Program areas at Corporation / Young Men's Christian Association of Metropolitan Denver
Community health & well-being the ymca of metro Denver is a vital and significant force building strong, thriving and equitable communities since 1875. We are a welcoming place for all and our programs reflect that commitment. In 2023, 39,696 of our members across 7 wellness centers enjoyed a broad range of programs such as group exercise, nutrition consultations, health coaching, personal training in addition to cooking, dance, art and other social programs designed to promote intergenerational connection, engagement and friendships that foster mental well-being. Through our aquatics programs, 2,131 youth and adults learned life-saving skills and grew more confident in and around the water. Some 1,200+ individuals were referred to our chronic disease prevention programs supporting those with high blood pressure, pre-diabetes and cancer. Volunteers contributed 7,264 hours to coach youth sports and assist with gardening projects, food distribution and teen service projects. Through our financial assistance program, in 2023, we provided 545,383 in scholarships to families to make the y accessible in our community.
Community impact the ymca of metro Denver is one of only a few nonprofit organizations embedded throughout the community and positioned to help address inequity and social determinants of health while also pivoting and responding to changing community needs and environments. Our ymcas and program sites serve individuals, families and children throughout Denver, jefferson, arapahoe, adams and douglas counties. Initiated during the covid pandemic, our food distribution program, beyond hunger, continues to address food insecurity in our community and we distributed 51,000 pounds of fresh food to families last year. As a welcoming place for all, the ymca of metro Denver is one of 81 diversity, equity, inclusion and global innovation ymcas nationwide and we connect with our communities through our annual welcoming week program and summer programs for children and job opportunities for teens newly arrived in the u.s. thousands of coloradans turn to their ymca for holistic opportunities to connect, move, learn, grow and be well. Our program and spaces, both physical and virtual, welcome all ages, all needs, all goals, all families - all people.
Youth development across 5 associations in Colorado, the ymca of metro Denver is one of the largest providers of youth programs in the state. The ymca of metro Denver nurtures the development of kids in early childhood, builds life skills among school age and cultivates leadership and work skills in Young adulthood. We do this across 3 y academy early childhood education centers; 30 out of school (before/after school); and 22 summer camp sites, including 7 power scholars academy summer sites where students increase math and literacy skills, engage in social-emotional learning and wellness to build better connections with their schools and communities. We conduct a year-round sports program where 3,854 youth athletes hone skills and foster teamwork and sportsmanship. In 2023, more than 130 Young adults gained meaningful work experience as lifeguards, camp counselors, front-line staff and interns for our nutrition, community well-being and other departments. Through our youth in government, middle and high school students gained leadership skills and knowledge of our government.