For Youth Development, For Healthy Living, For Social Responsibility

The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. The YMCA believes that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is their cause. Every day, they work side by side with their neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Because they believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve, the Y is for Youth Development. In Kentucky, we know that our kids are struggling to excel and complete high school. Through the Y, thousands of Kentucky youth today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. Y activities give our children the opportunity to become confident kids today and healthier, happier grown-ups tomorrow. (YMCA Strengthen Your Community: The Y’s Annual Giving Campaign Brochure)

Our local YMCA is a vital part of our community with commitments to children, youth and adults in areas of health and wellness as well as character development and community commitment. We are so fortunate to have such good neighbors! The YMCA has been known by its acronym for so long that many forget its beginnings as the Young Men’s Christian Association. Yes, Christian, and the YMCA has not lost this identity. The faith of the organization is seen by the work they do in the communities they serve. The YMCA strives to build stronger, more inclusive communities as well as provide support for families.

The YMCA began in 1844 in England and then migrated to the United States in 1851. Its beginnings were an answer to society’s issues of the time where large numbers of rural men were flocking to large cities to work during the Industrial Revolution and longed to maintain the values of their upbringing. The organization has managed to stay relevant throughout the years and true to its beginnings. The YMCA has focused on health and well-being since its earliest years when the term “body building” was coined in 1881. Throughout time the organization focused not only on health and well-being but also education offering English as a Second Language classes to early immigrants as well as adult literacy classes. During World War II the Y was instrumental in the development of the USO and helping families through the difficult years of war for our nation. Today’s focus is not so different from those early years, though the prevalence of child and teen obesity is an issue not seen in years past, but certainly a challenge the organization is committed to combating.

Did you know that, through generous donations to the Paris/Bourbon County YMCA, 250 second graders from all city and county schools, including St. Mary’s, received free swim lessons and water safety instruction at the YMCA pool during school hours?

Did you further know that in 2011 they will provide more than $170,000 to ensure children, adults, and families receive financial assistance toward memberships, services and programs? Did you further know that no one is turned away for an inability to pay?

Your generosity in the form of monetary donations and volunteer hours to organizations like the YMCA are just one more way you can advocate for children and make a positive difference in the lives of families.

Blessings,
Tracy