Miami County Ymca

Social Responsibility: The focus of the Miami County YMCA Childcare program is to foster appropriate growth and development, not only in the children we serve, but also in their parents and families. The program is designed to be educational and help children develop moral behavior, ethical behavior, self-esteem, and healthy lifestyles. The Miami County YMCA Childcare program allows parents of the children in the program to remain gainfully employed, knowing that their children are thriving in a safe and supportive environment. In 2024, a total of 80 youth were enrolled in the Childcare program ranging in age from 6 weeks to the 6th grade. With the assistance of the United Way and the local nursing homes, the Miami County YMCA Senior Activity Program is in its 14th year of existence. The seniors in the program enjoy access to recreational activities including; cards, billiards, bingo days, trips, exercise programs, healthy lifestyle seminars, carry-in lunches, etc. The Activity Center has been successful largely because of local volunteers who work at the center. In 2024, over 200 seniors were served at the YMCA Activity Center. In keeping with its practice of including everyone regardless of ability to pay, the YMCA provides financial assistance to those unable to afford a membership. In 2024, nearly 762 community members were awarded financial assistance valued at over $113,797.

Youth Development: The YMCA also promotes youth development through its competitive swim team program. The program utilizes YMCA swimming pool facilities 5 days per week. It's the intent of the program for every youth swimmer to participate and have fun. At the same time, the young team members are learning lifelong skills of how to be a part of a team. In 2024, 124 youth participated in the Miami County Swim Team. In addition to its own team, the Miami County YMCA hosted 250 youth swimmers from 8 different area high schools in 2024. The YMCA Summer Day Camp program is designed to give youth in Miami County an opportunity to develop and grow in an outdoor camp atmosphere. By using outdoor sites and providing challenging activities in both small and large group settings, youth participants grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. In addition, youth in the program develop self-confidence, friendship skills, teamwork skills, independence, and how to be better family members. The camp takes place during summer months when school in on break. Over the summer of 2024, 154 children participated in the camp. It's the intent of the YMCA to provide age-appropriate activities to at-risk youth in grades 5th through 8th after school. Youth who attend the center experience a positive environment where they feel safe and welcomed. While at the center, youth participate in both structured and non-structured activities intended to help them raise their self-efficacy and their outlook of self while interacting with positive role models. In 2024, an average of 20 youth attended the Activity Center program each day. The Youth Activity Center is open 208 days out of the year. In 2024, 913 youth registered for youth sports programs and instructional gymnastics programs.