Ymca of Greater Kansas City

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS: AT THE Y, WE ARE COMMITTED TO NURTURING THE POTENTIAL OF EVERY CHILD AND TEEN. WE BELIEVE THAT ALL KIDS DESERVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCOVER WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY CAN ACHIEVE. THAT'S WHY WE HELP YOUNG PEOPLE CULTIVATE THE VALUES, SKILLS AND RELATIONSHIPS THAT LEAD TO POSITIVE BEHAVIORS, BETTER HEALTH, ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE. IN 2023, THE YMCA OF GREATER KANSAS CITY HELPED 35,584 YOUNG PEOPLE REACH THEIR POTENTIAL THROUGH PROGRAMS SUCH AS YOUTH SPORTS, RECREATIONAL SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL Y CLUB, ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS, SUMMER DAY CAMP AND EARLY EDUCATION. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OF $313,101 WAS PROVIDED TO 1,292 YOUTH TO GIVE ALL, REGARDLESS OF THEIR FINANCIAL RESOURCES, THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, GROW AND THRIVE. ALSO, DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR CHILDREN AGES SIX WEEKS OLD THROUGH PRE- KINDERGARTEN, YMCA HEAD START PROGRAMS, WHICH ARE FEDERALLY FUNDED, PROVIDE EDUCATION, NUTRITION AND HEALTH SERVICES TO LOW-INCOME FAMILIES. In 2023 the YMCA of Greater Kansas City operated five centers throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. THE Y SERVED 456 CHILDREN IN 2023 PREPARING THEM FOR SCHOOL AND HELPING THE WHOLE FAMILY BE HEALTHIER. THE COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM MEETS THE NEEDS OF THE CHILD AND FAMILY AND PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILIES TO BE INVOLVED AT EVERY LEVEL OF THEIR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION. THESE EARLY YEARS ARE CRITICAL TO HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF EVERY CHILD. CREATED IN 1965, HEAD START IS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL, LONGEST RUNNING, NATIONAL SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAM IN THE UNITED STATES.

Programs that promote healthy living: the y is a leading voice on health and well-being. We bring families closer together, encourage good health and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. In 2023, 85,834 people grew stronger at the y through membership, programs, giving and volunteering. They are overcoming obstacles to achieve a Greater personal well-being and Greater well-being for the community. This is particularly important as our nation struggles with an obesity crisis and chronic disease, families struggle with work-life balance, and individuals search for personal fulfillment. Our programs are accessible, affordable and open to all faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. In 2023, we provided a total of $736,583 in financial assistance to a total of 3,629 people who otherwise would have been unable to participate in life-strengthening programs at the y.