J Smith Young Ymca

Health living: in accordance with the mission statement of the Ymca, a healthy person has a healthy body, mind and spirit. Our health and well being programs are designed to help people develop new skills and grow in spirit, mind and body by setting realistic goals for self improvement and disease prevention through an active lifestyle, proper nutrition, stress management, and health education. Ymca programs promote interaction, teamwork, and development of moral and ethical behavior, social skills and self esteem. We serve all ages, races, nationalities and religions and provide financial assistance to those who need it. In 2023, we served 1,015 members and provided financial assistance in the amount of $50,758.

Social responsibility the Ymca promotes community development through delivery of training, resources and support that empower our neighbors to effect change, bridge gaps, and overcome obstacles. Our Ymca facility serves as a community center, proving meeting space and recreation for civic groups, high school swim teams, and special needs programs for our local schools. We engage Ymca members, participants and volunteers in activities that strengthen our community and pave the way for future generations to thrive. Our Ymca's sponsors programs such as child abuse prevention, special olympics, and various fundraisers that support disease prevention and treatment. Our facility provides community recreation opportunities through numerous programs including bowling and dining services. We also provide team building facilities for the corporations, schools and churches groups in an effort to build strong communities. In 2023, we served numerous civic groups in our community.

Youth development our childcare programs offer high quality child care activities for school age children from all segments of our community at fourteen school sites. We offer a variety of childcare programs, both full and part-time, which provide a safe and nurturing environment where youth can develop self-esteem, good values and an appreciation of charitable service. In accordance with the Ymca mission, our childcare programs have a commitment to strengthening families, providing programs that foster growth and development of the entire family. Our programs enable parents to work or further their education, while knowing their children are safe and being provided programs and support to promote children that are happy and healthy in spirit, mind and body. In 2023, we served 175 children at 9 sites, operated summer camp programs that served children at 3 sites, and provided financial assistance in the amount of $100,084. Our youth sports programs offer high quality sports activities for school age children from our community. We provide adult volunteers that serve as role models and mentors to our children. The teachings of character values of honesty, caring, responsibility, respect and faith are integrated into all sports programs while promoting an appreciation of one's own worth. Youth sports programs focus on the full and equal participation of all children. Ymca youth programs also help to strengthen families. Parents and siblings and extended family members support the children by coaching teams or attending sporting events. Young people participating in sports build lifelong positive attitudes, habits of healthy exercise and good nutrition. The Ymca sports programs value cooperation over competition and fair play over winning. The Ymca knows that with this approach everyone wins.