Young Mens Christian Association of the North

Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen. The YMCA believes in youth development: nurturing the potential of every child and teen. At the Y, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, and explore their unique talents and interests to help them realize their potential. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow. The Y believes the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Because of the Y, more young people in neighborhoods around the nation are taking a greater interest in learning and making smarter life choices. Key youth program areas at the Y are: Child Care: safe, nurturing environment for children to learn, grow and develop social skills. Education & Leadership: knowledge, character development, guidance and encouragement to help youth develop and realize their potential. Swim, Sports & Play: positive, fun activities that build athletic, social and interpersonal skills. Camp: exciting, safe community for young people to explore the outdoors, build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills and make lasting friendships and memories. Youth development in the Y includes leadership development programs during out of school time (such as Beacons School Success and Y Leaders Club), youth civic engagement (like Center for Youth Voice including Youth in Government and Model United Nations), post-secondary educational prep (such as Teen Thrive), competitive swimming and sports, recreation activities; youth swim lessons, day and overnight camps and specialty camp programs. In 2023, more than 16,600 kids went to Day Camp where they learn, play, make friends and connect with caring counselors. More than 7,200 kids participated in sports programs and more than 12,000 adults, teens and youth took part in overnight camping. Specific programs in youth development also include early childhood learning centers, school-age care and drop-in childcare at our membership locations. Most childcare sites are in YMCA fitness and wellbeing centers, schools, churches and other non-YMCA locations. In 2023, more than 20,500 kids in Y childcare learned the core values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors. The YMCA believes in social responsibility, giving back and providing support to neighbor. The generosity of others is at the core of the Y's mission. It is only through the support of countless volunteers and public and private donors that the Y is able to support and give back to the communities we engage. Core program areas in this focus are: Equity Innovation Center: provides unique opportunities for building transformational leaders and engaging diverse stakeholders from all sectors. By experiencing in-person or virtual hands-on training designed to help foster innovative solutions to challenges regarding equity, diversity and inclusion, teams can create a safe environment for authentic conversation and build a lasting culture that values all perspectives. New American Welcome Centers: support systems that welcome, celebrate, educate and connect diverse demographic populations in local neighborhoods, the U.S. and around the world. Volunteerism & Giving: voluntary contributions that fund, lead and support the Y's critical work. Advocacy: collaboration with policy makers, community leaders and private and public organizations to develop youth, eliminate barriers, prevent chronic disease, and build healthier communities and encourage social responsibility. Specific programs that build social responsibility are community health, community outreach, education and workforce development, environmental education, youth and family services, global education, newcomer/immigration services, equity innovation experiences, financial support, program and policy volunteers, advocacy and public policy. In 2023, more than 11,100 youth served in Y's Youth and Family Services programs that help youth with violence prevention, human trafficking, food insecurity, homelessness, juvenile justice and foster care.

Healthy Living: Improving the nation's health and well-being: Being healthy means more than simply being physically active. It is about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. The Y is a place where people can work toward that balance by challenging themselves to learn a new skill or hobby, fostering connections with friends through lifelong learning programs, or bringing loved ones closer together through many family-centered activities. At the Y, it is not about the activity people choose as much as it is about the benefits of living healthier on the inside as well as the outside. The Y demonstrates its commitment to healthy living through a variety of focus areas. Health and Wellbeing provides resources and guidance to maintain or improve physical activity, mental health and overall wellbeing. Family Time brings families together to have fun and grow together. Sports & Recreation provides healthy lifestyle activities that bring together people with shared athletic and recreational interests. The Y also provides social networking opportunities and activities that bring together people that share common passions and personal interests. Specific core programs that promote Healthy Living include group fitness classes, aquatics classes youth fitness, family activities, personal and group training, open gym and swim times, and ForeverWell senior programs and activities. In 2023, more than 71,300 seniors joined and participated in the ForeverWell senior programming. The Y is also engaged in preventative health measures including programs that address youth and adult obesity and that are helping people of all ages face the growing problem of diabetes, cancer survivorship programs, cardiac rehabilitation, as well as holistic wellbeing programs like meditation, acupuncture and other modalities that help the whole person thrive.