STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIESCommunity Benefit Report YMCA OF GREATER HOUSTON

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

OUR CAUSEAt the Y, strengthening community is our cause. We are a powerful association of people joined together by a shared commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living and foster a sense of social responsibility.

WHAT WE DOThe Y provides experiences which have a positive impact on the thousands of youth, families and individuals we reach each year. By providing support to young people, resources to live healthier and opportunities to strengthen the foundation of our communities, the Y works to ensure that everyone has a place to belong.

HOW WE DO ITWith a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA strengthens communities through its many service areas. Our staff members provide programs and services at 37 centers throughout the Greater Houston area, and in the past year, we touched more than 450,000 lives.

7,018 Older adults were more active and socially engaged in their community.

27 Caring Community Centers provided needed resources and support to families in Houston.

94,007 Children were nurtured daily in our child care programs.

225 Families, totaling 474 people from 15 countries, were resettled through our refugee program and safely welcomed into their new homes.

51,092 Backpacks were distributed to children in 31 school districts in the Houston area.

35,676 Children and families learned water safety and skills through YMCA Water Wise, our drowning prevention program, and YMCA Swimming.

465,277 People made use of the YMCA facilities and programs this year to grow in spirit, mind and body.

ALWAYS HEREFOR OUR COMMUNITY

At the YMCA, we believe that every child has potential; every individual deserves a healthy life; and every community is connected by

a sense of social responsibility. Our experiences unite us as we learn, grow and thrive, together.

Source: 2012 YMCA of Greater Houston year-end statistics. Please visit ymcahouston.org/annual-reports to view our annual report.

- Clark Baker, President & CEO

CHILD CAREYMCA Child Care is about more than looking after kids, it is about nurturing their development and providing a safe place to learn foundational skills, build self-reliance and develop healthy and trusting relationships.

YMCA Child Care includes after school programs at more than 280 locations, early childhood development programs and infant care.

CHRONIC DISEASE pREvENTION AND HEALTHY LIvING INITIATIvES The Y offers programs that target chronic disease prevention, including type 2 diabetes and childhood obesity. For example, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program focuses on healthy eating, increased physical activity and incremental weight loss to prevent the onset of diabetes and promote an overall healthier lifestyle.

INTERNATIONAL SERvICESThe Y was built on the idea of welcoming newcomers, and this tradition continues in YMCA International Services. We offer refugee resettlement, employment and educational programs, as well as immigration legal counseling, trafficked persons assistance programs and outreach. Assistance is offered in 24 languages.

OpERATION BACkpACkEach year, the YMCA of Greater Houston holds Houston’s largest school supply drive for families that cannot afford the supplies needed to start the school year. By mobilizing YMCA facilities, local churches and community partners, the YMCA helps collect thousands of backpacks and school supplies for children in the Houston area.

ACTIvE OLDER ADULTSThe Y has fitness classes specifically designed for older adults which give participants an opportunity to stay physically active while strengthening social ties. In addition to exercise, seniors also participate in luncheons, outings and other social activities.

CAMpCamps at the Y share one thing - they are about discovery. Kids have the opportunity to explore nature, find new talents, try new activities, gain independence and make lasting friendships and memories.

In addition to day camps located throughout the Houston area, we also have YMCA Camp Cullen. This overnight camp is located on the shores of Lake Livingston and provides campers with unique outdoor experiences including water sports, horseback riding and ropes courses.

CARING COMMUNITY CENTERSLocated in individual

apartment complexes, the YMCA Caring Community Centers create an environment

where children and families can belong and thrive.

Centers may provide after school care, enrichment classes (dance, karate,

etc.), summer programs, adult continuing education, ESL classes, healthcare services and

counseling.

Children may also participate in core YMCA programs at a local

YMCA center.

SWIMMINGYMCA Swimming is about water safety, skill development and fun for everyone. Our programs are about more than just the skills; they are about building friendships and developing self-esteem that will last a lifetime.

Additionally, YMCA Water Wise is a multifaceted, drowning-prevention program designed to raise awareness of the importance of safe swimming and water safety, while providing swim lessons at local apartment complexes and schools.

YOUTH SpORTSWith an emphasis on personal growth and team building, YMCA Youth Sports help children develop a positive self-image as well as respect for others. By fostering healthy competition rather than rivalry, Y Youth Sports offer children a great start to lifelong fitness and values.

FLAGSHIp pROGRAMS

What Can You Do to Support the Work of the Y? Share with others what you have learned about the Y and its work to strengthen the foundations of community.

Volunteer with a Y program.

Visit our website to learn more about the work that we do in communities.

Make a donation to support Y programs. ymcahouston.org

For more information about the Y and its services, contact:

YMCA of Greater Houston P.O. Box 3007 • Houston, TX 77253(713) 659-5566 • ymcahouston.org

YMCA Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Everyone is welcome.