Much More Than a Place: A Cause--The YMCA Strengthens Communities, Addresses Critical Societal Issues

Across the nation, children and families are learning how to strengthen their bodies, minds and communities. These families are part of an important movement led by the YMCA, a nonprofit organization that has been making communities stronger and healthier for 163 years and counting. The Y, including the YMCA of the Twin Cities, gives more than 9 million kids and 12 million adults a year the opportunity to reach their full potential.

To highlight its longstanding commitment to communities and better inform people about available resources, the Y recently launched its first awareness program since World War I. Like millions of Americans already know, the Y is more than just a place to play basketball or swim laps. As one of the nation’s leading nonprofits with more than 2,700 associations across the country, the Y is at the forefront of causes associated with healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. Each local YMCA provides the tools and foundation for kids, adults and families to be physically and mentally healthy, confident and productive members of their communities.

Here are just a few ways the Y engages community members:

Healthy Living. The Y knows that being healthy is more than being physically active. From offering nutrition counseling and recreational activities to focusing on family time and community initiatives, the Y helps people of all ages lead healthier lives inside and out. This includes programs focused on water safety to prevent injuries and drownings and health management to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes.

Through resources offered at her local Y, Boston resident and hospital nurse Antoinette Chabilal, 55, overcame health challenges related to high blood pressure, unhealthy weight and torn cartilage in her knee. Her involvement with the Y has helped Chabilal manage her weight, improve mobility and live a healthier life every day.

“I couldn’t have done it without my new family from the Roxbury YMCA,” she said.

Youth Development. All kids have great potential. The Y serves as a resource to help build strong academic and physical skills, plus a lifelong foundation of self-confidence and passion. The Y can help families in any stage of development, whether it’s offering child care and early learning programs or fostering relationships developed through team sports and overnight camps.

Sabrina Ruiz, 17, took advantage of youth programs as a member of California’s Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA. Through these programs, Ruiz gained the confidence to become a junior lifeguard, lead arts and crafts classes at the Y nursery school and join the Y’s Youth in Government group.

“My mom wanted my sister, brother and me to be in a safe place where we could thrive,” she said. “The Y has been a source of strength for me and my family.”

Social Responsibility. Dating back to its founding on Christian principles, the Y is firmly committed to fostering social responsibility among community members. Thanks to its network of 500,000 volunteers around the country, the Y helps people support their communities and give back through food donation programs, social services, and grassroots advocacy.

Visit YMCA.net/somuchmore to learn more about working with your local Y to make a difference in your community.

*Source: YMCA of the USA