The young men's christian association of birmingham, inc. Is a charitable organization that opens its doors to all women, men, families, teenagers and children regardless of their ability to pay. The mission of the ymca is to put judeo-christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The ymca is comprised of 11 community branches, one youth center, one resident camp and one retreat center. Incorporating the core character values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility into all of its programs, the ymca is dedicated to providing a firm foundation and support system promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Human Services , Young Mens or Womens Associations

Youth development: total youth served (unduplicated) 12,607 (ages 0-17 years). The ymca believes that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Because of their interaction through the ymca, millions of youth today are taking a greater interest in learning, making smarter life choices, and cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, the pursuit of higher education and goal achievement. Afterschool: games, crafts, and skits give students the chance to show and grow self-esteem, group interaction, respect for everyone and assets that are important to a better life. Participants served 955. Kindergarten readiness: the program prepares pre-school age children for kindergarten by targeting english language acquisition and skills needed in the classroom setting. The kindergarten readiness program was birthed through the partnership with the toyota literacy grant. The goal of the partnership was to offer parents a class to enhance their learning of the english language while their children were participating in a class that focused on acquisition of english and kindergarten skills. Participants served 86. Summer day camps: campers enjoy a variety of fun filled activities including daily recreational games, crafts, and swimming. Campers will register in their favorite themed camps and complete activities and field trips based on that specific camp. Participants served 3,513. Water safety instruction program: through the "splash" program, participants learn basic swimming skills and practice safety habits while in and around the water, which results in a sense of accomplishment and increased self-confidence and security while near the water family relationships are strengthened when they participate in the auxiliary safety activities at home participants recognize new role models and make friends as the splash program often collaborates with local schools and other community resources to educate children on water safety. Participants served 3,987. Y achievers program: through academic aid, career exploration and mentoring, this program helps youth to raise their academic standards, develop a positive sense of self, build character, explore diverse college and career options, and learn from role models who inspire them to greater heights. The y achievers program reaches into the heart of the community for both its adults and teen achievers by recognizing and utilizing the talents of leaders who are successful in their careers. The program brings a much needed positive influence into the lives of young people. Participants served 658. College prep program: youth in government is a national ymca program that involves thousands of teens nationwide in state-organized, model-government programs. Teens meet in their local youth in government groups to discuss and debate issues that affect citizens of their state and to propose legislation the program culminates with teens serving as delegates at their state conference, debating bills on the floor of the legislature. Participants served 52. Youth sports and recreation: the ymca nurtures the potential of children through the youth sports programming by strengthening character in our youth, engaging families and building lasting relationships. Participants in these programs build skills, learn about teamwork, and focus on sportsmanship. Families are presented with second-to-none volunteer opportunities as coaches, team parents, and committee members. Youth learn new skills, make new friends, develop essential character traits, and set individual and team goals. This improves self-confidence, promotes diversity, increases self-esteem, and improves physical condition. Participants served 3,356. healthy living: total individuals and families served 117,009. In communities across jefferson and shelby counties, the ymca is a leading voice on health and well-being. With a mission centered on balance, each ymca