The ymca of greater charlotte is dedicated to putting christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Inspired by christian principles, we will grow our reach, resources and impact to serve all. The ymca's focus is on healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. In 2017, the ymca of greater charlotte served more than 299,000 people . There are 19 operating branches, additional extension centers and 2 resident camps covering a 900 square mile footprint.

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

Healthy living: in 2017, the ymca of greater charlotte operated 19 branches and 2 resident camps throughout the charlotte metropolitan area and enriched the lives of 299,749 people in the community. A health focus area of the y is drowning prevention. More than 12,000 adults and children received swim lessons or water safety instruction in group or private sessions in 2017. Our ymca operates 15 indoor and 11 outdoor swimming pools plus 5 splash parks and 10 waterslides. Two camps and one branch have lake waterfronts for swimming, canoeing and boating recreation. All are monitored by lifeguards, who must complte a 40-hour course for certification. Each pool conducts up to eight full drills a year. Through an additional effort to save lives, the y operates its safety around water program. In 2017, certified swim instructors taught 1,400 children living in 28 apartment complexes basic water safety skills such as climbing out of the pool independently, swimming on their stomachs for at least 6. 5 feet, jumping in deep water and then returning to a wall, floating on their backs, rolling in water and how to help other people. Community health staff provided health educational programs on site and as outreach. Using evidence-based curriculum and best practice counseling methods, the y helped individuals build physical, intellectual, and spiritual strength. Livestrong at the ymca provided 22 sessions in 2017, helping 147 adult cancer survivors achieve their holistic health goals. The ymca diabetes prevention program was offered at nine branches, serving 58 adults. Afterschool programs, summer day camps and resident camps provided activities to children that focused on building character, developing friendships, and being outdoors. Branches provided afterschool programming to 2,021 school-age children. Participants received homework assistance and reading skills practice, exercise and play time. Branches provided summer day camp programming to 11,588 children 4 to 17 years old. In the safe environment, children 1) learned and mastered skills that nutured their passions, talents, and potential; 2) bonded with new friends; and 3) observed staff as positive role models. At the two resident camps, 3,418 youth experienced overnight programming. By incorporating the y's five core values of honesty, caring, responsibility, respect and faith into these youth program activities, the y inspired youth to develop positive behaviors, improve their health and achieve academically. Supplementing staff were over 12,500 volunteers who supported these programs: swim lessons, swim programs, youth sports, running/walking/biking clubs, active older adults, resident camp, day camp and child watch. family life: mecklenburg, iredell, lincoln and union counties in south central north carolina are the association's service area. Staff, volunteers and agency partners collaborated at 19 branches, two resident camps and schools within three school systems to 1) develop youth character and academic success, 2) prevent drowning, 3)improve quality of life for people facing health challenges and 4) provide increased access and belonging for people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities and income levels. Across all membership and programming activities, the ymca of greater charlotte enriched the lives of 299,747 people in 2017. Financial assistance is available through my y pricing which is a discounted rate structure for membership and program access based on household income. Parent educators and a community nurse served 207 families in charlotte with children under the age of five in the y's parents as teachers program. This evidence-based program influences parents' awareness of themselves as teachers to their children and guides parents on practical matters of early childhood health. Families served exhibited at least one high-need protective factor such as low household income, low parent education level or lack of insurance. The y offers the y readers p