YMCA of Fort Worth - Programs & Services

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The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth provides countless programs and services to the greater Fort Worth area. The following pages provide an overview on how the Y is addressing critical issues within our community.

WATER SAFETY

DROWNING PREVENTION: DAILY COMMITMENT

COMMUNITY NEED

Drowning is the fifth leading cause of accidental death in adults and the most important reason people should learn to swim is safety. Additionally, swimming is a life skill, builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. Formal swim lessons can reduce the

risk of drowning by 88%.

THE Y’S IMPACT

YEAR-ROUND SWIM LESSONS FOR ALL AGES: Teaching swim lessons to approximately 6,000 annually at 10 outdoor and four indoor pools.

GO FOR GREEN: Providing free swim lessons to Y day campers who do not pass the swim test while they are in the Y summer camp program, helping them earn their green wristband.

LIFEGUARD ACADEMY: Certifying high school students with swim instruction, water safety and life-saving skills needed to become a YMCA lifeguard; a critical teen employment program for the Y. MEMORIAL DAY SAFE SWIM: Providing community access to free water safety demonstrations and open swim at all Y pools on Memorial Day each year.

SWIM TEAMS: A competitive program that focuses on the development of all ages and abilities which compete with other Ys and swim clubs in the area. Improves swimmers’ skill level, endurance and promotes a healthy lifestyle, while embracing the Y core values.

WATER SAFETY

DROWNING PREVENTION: COMMUNITY OUTREACH

COMMUNITY NEED

Drowning is the second leading cause of death for people age 5-24. Texas continues to rank in the top three states for pool drowning deaths. Tarrant County ranks among the top three counties in Texas for total and per capita pediatric drowning deaths.

THE Y’S IMPACT SAFETY AROUND WATER: Providing free water safety lessons in apartment complexes and other spaces around the community, stripping away the barriers of costs and transportation for many.

FIRST GRADE SWIM: Providing swim and water safety instruction to first graders at Mitchell Boulevard Elementary School and Uplift Mighty Preparatory as part of a 2-week, classroom curriculum in partnership with Cook Children’s. The goal is to expand to a year-round program to include more schools in the future.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION: Through the establishment of Water Safety Week, the Y is committed to enhanced education of the broader community. Additionally, through dry-land education supporting water safety, the Y engages with thousands of youth annually through elementary and middle schools.

FORT WORTH DROWNING PREVENTION COALITION: As a founding partner, the Fort Worth Y is proud to extend support, resources and facilities to the Coalition annually to further water safety education in our community.

COMMUNITY SWIM: Providing daily, guarded swim access to our community at select Y pools during the summer for a nominal fee.

EDUCATION

KINDERGARTEN READINESS

COMMUNITY NEED Too many children arrive at kindergarten without the skills they need, and by third grade are performing below their grade level. Research shows

that 75% of third graders who struggle with reading never catch up and are 4 times more likely to drop out of high school.

Every $1 invested in early childhood education produces a return of $7.

(National Institute for Early Childhood Education Research)

THE Y’S IMPACT PRESCHOOL: School readiness begins at birth. From infancy to preschool, it is very important that children have opportunities to experience an environment that enables them to develop naturally and consistently. The YMCA currently offers three preschool child development centers, one in collaboration with Child Care Associates.

PLAY & LEARN: Developed to provide parents and preschool aged children, who are not already in a formal program, a nurturing and respectful environment where they engage in weekly activities designed to enhance verbal and social development and encourage parental involvement in the learning process.

EDUCATION

LEARNING ENRICHMENT

COMMUNITY NEED In addition to formal educational settings, it is extremely important

that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.

Unique activities provide a context for learning in many areas: general and subject-based knowledge, thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as life skills such as cooperation and interpersonal communication.

THE Y’S IMPACT STEM ENRICHMENT: Enhancing education via science, technology, engineering and math, enrichment opportunities are embedded in traditional Y programs including afterschool, summer day camp, outdoor environmental education, specialty camps and more.

OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Green space can play an important part in tackling a range of health and social problems—obesity, cardiovascular disease, mental health, anti-social behavior and health inequalities. YMCA Camp Carter serves over 9,000 public and private school students in second through sixth grade through this year-round program. Environmental Education is handson, interactive learning that sparks the imagination and unlocks creativity. When Environmental Education is integrated into the curriculum, students are more enthusiastic and engaged in learning, which raises student achievement in core academic areas.

EDUCATION

OUT OF SCHOOL TIME

COMMUNITY NEED

When students lack access to year-round learning and enrichment opportunities, the gap in learning expands over time and the negative impact becomes evident in factors related to academic success (grades, attendance, standardized-test scores, graduation and college attainment).

THE Y’S IMPACT AFTERSCHOOL: Providing safe spaces for children to feel accomplished, build new friendships and develop a sense of belonging through sports and homework help. Y Afterschool provides kids with activities built on academic intervention, health and enrichment that are proven to have positive impacts on kids’ lives at school, at home and in their communities.

SUMMER LEARNING LOSS: Offering opportunities for youth to meet their potential and prevent the loss of academic knowledge over the summer, the Y’s Summer Learning Loss Program (SLLP) is a 6-week, full-day program for lowincome children entering first through third grades that supports their literacy and academic progress over the summer.

DEVELOPING POTENTIAL

YOUTH ENRICHMENT

COMMUNITY NEED

Students who participate in what are known as expanded learning opportunities – which includes after-school programs – show higher rates of school attendance, lower dropout rates and improved attitudes toward school.

THE Y’S IMPACT ADVENTURE GUIDES: Offering a parent-child program designed to help foster a lifetime of companionship to strengthen the relationship. As an Adventure Guide, a parent and child will join a unique “Circle” and participate in games, camping trips and ceremonies, while fostering a sense of self-esteem, personal worth and quality family time.

AFTERSCHOOL: Providing safe spaces for children to feel accomplished, build new friendships and develop a sense of belonging through sports and homework help. Y Afterschool provides kids with activities built on academic intervention, health and enrichment that are proven to have positive impacts on kids’ lives at school, at home and in their communities.

EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCES: Being on and around a horse from a young age can build complex social and emotional skills like accountability, empathy, leadership and confidence. YMCA Camp Carter offers a variety of ways for youth to be involved with horses year round, including Ready to Ride during day or overnight camp, riding lessons, trail rides, and more through the Thompson Equestrian Center.

DEVELOPING POTENTIAL

MENTORING

COMMUNITY NEED A recent study found mentoring for high-risk youth to have

a positive effect on delinquency, academic functioning, aggression and drug use. Despite the importance of mentorship for youth, 1 in 3 young people report never having an adult mentor while growing up. Benefits for mentored youth can include: • Increased high school graduation rates • Higher college enrollment rates and higher educational aspirations • Enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence • Improved behavior, both at home and at school • Stronger relationships with parents, teachers, and peers THE Y’S IMPACT

(MENTOR, 2009; Cavell, DuBois, Karcher, Keller, & Rhodes, 2009)

REACH & RISE®: A national Y program designed to build a better future for youth by helping them reach their full potential through the support of adults. Mentors provide a positive and consistent relationship with a young person, ages 6-17, helping to improve a mentee’s selfesteem, decision-making skills, school performance and interpersonal relationships.

DIAMOND GIRLS: Seeking to eliminate violence among young at-risk, minority females, this outcome-based program reinforces positive messages in a culture that at times portrays minority girls negatively. The program provides mentoring, counseling and activities to help the girl’s transition in school/life and provides the structures needed to build trust, be supportive and overcome challenges.

MEN OF STANDARD (M3): This outcome-based group mentoring program is designed to increase the healthy development of young men in grades 5-12 by providing them with positive adult male role models to engage them in holistic activities where community leaders and entrepreneurs provide workshops on appearance, etiquette, relationships and more.

DEVELOPING POTENTIAL

SPORTS & PLAY

COMMUNITY NEED

Physical activity has slowly been engineered out of everyday life in America. Despite all of the known benefits, the number of children meeting the recommended amount of physical activity for healthy development and to maintain a healthy weight, which is 60 minutes a day, drops by 40% as they move through primary school. Changes in the environment, such as urban sprawl and less physical education in schools, make getting enough physical activity increasingly more difficult.

THE Y’S IMPACT YOUTH SPORTS: Providing important benefits ranging from improvement in fitness and health to development of team spirit and feelings of accomplishment, kids learn the fundamentals of sports, practice sportsmanship, and have fun. Kids as young as 3 have the opportunity to be active, build confidence, learn new skills and make new friends.

HEALTHY KIDS DAY: A YMCA national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids, Healthy Kids Day continues to promote healthy habits, encourage active play, and inspire a love for physical activity for both kids and their families through 1-day, locally hosted branch events every April.

YOUTH TRIATHLON: Triathlon, one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, is a unique way for youth ages 5-14 to experience the benefits of a healthy lifestyle focused on hard work, daily exercise and good nutrition through swimming, biking, and running.

SPECIALTY CAMPS: Sports-specific camps offer youth specialized sports training designed to teach skills, fair play, teamwork, sportsmanship and reinforcing the Y core values; while other unique camps focus on a specialized activity to promote increased knowledge and skills.

DEVELOPING POTENTIAL

TEEN ENGAGEMENT

COMMUNITY NEED Tarrant County residents, and Texans, are younger than the country overall.

More than half a million Tarrant County residents (27%) are under the age of 18. There is a community-wide need for more opportunities in leadership development, community engagement, character education, college and career readiness and social and emotional learning for our youth.

THE Y’S IMPACT YOUTH & GOVERNMENT: Prepares middle and high school students for leadership through training in the theory and practice of developing public policy.

Students increase their political awareness and understanding while learning the meaning of social action through an actual experience in government.

FUTURE LEADERS: Designed to engage counselor-identified, economically challenged high school seniors with business, civic, government, military and nonprofit leaders, providing access to post-high school education options and adult advisors who inspire success.

TEEN LEADERSHIP CAMP: Providing day and overnight camp experience for teens ages 16-17, where they engage in activities that build leadership skills, while working with trained Y staff to learn effective methods for interacting with younger children.

TEEN EMPLOYMENT: As one of the area’s largest employers of teens, the Y offers part-time job opportunities which teach life-long skills like work ethic, team work, improved social skills, responsibility and money management.

DEVELOPING POTENTIAL

SUMMER CAMP

COMMUNITY NEED

1,000 hours: approximate number of instructional hours required of middle school and high school students each year 4,000 hours: approximate number of hours of digital media content U.S. youths aged 8 to 18 absorb each year When kids take a break from TV, cell phones, and the Internet, they rediscover their creative powers and engage the real world—real people, real activities, and real emotions. According to Psychology today, participating in summer camp gives kids experiences that make them more resilient.

THE Y’S IMPACT DAY CAMP: Filled with crafts, games and activities geared toward a specific theme, day camp offers character development activities, team building, swim time and weekly field trips.

OVERNIGHT CAMP: Through YMCA Camp Carter overnight camp, campers live, play and build deep bonds with their peers. Campers must rely on the others in their cabin groups to share daily responsibilities.

LEADERS IN TRAINING CAMP (LIT): A supportive day camp experience for teens ages 13-15 to develop leadership skills, gain a better understanding of themselves and others, experience volunteering, and meet new people.

INTERNATIONAL CAMP COUNSELORS: Providing summer camp experiences in the U.S. as well as cultural exchange opportunities across the globe, YMCA Camp Carter hosts international camp counselors each summer. These college-aged students are not only experiencing the U.S. in a unique and significant way, but the enthusiasm and cultural experiences they bring to Y campers are tremendous.

DEVELOPING POTENTIAL

ADAPTIVE SUMMER CAMPS

COMMUNITY NEED

Nearly 20% of all children and adolescents have a chronic condition or disability (National Center on Physical Activity and Disability), and the levels of participation in recreational or school sport, and physical activity programs are much lower than their non-disabled counterparts.

THE Y’S IMPACT CAMP CAN DO: A day camp specifically designed for children ages 6-12 with visual impairments, with staff and volunteers from the Texas Health and Human Service Commission, Cook Children’s and the Alexander Vision Center.

CAMP LIGHTHOUSE: Working with Lighthouse for the Blind to offer youth with visual impairments an overnight camp experience as they learn to navigate the world and try new things.

CAMP LANCELOT: In partnership with Cook Children’s, this camp supports youth ages 6-12 learning diabetes management strategies.

CAMP L4 (LIVE, LEARN, LAUGH & LOVE): Partnering with Recovery Resource Council to support at-risk youth coming from local domestic violence, homeless shelters or foster care programs.

CAMP CARE: Working with Cancer Care Services to support youth who have a close family member battling cancer.

KIDS ARE HEROES TOO: Supporting youth in active military families have a fun camp experience.

COMMUNITY HEALTH & BELONGING

ACCESS FOR ALL

COMMUNITY NEED

More than 1 in 5 (23%) of Tarrant County families earned less than $35,000 (a living wage) in 2018 which impacts their ability to afford even basic needs like food, child care and housing.

Financial stress can have major effects on your health. Stress, in general, can cause heart attacks, strokes, and many other serious health issues regardless of the source. Financial stress can have a direct impact on your family’s health. According to research, families under financial

stress are more likely to suffer poorer health.

THE Y’S IMPACT

OPEN DOORS: The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth welcomes all who wish to participate and believes that no one should be denied access to the Y based on their ability to pay. Through Open Doors, the Y provides assistance to youth, adults and families based on certain qualifiers including free and reduced lunch, HUD/Section 8, SNAP (food stamps), WIC, Medicaid and CHIP. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Thanks in large part to donations to the Annual Campaign, the Y offers financial assistance to anyone in our community whose income doesn’t allow for membership, swim lessons, youth sports, camp, afterschool and so much more. Eligibility for financial assistance and the amount awarded is determined on an individual basis.

COMMUNITY HEALTH & BELONGING

ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS

COMMUNITY NEED

According to the National Institute of Aging, exercising as a senior may delay or even prevent diseases like diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart disease and osteoporosis, just to name a few. Exercise can help alleviate symptoms of depression and improve the mood in general. Health experts advise that regular exercise for the elderly offers great health benefits, including extending lifespan. But alarmingly,

only 1 in 4 people between the ages of 65 and 74 exercise regularly.

THE Y’S IMPACT

SILVERSNEAKERS®: This program is designed to increase strength, flexibility and endurance for senior adults – both those enrolled in SilverSneakers® through their insurance plans and YMCA members.

ENHANCE FITNESS: An evidence-based group exercise program for older adults that uses simple, easy-to-learn movements that motivate individuals (particularly those with arthritis) to stay active throughout their life. Each class session includes cardiovascular, strength training, balance and flexibility exercises and the fostering of strong social relationships between participants.

A MATTER OF BALANCE: A free 8-week structured group intervention that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

SOCIAL EVENTS: The Y provides many opportunities for active older adults to interact in daily classes, committee meetings and social events including potlucks and special trips.

COMMUNITY HEALTH & BELONGING

CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION & MANAGEMENT

COMMUNITY NEED Chronic diseases are among the most prevalent and costly health conditions in the United States. Nearly half (133 million) of all Americans

suffer from at least one chronic disease and the number is growing. Chronic diseases - including, cancer, diabetes, hypertension,

stroke, heart disease, respiratory diseases, arthritis and obesity - can lead to hospitalization, long-term disability, reduced quality of life, and death. In

fact, chronic diseases are among the nation’s leading cause of death and disability.

THE Y’S IMPACT YMCA’S DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM: Increasing awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent diabetes and its complications for individuals who have indications of prediabetes.

LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA: A research-based physical activity and well-being program designed to help cancer survivors combat the physical and emotional toll of the disease.

PEDALING FOR PARKINSON’S: Educating patients and caregivers about the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle after a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

EXERT: Partnering with UNT Health Science Center as part of a national clinical trial to test whether physical exercise can slow the progression of mild memory loss and/or mild cognitive impairment in adults between the ages of 65-89.

SALSA SABOR Y SALUD: A healthy-living program developed by the National Latino Children’s Institute to improve awareness of habits leading to better nutrition and increased physical activity for Latino families with children 12 and younger.

COMMUNITY HEALTH & BELONGING

FOOD INSECURITY PREVENTION

COMMUNITY NEED

One of six people in North Texas struggles with hunger.

One of four children comes from a family that lives with uncertainty about their next meal. When compared to other states, Texas has the second highest number of hungry children. Tarrant County is one of the top 10 counties in the U.S. with the highest number of hungry people overall.

THE Y’S IMPACT THE Y FEEDS KIDS: The summer is a particularly vulnerable time for kids who rely on free or reduced-price meals during the school year. Daily nutrition is critical to a child’s success. The Y is helping kids reach their full potential by providing free access to healthy snacks and meals when school is out for summer.

COMMUNITY GARDENS: Supporting education, nutrition and feeding initiatives through several community garden projects. Y gardens engage all ages, from preschoolers to seniors, through year-round activities including planting, tending and harvesting, and providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the activity of gardening can have health benefits including decreased risk of dementia, fights stress, stimulates social interaction and improves strength and stamina.

NUTRITION EDUCATION: Good nutrition is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Combined with physical activity, diet can help a person to reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce risk of chronic diseases, and promote overall health.

The Y’s registered dietitian offers nutritional counseling and advice to support weight loss, improved sports performance or healthier everyday eating habits. Additionally, the dietitian coordinates cooking demonstrations at various branches.

COMMUNITY HEALTH & BELONGING

VOLUNTEERISM

COMMUNITY NEED

Volunteering rates in America have reached their lowest point in more than a decade, in both numbers and hours. According to a recent study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 25.4% of Americans volunteer, or 1 in 4 Americans.

Volunteering is multi-faceted in its importance to our society. It enriches our society, brings us together as a community, and helps keep businesses and other organizations afloat. Volunteers are integral to our community.

THE Y’S IMPACT Through volunteerism, we can truly engage “all” in our YMCA mission. At the Y, volunteers can: • Serve on the board of directors, boards of managers and committees • Raise funds to ensure the Y is accessible to all members of the community • Coach sports teams and teach classes • Motivate and support youth in building the character strengths, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, smart life choices and the pursuit of higher education and goals • Extend a hand to help adults who want to do more, be more or live healthier • Advocate for the Y’s efforts to influence policies and initiatives that positively impact societal issues of importance to the nation, and our community • Participate in opportunities to give back and support neighbors

COMMUNITY HEALTH & BELONGING

RECONNECTING WITH NATURE

COMMUNITY NEED The term nature deficit disorder describes “the human costs of alienation from nature.” Without regular immersion in nature, we can suffer physical and emotional distress, including anxiety, depression and obesity. Kids in particular become affected with attention disorders and can be less focused in school.

The effects from nature deficit disorder could lead to the first

generation being at risk of having a shorter lifespan than their parents. People who don’t get nature-time seem more prone to anxiety, depression and attention-deficit problems.

Richard Louv, author and co-founder, Children & Nature Network

THE Y’S IMPACT NATURE CAN REDUCE YOUR STRESS: While urban life is connected with increased levels of depression, a walk outdoors can improve mental health. According to one poll, 90 percent of youth who spent time in nature said that it helped alleviate stress.

NATURE CAN BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM: Contact with nature has been shown to support overall health and well-being. Although it remains unclear how nature can eliminate diseases like cancer, heart disease, depression and diabetes, studies suggest that it does offer protection from these illnesses.

NATURE CAN HELP YOU RECOVER FROM ILLNESS: Being in natural settings has been shown to help decrease systolic blood pressure and cortisol levels, which can aid in recovery and promote greater health and also improve sleep patterns.

NATURE CAN INCREASE YOUR ENERGY LEVELS: Several studies indicated that exposure to nature can increase energy levels and simply help people feel more alive.

YMCA OF METROPOLITAN FORT WORTH These cards represent ways the YMCA is impacting critical issues in our community through programs focused on: Water Safety Preventing water-related injuries and drownings Developing Potential Creating awareness for advocacy by equipping youth with leadership opportunities Education Equipping children to be school ready and providing a safe environment to learn life skills Community Health & Belonging Enhancing a healthy lifestyle through resources and offerings

THE Y’S MISSION

To put Christian principles into practice through programs, services and relationships that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

THE Y’S CAUSE

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. We believe that positive, lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.

That’s why we focus our work in three areas: Youth Development nurturing the potential of every child and teen Healthy Living­ improving the community’s health and well-being Social Responsibility giving back and supporting our neighbors

YMCA OF METROPOLITAN FORT WORTH 512 Lamar Street, Suite 400, Fort Worth, TX 76102 817-335-9622 | ymcafw.org