Wapakoneta Family Ymca

Health and well-being for all. As of 2024, 19.7% of children and nearly 35% of adults are classified as obese (cdc). The ymca provides our community with supportive relationships and environments they need for their successful pursuit of health and well -being in spirit, mind, and body. Men, women and children of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels improve health and well-being at the ymca. In year 2024, we provided 163,001.99 in financial assistance to overcome economic barriers for participation to 1,787 individuals. Helping people of all ages and abilities develop health in spirit, mind, and body is at the core of the ymca movement. Our programs are designed to help people create realistic goals for self-improvement and emphasize disease prevention through regular exercise, proper nutrition, stress management, and health education. Sports programs for youth, families, and adults promote teamwork, interaction, and development of social and physical skills. Our pace class is an aquatics program that keeps seniors active and flexible; our preschool sports programs help to develop physical skills in toddlers and preschoolers; our family swim time gives adults and children shared time in the pool to appreciate one another and promote intergenerational relationships. Our services are offered at affordable fees for the community at large, with reasonable accommodations for those with special needs, and with financial assistance available for those who cannot afford the full fee. Members can participate in most adult health and wellness programs free of additional fees. Our ymca offers programs designed to promote total wellness of individuals, through group support and incentives that will give them the tools needed to make permanent lifestyle changes for the better. These programs team up members and participants with others to give them additional support and encouragement. The ymca is a membership organization and the combination of individuals in a common organization provides structure and strength. As a volunteer organization, ymca members serve on the board of trustees and related committees. Members also provide volunteer program leadership. Through the board, members determine the quality and quantity of services, facilities, and leadership, and assess themselves dues to provide for these things. The ymca participates in a long range planning process to determine the direction of its programming, and all elements of the plan are tested against the mission to determine if they contribute to our purpose. This plan is approved by the members of the board of trustees. Members are also asked to contribute financially to the ymca. Each year, we strive to raise funds through an annual support campaign to help offset the cost of memberships and programs to those in our community that don't have the ability to pay the full membership fees. In support of our exemption, the ymca is committed to providing membership programs and child care to those who cannot afford to pay. This is in sharp contrast to those who provide fitness services in private, for profit organizations. The ymca provides space for other non-profit and community-based organizations to utilize space in the ymca at little or no-cost. This type of access helps other organizations face broader community problems. The ymca provided 23,400 worth of space to outside organizations last year. Additionally, the ymca donated 3,290 worth of ymca guest passes. Additionally, our staff team provided 6,200 in outreach and support for community service organizations and groups as volunteers. We provided financial assistance to 336 individuals, awarding 62,091.99 in membership assistance, and 100,910 to 1,451 individuals for program assistance, outreach to under-served community through programs, and capital investments. We have a membership base of approximately 7,500 individuals. Last year, 4% of our membership base received some form of financial help for membership and programs, touching the lives of those affected and making a difference for generations to come.

Family strengthening. Parents now spend an average of 10-12 hours less per week with their children than they did in 1960. The ymca is committed to helping families build stronger bonds by bringing them together in a variety of activities that help form stable relationships, enhance communication and promote healthier lifestyles. Our ymca helps families build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance and become more engaged with their communities through our child care program. We offer high quality child care activities for school age children from all segments of our community. We offer state licensed child care, which provides a safe and nurturing environment where youth can develop self-esteem, good values and an appreciation of charitable service. Woven into the fabric of the ymca mission is a commitment to strengthening families. Our childcare program includes counseling of troubled youth and parents, assisting child victims of physical and sexual abuse, and helping parents learn more about how to raise children that are happy and healthy in spirit, mind and body. Last year, we served 6 participants with assistance and awarded financial assistance in the amount of 61,110 in our child care program. Ymca child care programs relieve the burden of balancing work and family and make it possible for parents of children in our care to remain gainfully employed, knowing that their children are thriving in a safe, developmentally sound environment. The ymca provides tuition assistance for child care and day camp services. Over 82,252 was awarded to families to defray their fees this year. In addition, we provide aid to families who need help due to family violence, substance abuse, etc. By collaborating with other social service agencies. We also provide a variety of activities that emphasize parent education and help parents learn more about how to raise healthy, happy children who develop self-esteem and moral and ethical values. In 2024, 40% of our after-school child care program was helped with financial assistance, and 60% of our infant, toddler, preschool program, and day campers were on scholarship as well. In light of the rising obesity rates in this country, our ymca engages our community in a variety of events and community activities designed to help the "at risk population" develop habits and relationships that lead to more active lifestyles.