YMCA of Greater Flint

Social Responsibility The YMCA of Greater Flint is the place that can make our community whole - where common ground is plenty, differences are assets and opportunity is for all. We have been listening and responding to our community's most critical social needs for more than 100 years. Y programs, such as our school-based Safety Around Water, community-based Safety Around Water, Income-Based Memberships, Safe Places Afterschool Program and the numerous camps for kids with special needs, are just a few examples of how we deliver resources and support that empowers our community to effect change, bridge gaps, and overcome obstacles. The Y Safety Around Water (YSAW) program is two programs, one based in the schools partnering with Flint Community Schools, the other community based with partners Crim Fitness Foundation, PAL (Police Athletic League). In 2024, 200 4th grade students participated and an additional students in the community program participated in multi-week water safety courses. YSAW provides these students with simple and straightforward ways to ensure their safety in and around the water. The goal of the YMCA of schools and community partnership is to lessen the number of deaths due to drowning, currently the second leading cause of accidental death for youth in Michigan and the nation. This rate of drowning increases if the youth is male, African-American, and impoverished. In a community which experiences a poverty rate of approximately 44% with a large African-American urban population this is an important issue. Overwhelmingly, students who participated in the program improved their swimming safety skills and became safer around water as a result. The YMCA is dedicated to reaching children in ways that will keep them safe and improve their quality of life. Swimming is more than a recreational skill, it's a skill that can save lives, and it is vitally important that we provide this opportunity to kids from all socio-economic groups at an early age. The YMCA of Greater Flint raises money annually to support its financial assistance program. Over, 6,800 people in our community were able to receive scholarships to participate at the Y because of our Partner with Youth Campaign. At the YMCA, we believe that no one should be turned away because of their inability to pay. We provide income-based pricing for memberships, youth programs, and camping experiences throughout the year. Through our partnerships at Camp Copneconic, we are able to provide camping experiences for children with diabetes, cancer, Crohn's and Colitis, children from foster programs and a variety of other unique situations. Through our extensive partnerships, we continue to positively impact our community in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. These partnerships include Camp Kesem at the University of Michigan, Camp Kesem at Michigan State University, the Sikh Youth Alliance of North America, the Autism Support and Resource Center of Genesee County, Michigan District Lutheran Church, Camp Quality, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Hurley Children's Hospital, National Kidney Foundation, and the American Diabetes Association.