Darien Community Young Men's Christian Association

Youth development: at the y, we give Young people a safe place to belong, to build confidence and to learn positive behaviors from strong role models who exemplify the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Whether it be child-care, early education, youth swimming, gymnastics and sports, or summer camp, our programs and staff provide the support and opportunities needed to help our youth learn, grow, and thrive. 196 students belong to the y's early education program at holly pond school where children had the ability to discover their potential and develop their skills. Approximately 315 children participated in the y's kids club afterschool program, which provided a fun childcare option for families when the school day ends. Over 118,500 in financial assistance was awarded to 87 children to attend kids club, nursery school, holly care, or vacation camp in 2023. Close to 5,000 youth built a sense of confidence and teamwork, while staying active through the y's recreational sports programs and leagues. Just over 1,300 children learned to become safer and more confident in the water through swim lessons at the y. Over 1,300 kids attended summer camp, including campers with special needs where they made new friends, tried new things, and made lasting memories. 163 Young athletes participated in the house team and piranha swim team: the y's competitive aquatic teams. These programs teach kids life skills such as setting goals, developing leadership, managing their time, along with building their self-confidence. Our world-class gymnastics program serves preschool age children through Young adults helping them strive to be the best they can be in and out of the gym. This incredible program served over 1,800 children in 2023.

Social responsibility: y members and Community members are inspired each day to make a difference in the lives of others with small and large acts of kindness. These members' support has helped others who are less fortunate to have access to opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. Turning no one away: the y provided over $$454,000 in financial assistance, ensuring that no one is ever turned away from maintaining a healthy lifestyle at the y. Over 390 individuals volunteered over 6,500 hours at the y, helping to provide services to the Community, and engage in philanthropy. The y proudly supports many Community organizations, including hosting meetings and special events for fellow non-profits, providing facility use for Darien organizations, and serving as the home pool for the Darien high school swim team and home gym for the Darien high school gymnastics team. The value of volunteer Community service and facility usage is over $512,500. Our 2023 annual campaign raised over $218,000 under the leadership of andrew bonanno, chairperson, jim bosek, kerry coppola, kelly torchiana.

Healthy living: our mission, centered on the balance of spirit, mind and body, provides programs and resources that encourage healthy living. We try to make it easy for all to work out by having knowledgeable staff who care, resources and equipment that motivates healthy living, and a welcoming, supportive Community who encourage your well-being. In 2023, we had over 234,000 active check-ins to our facility to engage in healthy living activities like group fitness classes, swimming, sports, fitness center, weight room, personal training, small group training, wellness coaching and much more! The y continues to serve as a Community resource dedicated to promoting wellness and disease prevention among people of all ages and abilities. From cardio and strength building classes, to mind-body and nutrition programs, everybody is welcome at the y as they work toward maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We had just over 7,000 in-person personal training sessions helping members regain their confidence, increase their strength, mobility, and flexibility, and improve their balance.