Young Mens Christian Assoc Inc

Head start program: the ymca of frederick county is currentlyin year 13 of administering the federal head start grant for frederick county, maryland. This grant supports a total of 144 children and their families through both head start and early head start programming - 120 funded head start slots and 24 funded early head start slots. Services are provided at six locations across the county: bernard brown, beth sholom congregation, church street, emmitsburg, staley and the ymca's birth to five child development center. Head start has been a part of the frederick county community for over fifty years. The ymca took over the grant in 2012, following the frederick county government's decision to relinquish it after more than 45 years of management. The program promotes school readiness for vulnerable children from birth to age five by supporting early learning, health and family well-being. It aims to prepare children for success in school and beyond by fostering their cognitive, social and emotional development through a comprehensive range of services, including health, nutrition, social support - tailored based on family needs assessments. All services are responsive to each child's and family's ethnic, cultural, and linguistic background. Head start places a strong emphasis on the role of parents as their child's first and most important teachers. In implementing the program, the ymca has successfully partnered with community organizations to secure service locations and additional funding. The program is funded by an 80% federal grant, with a required 20% local or association match, which may be met through cash or in-kind contributions such as space and services.

Membership services: the ymca provides the opportunity for anyone in frederick county to participate in ymca programming and activities, to enroll regardless of their ability to pay. Financial assistance is made possible through the board of directors' efforts and numerous local businesses and organizations, on behalf of the ymca, and to support the initiatives of the ymca while focusing on the strategic plan. The ymca continues to be successful in positioning itself as a leader in the community by providing services and activities to community members where other agencies or organizations might not be in a position to do so. Over the last year, the ymca has partnered with a variety of agencies and organizations to provide quality activities to the community, allowing these local charities and organizations to leverage resources, both financial and physical support, as well as eliminating duplicate services within the community. Community partnerships include, but are not limited to: the city of frederick, frederick county government, american diabetes foundation, housing authority, blessings in a backpack, frederick children's chorus, peabody institute, american legion, and coip. The ymca of frederick county continued to implement the strategic plan. The association continues to upgrade and improve its facilities and use space to meet the demands of more than 30,000 unique members participating in ymca services. The most valuable asset of the ymca is its people. The association continues to reach out to both membership and staff to conduct surveys, encourage feedback, and respond to the needs of the community.

Programs such as youth and community programs and adult programs align with the mission of the ymca that promote general welfare of the residents of frederick, maryland. These programs support a positive environment for residents of frederick maryland to make healthy living choices that give them the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.