To put christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The ymca is one of the nation's leading non-profits, strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We nurture the potential in every child, and work to improve the health and well-being of our members. Thousands of individuals facing financial hardships were welcomed to the y and received assistance from our more than 3,500 dedicated staff and volunteers. We serve those in albany, bethlehem, at camp chingachgook on lake george, glenville, east greenbush, greene county, guilderland, in schenectady at our adult men's residence and at our branch, in scotia, in clifton park at our branch and at our early learning center, in troy and duanesburg at our branch and early learning center.

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

Core to the y mission is healthy living. To accomplish this aspect of our mission, we engage members in a variety of services and programs designed to address their needs, including: our y offers the diabetes prevention program which guides and supports individuals trying to increase activity, improve their eating habits, and lose weight. Our teen-focused health and wellness program works in collaboration with school guidance counselors and administrators to give at-risk teens who are struggling to be successful in school with the physical and emotional tools and support they need to help them build self-esteem and confidence. Nutritional guidance helps individuals develop a plan for managing weight issues, diabetes, reducing the risk of heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, and improving overall eating habits. Support includes: menu planning, grocery shopping coaching, review of food and exercise journals, motivational tips, and cutting-edge nutrition information. A social network specifically designed for families with children who are fighting a life-threatening illness; giving them the opportunity to support each other and enjoy fun interactions for each family unit. The capital district ymca participates in several city-wide and region-wide initiatives aimed at empowering local communities with the strategies for health change. An example of this work includes the "eat healthy albany" (the first city-wide initiative in the country to help fight obesity and inspire healthy changes in eating). Another example involves our work with the center for the elimination of minority health disparities albany minority health task force which is seeking ways to enhance community health and wellness. the y is committed to nurturing the potential in every child and teen. We believe all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That's why we help young people cultivate values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement. Services such as our black & latino achievers program, our parent toddler play groups, our youth & government program, and our teen nights offer a wealth of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth. Expenses include subsidies and direct financial assistance that make participation possible for the young people we engage. For additional information regarding the impact of these critical services and programs, please see schedule o. In addition to the thousands of children who benefit from our day camp programs, we have a regional, year-round resident camp and outdoor education center serving more than10,000 children, students, and adults each year, and a resident camp in the berkshires. Outdoor education programs include stream, wetlands, forest, and lake study; composting, gardening, and farm animal care; and low-impact hiking/camping and team building. Campers have the opportunity to build outdoor living skills, practice environmentally sustainable living, increase self-esteem, improve teamwork and communication skills, and accept personal and group challenges in a safe and supportive environment. core to the y mission is social responsibility. At the y, we give back to our community by actively supporting those in need. Our circle of champs program supports families with a child who is battling a life-threatening illness, understanding that a child's illness affects the entire family. We give parents the opportunity to support each other within the caring, supportive environment that is the y, and we give children the chance to spend fun time together when they need support the most. Each september, we provide low-income students with the opportunity to shop (for free) for new clothes, and we provide backpacks filled with new school supplies for the start of the school year; knowing that by building the self-esteem and confidence or our children, we help prepare them to succee