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

Mission: The mission of the ymca of the upper main line is to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We improve quality of life through programs, services and facilities that promote good health, wellness, community services, youth and adult development by focusing on four core values in all of our initiatives- caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, we encourage people to do good work, and help them become responsible citizens. We serve men, women and children of all ages, races, incomes and religions. We provide financial assistance to those who need it. Building strong character is the cornerstone we use to build strong children, strong families and strong communities. We collaborate with others to identify needs within the community and respond to them so that the entire community benefits from our efforts.

Programs: Youth development - the ymca provides a variety of programs aimed at build1ng self -confidence, providing positive role models and helping youth and teens become successful leaders who care about the world around them. We promote inter-personal communication skills and positive values like caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Youth & teen programs include arts & humanities, environmental education, earth service corps, volunteer and employment opportunities, international initiatives and special programs that develop skills and promote independence among persons with disabilities. Social responsibility - our childcare programs offer high quality childcare activities for infants, preschool and school age children from all segments of our community. We offer state-licensed childcareprograms, both full and part-time, as well as summer camp (which serves as childcare for working parents). All provide a safe and nurturing environment where youth can develop self-esteem and good values. Financial assistance is available to those who cannot afford to pay. Our rates are affordable and we work with chester county information services to accept subsidies for low-income families. We also fill financial assistance gaps when families are placed in long waiting periods. Child care is available at 5 different sites in the community.

healthy living - the focus on wellness programming is the promotion and maintenance of good health as well as the prevention of disease in men, women and children. The ymca has identified the growing national obesity and diabetes rates as a critical social issue that must be addressed. Our health and wellness programs are designed to help people develop new skills and grow in spirit, mind and body by setting realistic goals for self-improvement and disease prevention through an active lifestyle, proper nutrition, stress management and health education. We encourage lifelong good health. We serve people of all ages, abilities, races, nationalities and religions, and provide financial assistance to those who need it, group exercise, active older adult programs, aquatics, gymnastics, youth and adult sports.

social responsibility - at our y, no one is ever turned away because of the inability to pay. In 2013-14, our ymca delivered more than $882,627 in financial aid to subsidize individual and family memberships to more than 2,079 families who were dealing with the loss of a job, under-employment or an significant family upheaval. A y membership is one of the few consistencies a family may have.