Cdymca

Core to the Y's Mission is Youth Development. The Capital District YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential in every child and teen. We are the largest provider of childcare in the Capital Region, with 4 Early Learning Centers and over 30 childcare locations across the region, serving more than 2,000 children. In addition, each summer we care for more than 3,000 children in our day and overnight camp programs. We provide subsidies and direct financial assistance that make participation possible for the young people we engage. We provide a host of programs and services that address our belief that all youth deserve the opportunity to develop into their best selves. Toward that end, we help young people cultivate values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement. Our programs provide a wealth of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth. Middle and high school students from all backgrounds are welcome in our Black & Latino Achievers program, and benefit from our efforts to help them develop a positive sense of their self-worth; raise their academic standards; and build character. Achievers have the chance to explore career and education options while being mentored by caring adults, attending workshops and workplace tours, college preparation classes, and more. Our Leaders Club is one of our most intensive and comprehensive teen programs. It provides opportunities for leadership training, personal growth, service to others, and social development. Young people meet in small groups, working closely with their peers and a counselor on skill- and character-building activities, as well as on planning and organizing club projects. Students in our Youth & Government program are empowered to make a difference in their communities through education and problem-solving experiences as they navigate New York's legislative process and develop their skills and confidence to serve our communities. Among our unique regional benefits to children is our regional resident camp and outdoor education center, which serves children and adults year round. Our Outdoor Education programs include stream, wetlands, forest, and lake study; composting, gardening, and farm animal care; and low-impact hiking/camping and teambuilding. Campers have the opportunity to develop outdoor living skills, practice environmentally sustainable living, increase self-esteem, improve teamwork and communication skills, and accept personal and group challenges in a safe and supportive environment.

Core to the Y's Mission is Social Responsibility. The Capital District YMCA is a leading charity in New York's capital region. We strengthen our community by providing services and support that focus on the well-being of those who need assistance at every stage of their lives, from infants to teens, to adults and seniors, helping all to enjoy healthier lives. We bring families closer together, encourage good health, and foster connections through shared interests and activities involving wellness, nutrition, sports, and family activities. Our work is particularly important as our nation struggles to address a national obesity crisis, as families struggle to attain work/life balance, and as individuals search for personal fulfillment. Each year, we provide financial assistance to thousands of individuals needing help with a variety of activities, from childcare to swimming lessons to social engagement opportunities for seniors. Our services are accessible, affordable, and open to all faiths, backgrounds, abilities, and income levels. All are welcome at the Y. Our Circle of Champs program helps families with a child who has a life-threatening illness to enjoy family fun time together with a host of fun activities for families to enjoy all year long. Each September, through our Running Start program, we provide low-income students with the opportunity to shop (for free) for new clothes, and we provide backpacks filled with new school supplies for the start of the school year. By building the self-esteem and confidence of our children, we help prepare them to succeed in school and in life. For Thanksgiving over 900 meals were provided to those in need across the region, with the help of our branches in East Greenbush, Southern Saratoga, Troy, Guilderland, Duanesburg, and Albany. Called the Caring Community Basket Brigade, all the items needed to cook a complete Thanksgiving Day meal were collected in baskets and given to those in need.

Core to the Y's Mission is Healthy Living. Our YMCA believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We've been responding to our community's critical health needs for more than 100 years. Y programs deliver resources and support that empower our neighbors to overcome obstacles and effect positive change in their lives. For example, our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program offers adult cancer survivors a mix of physical and social assistance that helps them find their new "normal". Our Pedaling for Parkinson's program helps those battling Parkinson's disease to regain mobility and slow the progression of their disease. With obesity at epidemic levels in this country, Capital District YMCA programs like Y Fit Kids (a unique 30-minute program that gets kids involved in intense exercise through fun and challenging workouts) are improving children's lives.