Program areas at YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties
The Ymca of Pierce and Kitsap Counties' mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other. There is no other nonprofit quite like the y. That's because in 10,000 neighborhoods across the nation, we have the presence and partnerships to not just promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. -the y is community centered. For over 160 years, we've been listening and responding to our communities. -the y brings people together. We welcome all people and connect people of all ages and backgrounds to bridge the gaps in community needs. -the y nurtures potential. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. -the y has local presence and national reach. We mobilize local communities to affect lasting, meaningful change. Membership is the core of all Ymca programs. During 2023, nearly 147,000 people of all ages and backgrounds were active Ymca members. Additionally, people engaged in y programs in 2023 through 2.05 million visits to y facilities. Participation is open to all regardless of financial circumstances. The Ymca provided $3.3 million in membership and program fee assistance, as well as program subsidy, in support of our commitment to inclusivity, making it possible for an average of 19,000 people to participate in y programs each month throughout 2023. Youth development: nurturing the potential of every child and teen we believe all children deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That's why, through the y, millions of youth nationwide today are cultivating the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement. In 2023, we saw nearly 157,000 youth program participants. Ymca before and after school: the y provides a safe, nurturing environment for children to learn, grow, and develop social skills. Ymca before and after school programs serve elementary students with a variety of programmatic and activity options to explore and develop their interests and talents. Our focus on safety, health, social growth, and academic enhancement means children have fun, grow, and thrive in our care. More than 2,100 children participated in before and after school and early learning programs in 2023. Learning and development: the y gives children and teens knowledge, character development, guidance, and encouragement to help youth develop and realize their potential. Through programs like teen leadership development at Ymca camp seymour, youth and government in local middle schools and high schools, and youth leadership development at y facilities, thousands of teens and children experienced the growth and values only y programs can provide. Aquatics and youth sports: through our membership base and outreach programs, the y provides positive, fun activities that build athletic, social, and interpersonal skills. In 2023, the y served more than 39,000 youth through membership, and taught more than 66,000 swim lessons. Camp: Ymca camp seymour offers an exciting, safe community for youth and families to explore the outdoors, build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills, and make lasting friendships and memories. Nearly 15,000 youth and families registered and enjoyed camp seymour year-round through summer resident camp, outdoor environmental education, and family camps. Healthy living: improving the nation's health and well-being in communities across the nation, the y is a leading voice on health and well-being. With a mission centered on balance, the y brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun, and shared interests. As a result, millions of youth, adults, and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind, and body. Health, well-being and fitness: through a robust membership base and strategic partnerships, the y provides resources and guidance to maintain and improve physical activity, health, and wellness. In 2023, members dropped into programs 2.05 million times to strengthen their spirit, mind, and body. Social responsibility: giving back and providing support to our neighbors the y has been listening and responding to our communities' most critical social needs for over 160 years. Whether developing skills or emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse demographic populations through global services, or preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities through collaborations with policymakers, the y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. Social services: the Ymca center for community impact empowers youth and families by delivering programs and services that support equity in education, health, and juvenile justice. The center for community impact focused on three key areas: chronic disease prevention, youth and teen education, and youth justice initiatives. Much of this work was done outside our walls at no cost to participants, often in local schools, reaching hundreds of students who otherwise would not have an experience with the y. volunteerism and giving: voluntary contributions fund, lead, and support the y's critical work. Nearly 700 people volunteered at the y in 2023, contributing nearly 15,000 hours valued at $1.5 million. Advocacy: the y collaborates with policy makers, community leaders and private and public organizations to develop youth, prevent chronic disease, and build healthier communities and encourage social responsibility.