Young Mens Christian Association Of Greater Richmond

Youth development is the second largest of our program expenses. The y provides enriching learning opportunities to youth through education, support, physical and emotional guidance to prepare them for a lifetime of thriving. We do this by providing academic support, physical activity, social connectivity, family engagement, while promoting healthy eating habits in all of our programs. We offer children and teens the opportunity to cultivate the values, skills and relationships that lead to educational achievement, positive behaviors and better health. Over 12,000 children were enrolled in youth sports in 2024 across the association. 9,800 individuals were involved in swimming programs, as the y emphasized its drowning prevention programming both at its facilities and in cooperation with local school systems. The y served 4,500 children in its after-school programs, while over 2,500 of these students received financial assistance. The ymca served over 5,500 children in its summer camp programs and power scholar academy services were offered in henrico county and the city of petersburg. Financial assistance of over $1.4 million was provided to individuals who may otherwise not have been able to afford the full cost of youth services.

Social responsibility is the third largest of our program expenses. The y is committed to being accessible to everyone by identifying, addressing and eliminating economic, geographical and cultural barriers. At the y, everyone has the opportunity to belong. Through our new community impact initiative, we are emphasizing community health, adaptive programs, active older adults, welcome centers, and spirituality. We do this by engaging and convening the varying demographics in our community to live, work and play through our program services and volunteerism. In 2024, 12,300 individuals volunteered their time, talent, and treasure to ymca of greater richmond programs. The y provides subsidized school aged programs in multiple communities to allow children the opportunity to attend before and after school programs. The y continued its longstanding bright beginnings program by collecting school supplies from community groups and providing special events for the distribution of the supplies to 2,400 students through local elementary schools. The y expanded its social needs navigation programs in the richmond region providing access to food, shelter, and healthcare resources to over 3,800 individuals. The ymca continues to be a convener in the richmond region through its participation in the help1rva initiative which provides access to vital community services. The ymca and its volunteers distributed 184 tons of food at its mobile food distribution sites. In addition, the ymca of greater richmond remains a positive force for social change. Financial assistance of over $1.5 million was provided in order for youth to participate in ymca outreach programs.