational Facilities, Sports, Young Mens or Womens Associations

Mission: Our ymca welcomes all. We strengthen communities, educate and nurture children, and promote healthy living in spirit, mind and body. Our strategic goals include providing youth and teen skill development, reversing the obesity epidemic, improving health outcomes for all community members, decreasing social isolation, and supporting basic needs for those with financial difficulties. Our 2,557-member employee team and 833-member volunteer team are committed to serving all in our communities. This commitment can be seen in the high quality of service we provide and our strong financial assistance program, through which over $2,800,000 was distributed to over 12,000 children, adults and families who were unable to pay for y membership and programs.

Programs: Youth development - at the y, we believe that all kids have amazing potential. Values and skills learned early are vital building blocks for life. Young people deserve an opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. From the youngest in our child care programs to the teens in our leadership development initiatives, the y gives kids and teens a safe place to belong, building confidence and learning positive behaviors grounded in our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Childcare - as the region's largest provider of high-quality affordable childcare, we support the healthy development of approximately 2,000 children. At our 40+ childcare centers, we focus on nurturing children by providing a safe and healthy place to learn foundational skills; develop healthy, trusting relationships; and build self-reliance through the y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Our full-day and partial-day childcare programs for infants through middle school children enable parents and guardians to go to work knowing their children are in a safe, learning environment. The ymca provided more than $1,000,000 in financial assistance and more than one in three children received subsidized childcare. Camp - our y provides day camp experiences that fill each summer day with friendships and memories that last a lifetime. Over 5,000 children enjoyed camp adventures ranging from hiking in the new england mountains to sailing off the coast of marblehead. The ymca provided approximately $400,000 in financial assistance to one in four children attending camp. Youth services - our y program, including our teen centers, theater programs, and youth sports programs, offer a range of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical and emotional growth. More than 19,000 of our members are aged 17 and under. Financial assistance provided makes participation possible for more than one in four of the young people we engage. Aquatics - our y is a leading voice in community water safety. We teach young children to swim, certify lifeguards to protect our region's beaches, and provide health and wellness programs to ensure adult well-being. More than 13,000 of our neighbors stay safe and healthy in our swim programs.

healthy living - at the y, we believe that being healthy means more than simply being physically active. It is about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. The y is a leading voice on health and well-being issues, a leader in fighting chronic disease, and committed to empowering people to lead fuller lives. We bring families closer together, promote healthy living, and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, millions of youth, adults and families receive the support, guidance and resources they need to become and stay healthy. Membership and fitness - the ymca has over 45,000 members from in and around the north shore region of massachusetts. The organization's full-service facility in plaistow, new hampshire has more than 2,500 members. The ymca provided more than $1,100,000 in financial assistance to those children, adults and families who were unable to pay for membership. Approximately 450 individuals participated in our y's health innovation programs for cancer survivors, diabetes prevention, parkinson's, and more.

social responsibility - at the y, we believe that when we work together, we move individuals, families and communities forward. Since 1858, our y has responded to society's most pressing needs by developing innovative, community-based solutions and united people from all walks of life to participate in and work for positive social change. Whether advocating for healthy food options for underserved communities, or giving people an affordable place to live, the y is committed to empowering people with the resources and support needed to live healthy, connected and secure lives. Residence - our y provides affordable housing facilities in beverly, ipswich, cape ann, and haverhill. Approximately 500 children and adults are provided a safe, affordable and clean space to call home.