A Bold Plan for Our Kids. A Bright Future for Our Community.

by Jim Ferber Most people know the Y as a safe, nurturing place where kids learn to swim, shoot hoops and become better athletes. But at today’s Y, kids are just as likely to have a reading coach as a soccer coach. And when we celebrate home runs, we know the biggest victories are often taking place in the classroom.   That’s because the Y of Central Florida has adopted a bold, comprehensive plan to support youth and education at every stage of development.   From infancy through college, we are helping kids enter school ready to learn, stay ahead of the achievement gap and become the strong, confident graduates of tomorrow. We’re also instilling values ─ qualities like honesty, caring and responsibility ─ that will help them excel in all aspects of their lives.   And by providing quality, affordable afterschool and summer programs, we are serving busy families who worry about keeping their kids safe, active and learning when they are working.   That’s why we say, "There’s school time, there’s family time and then there’s Y-time." It’s a winning formula that gives kids the “wrap-around” support and mentoring they need to reach their highest potential.  At the Y, it’s what we strive for every day.   Jim Ferber President/CEO YMCA of Central Florida