Young Mens Christian Association Of South Palm Beach County Inc

Youth development: our y is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We believe that all deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That is why we help young people cultivate the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. Our y focuses on youth development programs such as youth sports, after-school care, aquatics, preschool and special needs programming for individuals with disabilities. These programs offer a range of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical and emotional growth. We offer three preschool programs at our sites - one at each of our two branches and one at ncci holdings inc. (a corporate based program). Over 285 children attended preschool in 2024, with those demonstrating need receiving financial assistance. Our goals are to provide affordable, quality childcare for preschool children ages 3 months to 5 years, to provide working families with a safe place for their children while they work and to prepare children to enter elementary school ready to learn. Camp programs were attended by 2,186 children in 2024, each child averaging around 4 weeks, with almost 33% of the children receiving financial assistance. Our day camps allow parents to maintain employment and provide for their families, while providing children an opportunity to experience character development activities, physical activity, and socialization with children of various abilities and ethnic backgrounds. Camp programs also offers children an opportunity to try new things, participate in fun and educational field trips and learn new skills through sports and aquatics. The y sports program promotes fair play and builds self-esteem. Leagues and clinics ensure that children learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, as well as the rules of the game. While skills of the game are taught, the character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are the most important focus. We offer basketball, cheerleading, flag football, soccer, swim lessons, swim team, martial arts, dance, and volleyball programs each year. With some 2,785 children and teens participating in our youth sports programs last year.

Social responsibility: our y believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We have been listening and responding to our community's most critical social needs for over 52 years. Y programs and volunteer opportunities are examples of how we deliver training, resources and support that empower our neighbors to effect change, bridge gaps and overcome obstacles. In 2024, we engaged over 41,700 y members, participants, volunteers and community partners in activities that strengthen ourselves, our communities, and pave the way for future generations to thrive. The y believes that it has a role in stimulating volunteerism, building citizen leaders of all ages, and providing opportunities for people to give back which addresses an important societal need and helps transform our county into a welcoming community. This effort not only enables the y to accomplish its mission, but also provides volunteers with life-changing leadership development opportunities. The y is committed to teaching by word and example; that there are many ways to consider others before self and to develop one's gifts, enabling individuals to do important things for their community. To this point, more than 399 volunteers and 26,150 of volunteer hours have provided services to the y through involvement in our three boards, as coaches on the sports field, as well as in many of our other areas as program and policy volunteers.