Young Mens Christian Association Of Ashland Ohio

Programs: Aquatics programs, physical education programs and league helping people of all ages and abilities develop health in spirit, mind and body is at 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, family and adults promote teamwork, interaction and development of social and physical skills. Our "arthritis/aqua aerobics" is an aquatic program that keeps seniors active and flexible, our skip aquatics program helps to develop physical skills for toddlers; our family swim program gives adults and children shared time in the pool to appreciate one another and 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 children that cannot afford the full fee. In light of the rising obesity rates in this country, our ymca participates in the active america initiative and engages 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.

preschool/childcare programs our ymca provides high quality child care by providing comprehensive activities for preschool and 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 childcare 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.

other programs ymca youth and teen programs give kids good role models to help them develop self-esteem and good values, including cooperation, respect, good citizenship, and a strong work ethic. Our youth and government programs expose young people to civic leaders and help them develop an understanding and appreciation for civic involvement. Our service learning and environmental programs help youth develop an appreciation of charitable services and preservation of our natural resources. Many programs are provided at no cost. Memberships are provided to youth that otherwise could not afford to buy ymca memberships. The ymca camping program provides a lasting experience of personal enrichment. Residential and day camps offer adventure and learning activities that provide challenge and promote spiritual awareness, mental development, physical well being, social growth, and self-respect. Camping helps youth become aware of their physical and mental capabilities, to recognize the value of cooperation, and to gain confidence. Our ymca works in collaboration with governmental and community agencies to provide a variety of programs that help accomplish our mission to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. In these programs, we develop and build on people's strengths, rather than focusing on the detriments in their lives. Our programs offer mentoring, cultural awareness, gang interventions, violence reduction and anger management, and computer skills, allow participants to improve their skills, develop self- esteem and self-reliance, and build healthy relationships with their peers and members of the community at large.