Young Mens Christian Association

Programs: Healthy lifestyle programs - the familiar ymca triangle emphasizes the oneness of spirit, mind and body. Ymca health enhancement programs help achieve this unity through medically-based programs that stress proper exercise, nutrition, stress management, avoidance of drug and alcohol abuse and education. Ymca's offer a life long progression of health and fitness activities, experiences and education, including programs for children, teens, families and seniors. Ymca membership programs are designed to attract people of all ages, abilities, incomes, and backgrounds by providing a welcoming atmosphere, where health seekers can feel comfortable and receive the support they need to improve their overall well-being. The ymca's diabetes prevention program helps overweight adults at risk for type 2 diabetes reduce their risk for developing the disease by taking steps that will improve their overall health and well-being. The program provides a supportive environment where participants work together to achieve the program goals of reducing individual weight and increasing physical activity. These membership programs are offered at fees affordable to the community at large, with financial assistance for those who cannot afford the full fee. No one is denied membership in the ymca because of an inability to pay the membership fee. The ymca provided 2060 scholarships valued at $63,896 during the year.

child care programs - strengthening families and meeting the needs of children have always been central to the ymca mission of building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The purpose of the ymca child care programs is to foster growth and development, not only in children, but in their parents as well. These programs help youth develop moral and ethical behavior , self-esteem and leadership. Child care programs for children between 6 weeks and 13 years of age include infant care, pre-school and school age care, summer day camp and holiday camps. Teen aged youth may participate in sports, day camps, teen center and fitness programs and youth in government programs. In many instances, ymca programs make it possible for the parents of children in our programs to remain employed, knowing that their children are thriving in a safe, developmentally sound environment. For parents who cannot afford the full fee, care is provided below cost on an ability to pay basis. During the school year, 569 school-aged children participated in after-school programs located on eight misd elementary school campuses and the central ymca. During the summer, 318 children enrolled in the all day child care program at the y. The children's learning center program served 161 infants and toddlers over the past year. Together these programs awarded 3,225 scholarships valued at $158,904.

youth & family programs - the ymca offers programs that encourage the development of strong family ties and parent child relationships. Among these are the y-guides/y-princesses programs which provide children and their families with activities that foster understanding and companionship. Parents have the opportunity to learn from each other and from their children in an enjoyable way. Youth sports activities promote an appreciation of one's own worth. Developing each child's individual skills is a key component as is the full and equal participation of all children in every game. Youth sports programs also help strengthen family bonds as parents are volunteer coaches and often siblings watch each others games. Participants in youth sports build a foundation for life long healthy habits. Ymca aquatics programs are part of the y's overall goal of building a healthy spirit, mind and body. In addition to providing specific swimming and water safety skills, they promote good health through regular exercise. It also promotes teamwork, self-confidence and leadership. Over 6,650 children and teens participated in youth and family programs with 200 scholarships awarded totaling $6,125 in financial assistance.