Community Impact

Through various programs and initiatives, we aim to address local needs, promote inclusion, and encourage a culture of care and collaboration. Together, we work to strengthen our community and make a lasting, meaningful impact.

Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 14, claiming the lives of three children every day. At the Y, we believe a child’s safety in and around water should never be left to chance. Taking part in formal water safety classes reduces children's drowning risk and provides both education and awareness.

Research finds two primary factors in children's failure to learn to swim: the parent’s ability and attitude toward swimming and the socio-economic conditions of the child’s community.

Safety Around Water is the Y’s curriculum taught by certified YMCA swim instructors and lifeguards, which teaches children basic water safety and swimming skills that reduce their risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water.

Safety Around Water is free for participants. The program is fully funded by individual gifts, corporate donations, and grants.

Unfortunately, many kids don’t have basic swimming skills, and many times children are left unsupervised in apartment complexes around swimming pools. As the program continues to grow, we are determined to reach children at greatest risk and prevent youth drowning in our community.

Research shows that many youth from underserved and low-income families often start kindergarten underprepared and fall behind their peers as they progress through school. This “gap,” known as the achievement gap, presents immediate hurdles for these students and long-term challenges for us all.

The Y understands that children's academic success affects our community's future. We also know that not all children have what they need to thrive in the classroom. That’s why we support them with strong role models, enriching experiences, and strategies that give all children the opportunity to reach their greatest potential academically.

Each of our achievement gap programs—Y Readers, Parents as Teachers, and Summer Literacy Infusion—is offered to families at no cost and is fully funded by individual gifts, corporate donations, and grants.