Program areas at YMCA
The YMCA of Northwest Florida provided services to the economically disadvantaged, valued at over $534,120. The services were provided in three major categories: Healthy Living We believe that personal wellness is vital for the men, women, and children we serve. Our goal is to create opportunities for our members to feel healthy, welcome, and connected as they grow in spirit, mind, and body. This year, we ended our year with 16,000 men, women, and children from all walks of life gathered at the Y for fitness and fellowship. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to pursue health in spirit, mind, and body. As the leader in health and wellness, the YMCA enables people of all ages, interests, and abilities to enjoy keeping fit in a wholesome and supportive environment. Y Assistance is offered for memberships of all types for those in financial need. About 12% of our members enjoyed membership through our Y Assistance program, which last year awarded $252,844 in financial assistance with membership to 2,123 members. We continue to offer orientations to all members as a value-added service, at no additional charge. Through classes and activities specifically targeting active older adults, we provide the 20% of members classified as seniors with opportunities for physical activity as well as social connection. We also offer martial arts, running and walking clubs, and pickleball as part of our physical activity opportunities. In partnership with the City of Pensacola, we managed two municipal pools for the summer season. Each month we welcome 7,000 visits to group exercise classes, where members receive support and accountability along their wellness walk.
Social Responsibility We believe that the Y's resources belong to the community, so we share our facilities with individuals and groups. We open our buildings to community groups and other nonprofits who need a place to meet, work, and play. Last year, we gave away $80,525 worth of facility use to other nonprofit organizations so they could pursue their missions. Both our Pullum Branch and Bear Levin Studer Branch host local church congregations that hold their weekly services at our Y in the absence of a building of their own. We support other area nonprofits by offering membership packages to help them in their event fundraising. We proactively offer meaningful employment opportunities to adults with disabilities. Finally, we step outside our walls to participate in community education and outreach events that benefit individuals from all walks of life. Nowhere is this more evident than in our Corporate Cup Games and Little Pumpkins Jamboree. The Games welcomed 14 teams from area companies in a friendly competition designed to highlight workplace wellness and build camaraderie. The Jamboree hosted 300 children with special needs, who enjoyed a free fall festival that we organized in partnership with 15 other companies and groups.
Youth Development The YMCA of Northwest Florida is an association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion to strengthen the community for everyone. Thanks to the generous support of donors, we were able to make the Y experience open to everyone, including those who were in need regardless of their financial situation. Last year our local community outreach in youth program areas totaled $108,121, ensuring that everyone had an opportunity to participate. We have been the community's leader in childcare for more than 40 years, responding to the critical need for quality childcare that supports and strengthens all families. We are dedicated to nurturing the potential of kids in a safe and fun-filled environment where kids and young teens can learn, grow, and thrive together. We are the largest local provider of school-age childcare and continue to expand the quality of our programs through a curriculum that emphasizes educational enrichment, STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), and vigorous, active play. During summer months and school breaks, children need a safe program that combats summer learning loss and physical inactivity. YMCA camp promotes hands-on learning and interaction with a diverse group of others - a great alternative to hours of screen time or an empty house - and offers plenty of exercise. We have steadily expanded our Teen Leadership Program for the summer, doubling the number of youth reached. The out-of-school programs at the Pullum Branch and Northeast Branch served children from a wide range of socioeconomic sectors and abilities. Last year we reached 2,139 children in afterschool and camp programs at our branches and on-site at schools in our two-county service area, 25% of whom received Y Assistance that enabled them to participate. In Y sports programs, we build skills, teach values, and promote fun. An alternative to highly competitive programs, we have no tryouts. Rather, each child plays at least half of every game, and we encourage parent involvement. Last year, 1,311 children and 55 volunteers actively participated in sports including soccer, flag football, basketball, volleyball, and baseball. In a coastal Florida community, our children's safety in and around the water is a top priority. Swim lessons at the Y give children the skills to be safe in the water, plus a sense of accomplishment from learning something new and a great way to exercise for life. We delivered 1,712 swim lessons last year, while providing thousands the chance to enjoy recreational pool time. In our diverse abilities program, 21 youth with special needs learned water safety in a one-on-one environment. We partnered with other local groups to deliver Safety Around Water to 168 youth and trained 60 new lifeguards, who then served at our pools and other area aquatic venues to keep swimmers of all ages safe.