YMCA Outreach Highlights

A BETTER COMMUNITY BEGINS WITH

US

YMCA OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA

A SAFE COMMUNITY FOR ALL All means all: no asterisk, no exception, no qualification.

All is limitless, all is inclusive, and all is empowering.

All is us. All is you. All is them.

We bring people together.

We connect people of all ages and backgrounds, from all walks of life to meet community needs.

We are addressing major health issues.

We work closely with local health partners to provide community based solutions to chronic health issues.

We are a catalyst for change.

We develop youth, work to prevent chronic disease, build a healthier community and encourage social responsibility.

We are closing the achievement gap.

We empower people.

FOR A BETTER US

We provide the tools for everyone, regardless or age or income to have a balanced spirit, mind and body.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

www.ymcacva.org

Through community partnerships we provide innovative programs so kids can discover who they are and what they can achieve.

We provide knowledge and character development to help young people reach their God given potential.

We are developing the next generation of leaders.

We promote fun activities that build athletic, social, interpersonal and leadership skills.

We give kids opportunity.

We are community centered.

For more than 160 years, we have been listening and responding to our community’s needs.

TOGETHER WE ARE UNLOCKING POTENTIAL POSSIBILITIES

AND THE PROMISE OF A BETTER COMMUNITY We are dedicated to empowering individuals so that our community as a whole can be stronger and better. A stronger economy, an innovative

education system, a brighter workforce, and a community that is healthy in spirit, mind, and body. You can be the key that will unlock the door to a better community for us all.

A BETTER COMMUNITY IS WHAT DRIVES OUR PASSION

OUR COMMITMENT - We are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility within our community.

The Y ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.

OUR PROMISE - Though the world may be unpredictable, one thing remains certain - the Y is, and always will be, dedicated to building healthy, confident, secure and connected children, families and communities.

OUR MISSION - To put Christian Principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

OUR LEGACY - For over 160 years, we have created a sense of community with a safe and supportive environment while being open and an advocate for all.

WE PROVIDE HOPE AND HEALING TO LOCAL VETERANS YOGA FOR WARRIORS

The US Department of Veteran Affairs reports that 11%-20% of veterans are afflicted with PTSD or PTSD like symptoms after returning from military service.

Research shows that programs like Yoga for Warriors at the Downtown YMCA can help individuals build physical, mental and emotional stamina to overcome issues caused by combat or non-combat trauma experiences.

LOCAL VETERANS, BOTH MALE AND FEMALE ARE NOW LIVING THEIR LIVES TO THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL BY: • Averting homelessness • Reducing symptoms of PTSD such as depression and anxiety • Becoming stronger mentally, emotionally and physically • Learning to be engaged and present in their every day lives • Having a place to belong among their peers and their community • Gaining a sense of pride and accomplishment

REDEFINING HEALTH TRANSFORMING LIVES CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION, MANAGEMENT AND THERAPY

We aid members and participants in the prevention of diabetes, and the management of Parkinson’s Disease and multiple sclerosis.

DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM Of the 86 million people with prediabetes, only 10 percent know their condition. The Y is redefining health and transforming lives in this 12 month program that makes healthy living attainable, and affordable.

PWR MOVES Those with Parkinson’s Disease can regain control and postpone the progression of common symptoms related to Parkinson’s Disease through specially designed physical activity.

MS TheraPOOLtic Those will Multiple Sclerosis can build strength, and regain balance and range of motion.

“Through this program, I rediscovered how to move. Now, I don’t even need my wheelchair.

I learned how to live again. Because of this program I can face my challenges and move forward.” - Frank Patton

WE ARE PAVING THE WAY TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR LOCAL KIDS ACHIEVEMENT GAP

1 out of 5 kids in our community come from low income homes. These children often start school unprepared, increasing their chance at a future with limited access to education and jobs.

At the Y, we believe all kids have potential.

Our Summer Achievement Gap Program empowers kids to do more than they ever thought possible.

By providing access to literacy tools, STEM activities and enrichment programs in a caring atmosphere led by certified teachers we are helping to close the achievement gap.

HIGHLIGHTS 193 local kids, increasing 193Wetheirempowered self-esteem, reading & math skills

3

Months gain in math skills

1

Month gain in reading skills

of parents reported they are more

80% involved in their child’s education new skills through innovative Visual 100% developed and Performing Arts, and STEM Activities 175

Each child was engaged in 175 hours of interactive and instructional learning

13,986 Proper nutrition was ensured through meals served

free healthy meals and snacks

• 444 kids in before and after school care • 348 kids in summer camp • 30% of our families receive donor supported financial assistance providing their children a safe place when school is out

WE PROVIDE FAMILIES PEACE OF MIND, AND KIDS A SAFE PLACE WHEN SCHOOL IS OUT SUMMER DAY CAMP Camping, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character and making friends. At Y Day Camp kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE With a focus on safety, health, social growth and academic enhancement, Y before and after-school programs serve kindergartners through 6th graders with a variety of programmatic and activity options to explore and develop their interests and talents.

CHILD CARE SUPPORTS FAMILIES THAT NEED IT THE MOST 34% of children today are living in a single parent home with only one source of income, while 31% of kids come from two parent homes, where both parents work.

Day Camp and Before and After School Care keep kids from getting into trouble during the hours when most parents work. Parents can work without worry, and kids learn, grow and thrive.

KIDS ARE GAINING CONFIDENCE AND CULTIVATING LEADERSHIP SKILLS Safe swimming saves lives, and youth sports build character and confidence.

Each year over 1,500 kids develop leadership skills though Y sports, and over 1,800 participate in swim lessons.

We work closely with community partners to provide free outreach safe swimming lessons to kids from under resourced areas, and those with special needs.

716 LIVES WERE STRENGTHENED THROUGH OUTREACH SWIM LESSONS WITH THESE COMMUNITY PARTNERS • Boys and Girls Club • Big Brothers Big Sisters • Brookville Elementary • Fort Hill Elementary • Yellow Branch Elementary • Sheffield Elementary • Dearington Elementary • Dunbar Middle School • Laurel School

Donor supported financial assistance ensures these life changing programs are available to all kids in our community.

AQUA POETS

WE ARE HELPING ADULTS STAY ACTIVE AND ENGAGED Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans ages 55 and older. Major life changes such as the loss of a loved one and living in isolation are just a few of the common reasons older adults face depression.

Often times this is misdiagnosed causing a once active and vibrant senior to live life feeling alone and disconnected.

At the Y we provide support and guidance to our seniors. Keeping them active helps promote mental, physical and emotional well-being.

1,305 ENGAGE THROUGH LIFE ENHANCING PROGRAMS, OVER 1,800 ARE CONNECTED THROUGH MEMBERSHIP

The Active Adult Program at the YMCA of Central Virginia takes a holistic approach that provides opportunities for mental stimulation, emotional connection, relationship building, physical activity, and community exploration.

We give seniors a place to become active and stay engaged with peers in their community.

• Hiking Club • Book Club • Bridge Club • Mahjongg Club • Workshops • Travel Opportunities

• Group Wellness • Chronic Disease Prevention and Management • Water Aerobics • Special Events

UNLOCKING OUR FUTURE

The keys to making our community better for everyone lie our passion for a better tomorrow.

AT THE Y WE ARE

Increasing opportunities for education Keeping families connected Creating a healthier community Preventing chronic disease Empowering youth and adults Bringing our community together

WE ALL NEED THE Y

Moms need minute to recharge and gain mental clarity, kids need to connect with their dads, a widow needs a place to belong, a veteran needs hope, a child needs nutrition and the chance of a brighter future. The Y provides all these things, and much more.

WE CAN’T DO THIS ALONE

When everyone has access to these vital programs our entire community benefits. We need your help! Your donation helps unlock the doors of opportunity for your neighbors and friends.

7,255 LIVES ENHANCED

7,255 people; kids, seniors and adults received donor supported financial assistance last year.

Without your support this wouldn’t be possible.

Give at ymcacva.org/give, today.

#bethekey #GIVE to the Y for a better community

YMCA OF CENTRAL VIRGINIA 1309 Church St. Lynchburg, VA 24504 www.ymcacva.org