Central Florida Young Mens Christian Association

Youth development programs and initiatives: youth development is a core area of impact at the ymca of central florida, where we nurture the potential of every child-from cradle to career-through programs that build values, wellness, enrichment, and teamwork. In 2024, thousands of children were supported at ymca family centers, partner schools, and dedicated y child development centers. Continued on schedule o.more than 1,760 children received high-quality early learning at our centers at walt disney world resort and the osceola county ymca. Additionally, over 2,360 elementary and middle school students benefited from safe, enriching before and after school programs at 30 schools across orange, osceola, and lake counties. These programs provided hands-on experiences in reading, science, math, music, and the arts to improve school readiness and academic success.our commitment to year-round learning continued through summer camp and out-of-school programs. In 2024, more than 3,670 youth participated in y summer camps at 23 locations. We also engaged thousands of families in free, fun, healthy activities during our annual free healthy kids day in april and our new healthy families day in august.recognizing the importance of both physical and mental wellness, the y served over 9,800 youth through sports programs that taught teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence, and healthy habits. Teens also built leadership and life skills through programs like links 2 learning, teen leaders club, howard after hours, and community service projects. To meet the evolving interests of today's youth, the y expanded its e-sports program in 2024, offering a safe space for teens to develop skills and connect with peers.

Aquatics:with water everywhere in florida, the y knows that swimming is a life skill that everyone must learn to stay safe, secure, and enjoy the water. To meet the needs of everyone from infants to seniors, the ymca of central florida proudly offers a strong menu of aquatics programming that ranges from infant drowning prevention (safe start) to introductory swimming and swim lessons for youth and adults of all ages and abilities. Continued on schedule o.the y is keenly aware of the reality that drowning is the leading cause of death in florida for children under the age of four (4) years. To combat the risk of drowning, the ymca of central florida has teamed with dr. Phillips charities and infant swimming resource to deliver "safe start," which is a drowning-prevention program offered to infants as young as six (6) months. Safe start teaches children how to survive in the water by holding their breath underwater and how to roll over and float. Safe start provides a solution to keep children safe in and around water, one infant at a time. In 2024, over 260 children were enrolled and taught in safe start, bringing the total to over 19,960 children who have completed the water safety program since 1999. In addition, the y was also able to provide swim lessons and an array of aquatic classes to nearly 10,000 adults and children in 2024, including aqua fitness classes for active older adults such as shallow water fitness, swim workout and aquafit. The result of this commitment from the y is a strong aquatics program that encourages not only water safety, but swim proficiency. With 15 indoor and outdoor pools, the ymca of central florida remains a leading community advocate for water safety and for the positive impact aquatics can have on health and well-being for all ages.

Social responsibility initiatives: at the ymca of central florida, we bring people together to give back, support neighbors, and strengthen our community through the y's mission of building healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Whether as a member, volunteer, or donor, there are many ways to make a lasting difference through the y.thanks to the generosity of our community, the y provided free and reduced-cost programs and services to those in need. In 2024, over $1.76 million in charitable gifts helped fund vital programs, services, and membership assistance, ensuring access for all, regardless of income. Over 44,000 of our central florida neighbors who faced barriers to access were able to experience high quality program and membership at the y thanks to the generosity of our donors and our financial assistance program.volunteers are also essential to our impact. In 2024, more than 1,790 volunteers contributed their time and talents to support programs and strengthen our neighborhoods. Throughout the year, the y partnered with local organizations to offer free community services both in person and online. In 2024, we hosted multiple blood drives with oneblood, supported families with school readiness resources, and provided over 500 students with backpacks, school supplies, and essential services to help them succeed.