Program areas at Ymca of Metropolitan Fort Worth
Nurturing Potential: The YMCA's Commitment to Youth Development The YMCA supports every child's unique development journey with holistic programs that provide tools and resources for success from cradle to career and beyond. In 2023, the YMCA continued to foster growth and excitement through youth and teen programs often provided at low or no cost to families thanks to our generous donors and foundations. By offering comprehensive support and opportunities, we nurture the potential of every child and teen, ensuring they have the resources to succeed and thrive throughout every stage of their journey. By the Numbers in 2023 * 8,148 kids learned cooperation, new skills, and teamwork through youth sports. * 253 kids prepared for kindergarten in our early learning centers. * 437 youth made friends, created memories, and unplugged from technology at overnight summer camp. * 4,694 teens and youth found a place to belong in a non-sports related Y program. * 4,238 youth had a safe and engaging place to learn and grow during afterschool and breaks. * 6,579 school children learned about nature and science through an Outdoor education program. * More than 150 programs were offered across 50 sites in our communities. Key Programs Camps: Offering overnight, day, and specialty camps where kids explore nature, find talents, gain independence, and make lasting friendships. Preschool: Focused on nurturing child development holistically, these programs provide a safe and healthy place to learn foundational skills, develop relationships, and build self-reliance. Youth Sports Programs: Emphasizing full and equal participation, skill development, health and fitness, safety, cooperation, self-esteem, and respect for others. Youth and Government: A leadership development program for high school youth, offering a hands-on approach to learning about government and fostering self-esteem, good citizenship, and a strong work ethic. Aquatics: Including swim lessons, swim teams, water aerobics, and adaptive swim programs, promoting safety, exercise, teamwork, self-confidence, and leadership. Teen Leadership: Programs designed to train future leaders, with teen volunteers assisting in summer camps, swim teams, and junior lifeguard programs. Our Impact The YMCA continues to provide multiple no-cost programs thanks to our generous donors and foundations. By offering comprehensive support and opportunities, we nurture the potential of every child and teen, ensuring they have the resources to succeed and thrive.
Building Community: The YMCA's Commitment to Social Responsibility At the YMCA, we open our doors to all, connecting people from diverse backgrounds and supporting those in need. Through the collective efforts of our members, volunteers, supporters, and staff, we demonstrate the power of giving back together. Volunteerism Volunteers are essential to our mission. In 2023, board members at the association level and on advisory boards grew substantially. Across the entire organization, more than 20,000 hours of service were provided serving in roles such as: * Coaches * Board Members * Mentors * Facility Projects * Event Staff * Reading to Children Our organization thrives because of their dedication. Financial Scholarships Each year, the YMCA raises funds to provide financial scholarships, ensuring that children and families can participate in our programs regardless of their financial situation. In 2023 $7.3 million in contributions raised provided free programs and assistance to our community. More than 24, 400 individuals received program or membership financial assistance. Water Safety Advocacy As a leading advocate for water safety, partnering with the Fort Worth Drowning Prevention Coalition, Cook Children's Medical Center, and others, we offer dry land and water safety classes to promote: * Swimming and water safety skills * Good health through regular exercise * Teamwork, self-confidence, and leadership Through these initiatives, we educated 15,325 children on water safety skills that have the potential to save their lives and those around them.
Healthy Living: Improving Our Community's Health and Well-Being The YMCA stands as a leading advocate for whole-body health and well-being that promotes balance and brings families closer together. In 2023, the YMCA's Healthy Living programs saw significant growth thanks, in part, to the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility in the heart of the mid-cities and many enhancements. Community Integrated Health Our efforts strengthen the links between traditional healthcare and community-based prevention strategies. This approach helps individuals prevent, delay, or manage chronic conditions. Key Benefits: * Increased access to care * Lowered costs * Prevention and management of chronic diseases * Reduction of social determinants of health impacts Notable Programs * YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program: Assisting high-risk individuals in adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyles to reduce their chances of developing type 2 diabetes. * EnhanceFitness: Promoting physical activity. * Pedaling for Parkinson's: An ongoing program at no cost that leads Parkinson's patients through a cycling class three times a week coupled with support group meetings to improve the qualit * Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring: Empowering individuals to manage their blood pressure. * Active Older Adults Program: Focused on health, fitness, social events, and volunteer opportunities for seniors to combat isolation. Health Enhancement Programs * Facilities and Equipment: Providing state-of-the-art health enhancement facilities and equipment. * Personal Fitness Evaluations: Offering personalized fitness assessments to tailor individual health plans. * Group Exercises: Encouraging community and support through group exercise classes. By offering comprehensive health and wellness programs, the YMCA is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all members of our community.