Bangor Y

Youth development: critically needed by Maine's low income and working families so they can join or remain in the workforce, the Y contributes to the region's economic vitality by providing high quality, affordable childcare. As the community's largest facility-based provider, the Y cares for children age one through 6th grade. Its early childhood education and before-and-after school programs are licensed through the state of Maine. Teachers use evidence-based tools to assess child development and a steam curriculum to build lifelong skills. The Y's commitment to year-round care is strengthened by its two outstanding summer camps: camp jordan wilderness overnight camp in ellsworth and camp g. peirce webber day camp in hampden. In 2023, the Y spent more than 2.6 million on youth development, an increase over 2022. The Y's track record of success is evidenced by the fact that nearly 4,000 (3,927) Young mainers enrolled in early education, school age programming, and summer camps this year, a 4% increase over the previous year. The Y's passionate support for our community's youth means youth development had the biggest expenditure of its three largest programs in 2023.

Social responsibility: as a socially responsible organization, the Bangor Y is renowned for its swift response to societal challenges spending nearly 408,000 in 2023, a hugely significant 149% increase over 2022 on programs for more than 3,300 people. The Y is committed to building resilience and enhancing the wellbeing of every Mainer living in our region. Our decision to open a teen center for youth at risk of suicide and substance use is a prime example of our ongoing commitment to prioritize the needs of others. Now in its 5th year, the teen center welcomes hundreds of teens ages 12-18 each year including homeless, lgbtq+, low income, and other marginalized youth. Supported by grants and donations, the Y is proud to offer this mission- driven program for free. Teens are encouraged to demonstrate social responsibility by volunteering at the Y's community food pantry which was launched to address significant gaps in the region's hunger programs and another illustration of the Y's resolve to model ethical leadership. Similarly, the Y has stepped up to address the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in Maine. Its second wind social club helps older adults achieve emotional and physical wellbeing while strengthening the social bonds essential for lifelong health. These and all of the Y's programs are supported by the Y's financial assistance program. In 2023 the Y spent nearly 349,000 to support mainers in need of financial aid, a significant 11% increase over 2022 and a clear indicator of the Y's dedication to socially responsible leadership.

Healthy living: fundamental to the Y's mission is its promise to care for every Mainer's physical, emotional, and social wellness. To fulfill this promise, we spent 1.3 million on healthy living programs in 2023, a notable 9% increase over 2022. The Y's extensive investment in evidence-based disease prevention programs - from cancer, cardiac rehabilitation, and arthritis to diabetes, alzheimer's, parkinson's, and more - are core components of our lifelong commitment to lift people and strengthen community. This includes specialist programs for youth and older adults, group and dance fitness classes, yoga, tai chi, youth sports, and personal training for all ages. An acknowledged aquatics leader in the region, the Y has taught mainers how to swim for more than 100 years. Its dedication to diversity and inclusion means every Mainer is welcome, from children and teens with diverse abilities to adults who need to overcome their fear of water. Overall, nearly 9,000 (8,873) mainers participated in the Y's healthy living programs in 2023, an increase over last year.