The ymca of metropolitan atlanta, inc. , reflecting its judeo-christian heritage, is an association of volunteers, members and staff open to and serving all, providing programs and services which develop spirit, mind and body. We believe all people, especially children, deserve an equal chance to reach their full potential and should prepare themselves to connect to and serve community. Financial assistance is available based on need. The ymca actively seeks to identify and involve those in need.

Human Services , Physical Fitness & Community Recreational Facilities , Religion , Religion-Related , Sports , Young Mens or Womens Associations

Healthy living and well-being: the y is a community with an everyday mission to help individuals achieve a balance of spirit, mind and body and ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and connect. We help people develop the skills and relationships they need to be healthy, confident, and connected to others. Adults want to learn more, do more, and live more healthily. Through collaborations with nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and others, the y fosters health and well-being among people of all ages, brings people together to pursue passions old and new, and provides mutual support for everyone in our neighborhoods. ---the y encourages good health and fosters connections through physical activity and exercise, proper nutrition, chronic disease and stress management, health education, sports, swim programs, and shared interests. Older adults come to the y to remain active, to rehabilitate after illness, injury or surgery, and to find quality time for social interaction. In 2014, the y helped more than 10,519 children and adults live healthier, achieve healthy weights and be more active through participation in the coach approach, youth fit 4 life and start 4 life. These are all evidence-based programs with instruction, coaching and support groups developed by the metro atlanta ymca. The y also promotes healthy lifestyle activities that bring people together with shared physical activity interests. In 2014, the y enabled 2,809 adults to participate in athletic and recreation activities. ---in 2014, 163,158 people were ymca members - 35% youth; 58% adults and 7% seniors. The y served 66,035 people who participated in y programs. The y assisted 34,278 children, families, and adults with $5. 5 million in financial aid. The y raised $32. 1 million through donations and grants to ensure all could participate. school readiness and youth development: we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life. Because of the y community, kids in neighborhoods around metro atlanta are taking more interest in learning and making smarter life choices. At the y, kids learn their abc's, learn to share, and learn how to be themselves, which makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow. ---ymca early learning academies help children from predominantly low income homes develop to their fullest potential, strengthen and support families and deliver child care in a caring, nurturing and positive environment. Metro atlanta ymca childcare programs are built on the four concepts of family, child, community, and accessibility. Programs are family-centered, which means parents are included in the care process. Y programs nurture children's growth and help children develop a strong sense of right and wrong. Programs help to make the community a healthier, safer and better place to live. The y strives to make quality care available to all who need it, not just to those who can afford it, therefore, reasonable fees with a sliding fee scale are provided. In 2014, 1,194 children got an early childhood education foundation in ymca preschool. Programs are licensed and early larning sites are accredited or in the process of accreditation by the national association for the education of young children. ---head start is a comprehensive preschool program for children three to five years old. It is a national, federally-funded program designed to foster the healthy development of young children and is provided at no cost to families meeting the federal income guidelines. The program provides comprehensive and special services designed to enhance the quality of life for children and families. Services are customized to the individual needs of children through traditional, center-based and innovative head start partnerships. Health and developmental services include physical exams, screenings, vision and hearing tests, and a dental check-up. Mental health professional