Young Mens Christian Association Of The Pikes Peak Region

Youth Development Our YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. All kids deserve to discover who they are and what they can achieve. We help young people cultivate the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement. Our programs, such as Before and After School Care, Day Camp, Resident Camp, Swim Lessons, and Youth Sports, offer a range of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth from toddler to high school age. In 2024, 9,320 children participated in the Y's sports program, and 4,353 took swim lessons to help strengthen their swim skills. The Y held day camps at eight locations, serving 1,138 kids. In 2024, the Y ran 18 Before and After school sites serving 846 participants. The Y's resident camp, Camp Shady Brook, provided 4,353 campers with a personalized camp experience where they can make friends, receive mentoring, and create experiences to ensure they have a summer to remember. Middle School Initiative is a program that provides middle schoolers with a free YMCA membership and programming. This program aims to inspire youth to discover their passions, develop a healthy lifestyle, and gain the assets needed to avoid risky behaviors and succeed in school and life. In 2024, we served over 97 kids, resulting in 3,124 visits.

Social Responsibility Our YMCA believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We have been listening and responding to our community's most critical needs for 147 years. At the Y, working together to strengthen our community is essential for making our community a better place to live and thrive. In 2024, the Y had 24 policy volunteers and 930 program volunteers, resulting in 375 policy volunteer hours and 14,880 program volunteer hours. Program volunteers coach youth sports and mentor our teens. Our policy volunteers help organize and lead events that support our community and raise funds to ensure every child, adult, and family has an opportunity to participate in YMCA programs. The YMCA Military Outreach program connects the vast military population to the community. With multiple deployments and uncertainty about what's ahead, the Y is here to help ease some of the stress of military life. The Y also connects families and provides children with a safe and nurturing environment at our before-and-after-school, Summer Day Camp, and Resident Camp programs. In 2024, 1,882 military-affiliated families and/or individuals received financial assistance, resulting in $411,235 being provided to those who have served our country. Keeping in line with the YMCA's cause of strengthening the community, the YMCA's partnership with the City of Colorado Springs has eased the burden on the government while successfully operating a community recreation center and two outdoor aquatic facilities. These facilities provide the community access to swimming pools, which are crucial in strengthening swimming skills among all ages. The Y offers a highly trained staff that ensures the community has a safe and fun experience. The YMCA also oversees and operates the Colorado Springs Senior Center; in 2024, 468 classes were held, resulting in 15,628 visits. The Y continually seeks activities, programs, and partnerships that strengthen our community and pave the way for future generations.