When we talk about
Youth Development, Healthy Living and
Social Responsibility, nothing highlights the heart of the Y’s mission better than our 11 Outreach Ys. The fact is, not all Ys are created equal. Nearly half serve financially challenged communities such as Pine Hills, South Orlando, Kissimmee and Titusville where families are under tremendous stress.
Enter the Y of Central Florida. With the support of
Dr. Phillips Charities, Winter Park Health Foundation, Wayne Densch Charities, Orange County Government, Darden, Lockheed Martin, and other supporters, investors and donors, we’ve created beautiful, prideful facilities.
Places that
anchor communities, make people feel welcome and give them a sense of belonging.
These Ys also instill values in kids,
help families
de-stress and connect and
empower everyone to
improve their
health and wellness.
Ours is not a short-term or “niche” commitment. The Y has been a
solid, sustaining presence in these communities for
20 years or more.
And we’re there to stay: 24/7, 365 days per year, year after year.
As work begins on the Y’s long-term strategic plan, one of our top priorities is to secure permanent, sustainable funding to expand our
Outreach Mission. And in doing so, we will create a legacy of caring, leadership and Social Responsibility for generations to come.
Jim Ferber President
CEO YMCA of Central Florida
STRENGTHENING AT-RISK KIDS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
Tangelo Park YMCA
Free and Accessible to All
If ever an at-risk community needed a Y, it's Tangelo Park where more than 1,000 residents receive
FREE YMCA access 365 days per year. And we do it with
no outside sources of funding. With many residents working in low-wage service jobs, the Y’s
swimming pool, wellness floor and Links2Learning Golf Center help families reduce stress, combat chronic disease and keep their children safe. Through the
YMCA Teen Achiever program we also provide the extra
mentoring and
support kids need to
stay out of trouble, graduate on time and
pursue successful careers.
South Orlando
YMCA
Breaking Down Barriers in the Oak Ridge/SOBT Corridor
In a community where
juvenile crime is high and
language barriers isolate residents, the
resource-rich South Orlando YMCA is an
oasis of safety and connection for those living in the Oak Ridge Road/South Orange Blossom Trail Corridor. Located next to Oak Ridge High School and an Orange County Park, it’s truly at the center of the community. With a special focus on youth, we also offer a Head Start early learning program, as well as quality after school, summer and weekend programs for keeping kids safe and well-supervised. Through the
YMCA/Lockheed Martin Technology Center and the
Y Links2Learning Golf Center, we also teach the
values, reading, math and science skills kids need to do well in school and
prevent bullying and
school violence.
Osceola YMCA
Combatting Youth Violence, Family Stress and Childhood Obesity
High rates of
foreclosure, unemployment and
poverty continue to impact the Kissimmee area, which is home to people who speak dozens of different languages.
Youth gangs and
juvenile violence are also major concerns, as is childhood obesity. With fully
two-thirds of Osceola kids considered overweight or obese, they’re at higher risk for
serious health, social and behavioral issues, including
bullying. Because the best solutions always begin at home, we work hard to strengthen local families. Through top-notch programs and facilities, we empower them to reduce stress, build stronger bonds and improve their health and wellness.
Cocoa YMCA at Eastern Florida State College
Uniting a Community in Crisis
With 8,000 jobs lost due to the end of the Space Shuttle program, Cocoa and the entire Space Coast Region are struggling. To prevent family stress from spiraling out of control, the Y last year awarded $115,000 in scholarships for summer camp, youth sports and family memberships.
It’s a commitment dating back to 2003 when we first partnered with Brevard Community College to operate its pool and gym. Since then, the facility has grown into a full-fledged YMCA Family Center that anchors the entire Cocoa community.
Suntree YMCA
Responding to Need on the Space Coast
Since 2001, the Suntree YMCA has been serving youth and family needs in Central Brevard County. With
51% of all Brevard elementary students
eligible for free or reduced lunch, we know we have a unique responsibility to help. Last year, $245,000 in scholarships were awarded for youth, family, and health and wellness programs. And with discussions underway to possibly build a
new Y in Viera, we’re looking to
deepen our commitment even further.
Titusville YMCA
Deepening Roots as Other Nonprofits Close
With NASA layoffs and a flagging economy forcing the closure of many local
schools, businesses and nonprofits, the Y of Central Florida is digging in deeper than ever to strengthen this fragile community. Since assuming leadership of the Titusville Y in 2001, we have continually improved and modernized it through the addition of an
Easy Access Pool, a beautiful wellness center, cycling studio, gym and more. Our mission and commitment are clear: Provide
rich resources, strong support and a prideful, welcoming place where residents can join together,
reduce stress and
support one another in difficult times.
Wayne Densch YMCA
Revitalizing an Entire Community
As
Pine Hills works to improve its
health, safety and social capital, the Wayne Densch YMCA continues to be a strong partner in strengthening this striving community. In addition to providing a
safe haven where kids can
play sports, learn values and benefit from
role models, the Y features
first-rate soccer fields, indoor gyms, a modern wellness floor and the area’s only
community swimming pool. To combat the community’s high rate of
diabetes, the Y is also partnering to banish
“food deserts” ─ places where a lack of fresh, affordable food contributes to
chronic disease.
South Lake County YMCA
Strong partner in Good Times and Bad
When
Clermont’s population skyrocketed during the
building boom, the Y stepped forward to provide strong family friendly programs.
But when the boom went bust, the Y stayed committed. In addition to providing top-notch soccer fields and wellness facilities, we also awarded more than $73,000 last year in scholarships for youth sports, summer camp, teen activities and more.