Central Connecticut Coast Young Men's Christian Association

Youth development - we believe that every child has great potential and should be given opportunity and guidance to reach it. The cccy's commitment to children is seen through its programs that give children a strong foundation by building in them the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsiility. In 2023, the cccy served 23,584 youth through effective programming and services designed to build strong spirit, mind, and body. In 2023, the cccy served 5,961 low-income youth through programs and services designed to close the achievement gap (both after-school and summer camp). That number demonstrates significant growth over the number of youth served in 2022 (3,021). In 2023, y volunteers and staff taught 10,224 youth how to swim and be safe around the water. The cccy is among the largest providers of child care in new haven and fairfield counties.

Social responsibility - we believe that the cccy has been given the honor, resources, and responsibility to strengthen the foundations of community and family. Cccy volunteers and staff take great pride in our commitment to helping individuals and families move from homelessness to hopefulness. With a large team of social workers and an inventory of 297 apartments, the cccy continues to reduce chronic homelessness in bridgeport and serve as the largest provider of affordable and supportive housing in the state. In 2023, the cccy renewed its effort to meet immediate human needs by addressing hunger and food insecurity. Cccy volunteers and staff served 211,159 meals in 2023 compared to 141,918 meals served in 2022. The cccy and our partners worked together to efficently and effectively keep chronic homelessness in bridgeport at a very low level (less than 10 individuals).

Healthy living - we believe that a healthy life is achieved by actively striving for spiritual, mental, and physical well-being. The cccy offers resources and guidance to improve and maintain physical activity and overall health and wellness. Overweight, obesity, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition affect most in our community. About one in three of our neighbors are pre-diabetic, and many do not realize the serious health consequences of leading an unhealthy lifestyle. In 2023, the cccy served 40,951 youth and adults through individual and group exercise programs and services designed to reduce overweight, obesity, and chronic disease. Additionally, in 2023, the cccy served 10,555 adults through specialized spiritiual enrichment programs focusing on developing a state of mindfullness. The total number of youth and adults served by cccy volunteers and staff through health, wellness, and fitness programs and services in 2023 is approximately the same as those served in 2022.