Program areas at YMCA of Greater St Petersburg
Youth development - the Ymca of Greater St. Petersburg (ygsp) believes all children deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. At the y, Young people have access to an array of programs that support their cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development. For those experiencing learning gaps, the y also offers early learning intervention and educational support to help close those gaps. All programs are designed to develop self-esteem and foster teamwork, helping kids grow into happy, healthy, and successful adults. In 2023, ygsp's youth initiatives reached 7,390 children from infancy to age 18 - many of whom were low-to-moderate income households and/or classified as "at risk." (continued on schedule o)youth development programs include: three high-quality preschools, before and after school childcare offered at over 20 public elementary and middle schools across south pinellas county, day camps and specialty camps, swim lessons, Ymca dance academy, prodigy cultural arts programs and literacy programs "yreads!". Some programs are free, while others offer scholarship assistance, and many provide a healthy snack or meal at no additional cost.
Social responsibility - ygsp has been listening and responding to our community's most critical social needs for 103 years. The y believes that communities are stronger when all people have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether helping people develop new skills through education or training, or advocating through the common good, the y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. In 2023, ygsp provided $368,633 in free or subsidized memberships and programs for 18,862 children, families, and individuals. Everything we do at the Ymca of Greater St. Petersburg is centered around our community. We have created a roadmap to guide us in a direction that is sustainable, flexible, and allows us to meet our community's needs. (continued on schedule o). Our plan includes three goals, each with three strategies, focused on delivering our best to those whom we serve. Ygsp also hosts the Ymca neighbor to neighbor christmas program, a 33 year-long tradition that provides approximately 400 families including more than 900 children from low income households in pinellas county with a christmas tree, grocery gift card, toys, bikes and year membership for children to participate in youth programs at no cost to the families. Childs park Ymca resource center provides underserved communities with access to library, computer facilities, youth academic and career assistance, and more.
Healthy living - being healthy means more than simply being physically active. It's about finding balance, fostering connection, and bringing loved ones closer together. At the y, it's about living healthy on the inside as well as the outside. The y improves the health of communities and helps reduce healthcare costs for individuals, employers, and insurers. Ygsp uses a vast network of health experts and providers to help battle chronic disease through evidence and research based programs that promote wellness, disease prevention and health management. In 2023, ygsp helped 808 participants reclaim their health through various programs such as weight loss, diabetes prevention, blood pressure self-monitoring, fall prevention, program participants learned skills to reduce (continued on schedule o) their risk of diabetes, reduce their risk of falling, manage their parkinson's symptoms. Ways to lose weight, eat healthier, and reduce chronic disease. Participants of the livestrong at the y program, and their families, were provided resources and knowledge to improve their health, well-being and social-connectedness at partial costs. Additionally, ygsp provided free exercise and activities for 5,485 seniors through partnerships such as silver sneakers (r), renew active, and silver & fit.