The mission of the ymca of greater st. Petersburg is to put judeo-christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy mind, body, and spirit for all. We advance our mission by helping the people we touch reach their full potential by improving their total well being - spiritually, intellectually, and physically. We serve our community within our boundaries, from the west side of tampa bay at ulmerton road to starkey road and south across the stuart causeway to the beach at gulf boulevard, all areas south and east of these boundaries within pinellas county. We provide a variety of programs that build self-esteem, challenge the mind, and encourage healthier lifestyles.

Children & Youth , Human Services , Physical Fitness & Community Recreational Facilities , Sports , Young Mens or Womens Associations , Youth Centers & Clubs

Youth Development The y continues to strengthen our community by offering affordable childcare to low and middle income families and character development for at-risk youth, using the arts to reach troubled children, and many other programs that promote a healthy spirit, mind and body. In 2014, children of all ages and walks of life benefited from these programs. In 2014, we received $157,475 in grant funding to support youth development programs focused on academics, arts, advocacy, social skills, character development, and providing a safe place and healthy snacks for children during non-school hours. Through our youth development programs, 549 students received academic support and tutoring while participating in 21st century learning, y reads! , and y-achievers programs. 397 kids aged 7 - 17 took part in 100% free art and music classes providing them with positive alternatives to boredom and negative peer influences, and 2,406 before and after school care and camp participants learned life and social skills while receiving critical access to caring adults and educational resources. Healthy Living In 2014, the ymca of greater st petersburg provided quality programs to promote health and well-being to 29,694 facility members and many more program members. Healthy living has always been a core function of the ymca. We are helping families lead healthier, happier lives through various programs such as youth sports, aquatics, group exercise, healthy cooking, and more. With our silver sneakers programs, we partner with american healthways to offer free exercise and activities for 7,505 enrolled seniors. 348 adults took part in the ymca diabetes prevention program and 71 cancer survivors participated in the free livestrong at the ymca program. Social Responsibility Deeply rooted in our community, our staff and 774 volunteers come from all walks of life and are all personally committed to understanding what our neighborhoods need. At the ymca, no child, family, or adult is turned away when there is a demonstrated need and available funds. In 2014, $904,766 was distributed in scholarship assistance to 5,958 individuals and families to ensure access to our programs and facilities. The ymca scholarship assistance program is partially funded by our annual campaign which raised $286,370 from 1,574 individual donors. The y strives to meet the needs of community through resource centers like the harbordale and childs park y facilities. Programming at these facilities focuses on providing services that are not readily available to members of those communities; for example, free financial classes for adults, computer lab and classes, satellite public library, teen programs, and much more. Generous community members also donated $59,026 in 2014 to help us bring the spirit of christmas to 1,124 children and adults who were experiencing financial hardships. Each family received a christmas tree, bible, holiday meal, and toys and the children were given the opportunity to participate in y programs.