Young Mens Christian Association Of The Suncoast Inc

TO PUT CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICE WITH PROGRAMS THAT BUILD HEALTHY SPIRIT MIND & BODY FOR ALL

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: OUR YMCA IS COMMITTED TO NURTURING THE GOD-GIVEN POTENTIAL OF EVERY CHILD AND TEEN. WE BELIEVE ALL KIDS HAVE GREAT POTENTIAL AND DESERVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCOVER WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY CAN ACHIEVE. WE HELP YOUNG PEOPLE CULTIVATE THE VALUES, SKILLS, AND RELATIONSHIPS THAT LEAD TO POSITIVE BEHAVIORS, BETTER HEALTH, AND EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT. OUR YMCA PROGRAMS, SUCH AS SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS BEFORE AND AFTERSCHOOL CARE, SUMMER CAMP, LEADERS CLUBS, SWIM, SPORTS & PLAY, AND OTHERS, OFFER A RANGE OF EXPERIENCES THAT ENRICH SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL, COGNITIVE, AND PHYSICAL GROWTH. EXPENSES INCLUDE SUBSIDIES AND DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THAT MAKE PARTICIPATION POSSIBLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 20% OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE WE ENGAGE. (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O)THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR, THE YMCA PROVIDES BEFORE AND AFTERSCHOOL CARE TO PRE-K, ELEMENTARY, AND MIDDLE SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN RESIDING IN PINELLAS, PASCO, HERNANDO, OR CITRUS COUNTIES, INCLUDING SPECIAL NEEDS AND DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN. YMCA SCHOOL-AGE CARE ENSURES THAT THE TIME GAPS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL ARE FILLED CREATIVELY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY. THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES WORKING PARENTS WITH SAFE, EDUCATIONAL, AFFORDABLE, QUALITY SUPERVISION FOR THEIR CHILDREN. OUR AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOCUS ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL COMMUNITIES WITH A HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT APPROACH (SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, AND COGNITIVE/ACADEMIC). THE SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS PROVIDING BEFORE AND AFTERSCHOOL CARE PROGRAMS OPERATE IN 55 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, MIDDLE SCHOOLS, AND YMCA SITES SERVING OVER 4,300 CHILDREN THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR. OUR YMCA PROVIDES A HIGH-QUALITY CURRICULUM USING MULTIPLE PARTNERS FOR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS AND EVIDENCE-BASED LEARNING. THE CURRICULUM IDENTIFIES, UTILIZES, AND RECOGNIZES CULTURAL DIFFERENCES AND COMMONALITIES THROUGHOUT MOST ACTIVITIES AND ALIGNS WITH THE EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS. ALL THE STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS BENEFIT FROM SUPPLEMENTAL LEARNING THROUGH ACTIVITIES, GAMES, AND FUN AND ENGAGING PROJECTS. THE YMCA PROVIDED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR OVER 20% OF ENROLLED CHILDREN TOTALING $359,000. - IN ALL FOUR COUNTIES, WE PROVIDE LITERACY ENRICHMENT AS PART OF OUR BEFORE AND AFTERSCHOOL CARE. OUR AFTERSCHOOL READERS PROGRAM GIVES CHILDREN ACCESS TO BOOKS AND ENCOURAGES READING A MINIMUM OF 90 MINUTES PER WEEK. THE YREADS PROGRAM OPERATES WITHIN ONE OF OUR PINELLAS COUNTY LOCATIONS, DESIGNATED AS A LOWER-PERFORMING TITLE 1 SCHOOL. IT PROVIDES INTENSIVE SMALL GROUP READING INSTRUCTION UTILIZING PRE AND POST-TESTS TO TRACK GAINS. IN 2021, THE JUVENILE WELFARE BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY (JWB) PROVIDED FUNDING THROUGH THE PROMISE TIME PROGRAM TO SERVE CHILDREN WITH FINANCIAL NEED AT SEVEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SITES AT NO COST TO THEM. THE PROGRAM OFFERS BEFORE AND AFTER-CARE STAFFING, TUTORS, SCHOOL LIAISONS, AND ENRICHMENT LEARNING ACTIVITIES. - THE YMCA AFTERSCHOOL PARTNERSHIP WITH ALL FOUR COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS PROVIDES SNACKS AND WEEKDAY DINNER MEALS TO ALL PARTICIPANTS IN MOST SCHOOLS WE SERVE. THE ENROLLMENT FOR QUALIFIED CHILDREN IS FREE AND INCLUDES EDUCATION PROGRAMMING THAT FOLLOWS HEALTHY EATING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY (HEPA) STANDARDS. - IN PINELLAS COUNTY, WE OFFER Y LEARNING ACADEMIES IN MIDDLE SCHOOLS. THESE ACADEMIES DEVELOP STUDENTS WHO ARE PASSIONATE AND ENGAGED IN THEIR EDUCATION THROUGH HANDS-ON LEARNING IN STEM FIELDS. TEACHERS WORK WITH THE YMCA TO COORDINATE LEARNING FROM THE SCHOOL DAY WITH THE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM AND PROVIDE HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE AND TUTORING. AS A RESULT, HANDS-ON OPPORTUNITIES IN CODING, VIDEO PRODUCTION, ROBOTICS, PODCASTING, AND PROGRAMMING ARE HELPING MORE STUDENTS ACHIEVE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION, COLLEGE ATTAINMENT, AND TRANSITION INTO STEM FIELDS IN THE WORKFORCE. - WITHIN 4 HERNANDO COUNTY SCHOOL SITES, THE YMCA PROVIDES INFANT-TODDLER PRE-K PROGRAMS. THE PROGRAMS PROVIDE A DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE CURRICULUM DESIGNED TO SUPPORT YOUNG CHILDREN'S COGNITIVE, SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, AND PHYSICAL GROWTH. YMCA SUMMER CARE PROGRAMS SERVE PRESCHOOL CHILDREN, SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN, AND TEENAGERS RESIDING IN OUR FOUR-COUNTY SERVICE AREA. KIDS HAVE FUN WHILE LEARNING HOW TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS, BUILD NEW SKILLS, AND GROW IN SELF-CONFIDENCE. FOR MORE THAN 2,600 CHILDREN IN 2021, SUMMER PROGRAMMING PROVIDED HIGH-QUALITY, AFFORDABLE, SAFE PLACES WITH QUALIFIED SUPERVISION. YMCA-SUBSIDIZED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WAS AWARDED TO MORE THAN 20% OF PARTICIPANTS, TOTALING $139,000. - BASED ON THE NATIONAL YMCA PROGRAM MODEL, THE TYPICAL YMCA SUMMER CAMP PROVIDES CHILDREN WITH AN OUTDOOR, SOCIAL EXPERIENCE BUILT IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF FUN, LEARNING, AND RESPECT FOR THE PURPOSE OF BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH THE GROWTH OF THE SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY. THIS IS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH ACTIVITIES THAT INCLUDE FIELD TRIPS, CRAFTS, SONGS, ARCHERY, VALUES, FITNESS, SPORTS, NATURE ACTIVITIES, SWIMMING, AND CANOEING. - THE PINELLAS COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CONTRACTED AGAIN WITH OUR YMCA TO PROVIDE WRAP-AROUND AND FULL DAYCARE FOR CHILDREN IN THEIR SUMMER BRIDGE PROGRAM. WE SERVED 900 CHILDREN, MOST OF WHOM WERE FUNDED BY THE JUVENILE WELFARE BOARD, TO ATTEND THE SUMMER SCHOOL LEARNING SESSIONS TO BRING THEM CLOSER TO THEIR GRADE LEVEL REQUIREMENTS. - THE Y SCHOLARS LEARNING ACADEMY SUMMER PROGRAM OPERATED AT SUNRAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN PASCO COUNTY AND INTRODUCED 50 SCHOLARS IN GRADES K-5 TO A CULTURE OF HIGH EXPECTATIONS. THE Y SCHOLARS LEARNING ACADEMY, IS A FIVE-WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM DESIGNED TO HELP LOW-INCOME, UNDERPERFORMING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS MAKE MEASURABLE GAINS IN MATH AND READING OVER THE SUMMER MONTHS WHEN THEY WOULD TYPICALLY LOSE GROUND. UNDERPERFORMING SCHOLARS INCREASED AN AVERAGE ONE MONTH'S GRADE-EQUIVALENT IN READING GAINS AND AN AVERAGE ONE MONTH'S GRADE EQUIVALENT IN MATH GAINS DURING THIS SUMMER PROGRAM. - THE Y HAS ALSO COMMITTED TO SERVING INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND CHALLENGES THROUGH CAMP COAST (CHILDREN ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM TOGETHER). THE PROGRAM, LOCATED AT THE CLEARWATER YMCA, PROVIDES CHILDREN WITH AUTISM A SPECIALIZED AND VALUABLE DAY CAMP EXPERIENCE THAT ALLOWS THEM TO FEEL COMFORTABLE IN A SAFE, FUN, AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT. YMCA SWIM, SPORTS, AND PLAY PROGRAMS PROMOTE AN APPRECIATION OF ONE'S OWN WORTH. YOUNG PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS BUILD LIFELONG POSITIVE ATTITUDES, ESTABLISH HABITS OF EXERCISE AND PROPER HEALTHY NUTRITION, AND LEARN WAYS TO HAVE FUN. BOTH ADULT AND YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS VALUE COOPERATION OVER COMPETITION, FAIR PLAY OVER WINNING AT ANY COST, GOOD FEELING AND GOOD HEALTH OVER POINTS SCORED, AND BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM OVER BEATING THE OPPONENT. THE YMCA KNOWS THAT WITH THIS APPROACH, EVERYONE WINS-UNDEFEATED IN SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY. DURING THE 2021 YEAR, THE YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS SERVED 2,500 CHILDREN IN PROGRAMS SUCH AS YOUTH BASEBALL, DANCE, GYMNASTICS, YOUTH SOCCER, YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL, YOUTH BASKETBALL, YOUTH TENNIS, YOUTH TAE KWON DO, YOUTH VOLLEYBALL, SWIM TEAMS, YOUTH TRACK AND FIELD AND MANY OTHERS. IN 2021, THE YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST SERVED MORE THAN 8,000 TWEENS AND TEENS (YOUTH BETWEEN THE AGES OF 12-17) IN VARIOUS PROGRAMS AND THROUGH Y MEMBERSHIPS. YMCA YOUTH AND TEEN PROGRAMS GIVE KIDS POSITIVE ROLE MODELS TO HELP THEM DEVELOP SELF-ESTEEM AND GOOD VALUES, INCLUDING COOPERATION, RESPECT FOR THE BODY, GOOD CITIZENSHIP, AND A STRONG WORK ETHIC. - THE YMCA YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT PROGRAM SERVED 17 STUDENTS FROM HIGH SCHOOLS IN HERNANDO AND CITRUS COUNTIES. ACTIVITY DAYS EXPOSE THE TEENS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS AND BUSINESS OPERATORS FOR LEADERSHIP AND A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR COUNTY. STUDENTS LEARN FIRST-HAND ABOUT GOVERNMENT AND CIVIC ISSUES AND COLLABORATE ON POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS THAT CULMINATE ONCE A YEAR WITH A STATE CONFERENCE IN TALLAHASSEE WITH OTHER TEENS FROM AROUND THE STATE. AT THE STATE CONFERENCE, MEMBERS OF THE SUNCOAST YMCA DELEGATION WON AWARDS FOR PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BILL WRITING, JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS, AND DEBATING. - WE CONTINUE TO HAVE POPULAR TEEN CENTERS AT OUR GREATER RIDGECREST, JOHN GEIGLE NORTH PINELLAS, HERNANDO COUNTY, JAMES P. GILLS FAMILY, AND GREATER PALM HARBOR BRANCHES. WITH A GOAL TO SERVE TEENS BETTER, WE LOOK TO FIND MORE WAYS TO ENGAGE TEENS IN YMCA PROGRAMS. - DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PARENT ORGANIZATION, LEADERSHIP PINELLAS, YOUTH LEADERSHIP PINELLAS, SEEKS TO EDUCATE INTERESTED HIGH SCHOOL TEENS LIVING IN THOSE COUNTIES ON COMMUNITY ISSUES, DEVELOP LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL, AND FOSTER INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY SERVICES. THE ANNUAL NINE-MONTH PROGRAM IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE ADULT-RUN LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATION AND THE YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST. EACH CLASS HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET COMMUNITY DECISION-MAKERS, AND GRADUATES ARE BETTER PREPARED TO TAKE ON LEADERSHIP ROLES OF THEIR OWN. THE CLASSES RUNNING THROUGH SPRING 2021 INCLUDED 43 STUDENTS. IN 2021 YOUTH LEADERSHIP CITRUS DID NOT TAKE PLACE BUT WILL RESUME IN 2022.

HEALTHY LIVING: THE Y IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING AMERICA'S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, COMMUNITY BY COMMUNITY. WE BRING FAMILIES CLOSER TOGETHER, ENCOURAGE GOOD HEALTH, AND FOSTERS CONNECTIONS THROUGH FITNESS, SPORTS, FUN, AND SHARED INTERESTS. AS A RESULT, 97,000 PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY RECEIVE THE SUPPORT, GUIDANCE, AND RESOURCES THEY NEED TO ACHIEVE GREATER HEALTH IN SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY.(CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O)OUR PROGRAMS ARE ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, AND OPEN TO ALL FAITHS, BACKGROUNDS, ABILITIES, AND INCOME LEVELS. IN 2021, WE PROVIDED OVER $1,100,000 IN DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR MEMBERSHIPS AND PROGRAMS TO PEOPLE WHO OTHERWISE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD TO PARTICIPATE. FOR 177 YEARS, THE YMCA HAS INCLUDED AN EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE IN ITS LOGO AS A SYMBOL OF WELLNESS, THE PURSUIT OF WHICH HAS LONG BEEN ONE OF THE ORGANIZATION'S SOUGHT-AFTER OUTCOMES. REPRESENTING A BALANCED SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY, THE EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE HAS OFTEN BEEN DRAWN INSIDE A CIRCLE REPRESENTING THE SOCIAL DIMENSION OF HEALTH - OUR RELATIONSHIPS AND CONNECTIONS TO OTHER PEOPLE BEING A KEY COMPONENT OF OUR WELLNESS. THE YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST PROVIDES NUMEROUS HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS FOR ITS MEMBERS AND PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS. AMONG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, THE YMCA PROMOTES THE IMPORTANCE OF A PHYSICALLY ACTIVE LIFESTYLE THROUGH PROGRAMS LIKE PERSONAL TRAINING, ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS, CPR/FIRST AID, YMCA MEMBERSHIP, FAMILY NIGHTS, THE YMCA'S DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM, WALKING AND RUNNING CLUBS, SOCIAL GROUPS, ADULT SPORTS, FAMILY NIGHTS, AND MANY OTHERS. TO SUPPORT THESE PROGRAMMATIC EFFORTS, THE YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST CONTINUED AS A PIONEER FOR OTHER YMCAS BY PARTICIPATING IN THE YMCA OF THE USA HEALTH INNOVATION INITIATIVES. FOR ADULTS, THE YMCA HAS CONTINUED TO FOCUS ON THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE WHO RELY ON OUR SUPPORT TO MAKE HEALTHY BEHAVIOR CHANGES AS WE DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAMMING AND SERVICES FOR ALL. YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST BUILDS AND MAINTAINS COLLABORATIONS WITH COMMUNITY HEALTH PARTNERS SUCH AS LOCAL HOSPITALS, PHYSICIANS, STATE, COUNTY, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND LARGE EMPLOYERS TO INCORPORATE PRINCIPLES OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLES INTO OUR WORK. THROUGH THESE COLLABORATIONS, OUR PARTNERS PROVIDE REFERRALS AND SUPPORT TO YMCA EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS FOR THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC DISEASES. OTHER HEALTH AND WELLNESS INITIATIVES INTRODUCED BY THE YMCA OF THE USA ARE REGULARLY PILOTED AND TESTED IN OUR ORGANIZATION. IN 2021, OVER 700 INDIVIDUALS IMPROVED THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH OUR COMMUNITY INTEGRATED HEALTH PROGRAMS, INCLUDING THE BLOOD PRESSURE SELF-MONITORING PROGRAM, ENHANCEFITNESS FALLS PREVENTION PROGRAM, LIVESTRONG AT THE Y CANCER SURVIVOR WELLNESS, DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM, AND WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMS. THE YMCA CONTINUES TO OFFER A HOST OF PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS, INCLUDING SWIMMING GROUPS, WALKING AND RUNNING CLUBS, TAI CHI, YOGA, PILATES, STRESS MANAGEMENT, PERSONAL TRAINING, GROUP EXERCISE, STRENGTH TRAINING, SOCIAL GROUPS, AND MUCH MORE. WE CONTINUE TO INTEGRATE LES MILLS EXERCISE CLASSES INTO OUR GROUP EXERCISE SCHEDULES, INCLUSIVE OF POPULAR STRENGTH TRAINING CLASSES, MARTIAL ARTS-STYLE CARDIO CLASSES, AND CYCLING CLASSES. ADULT SPORTS PROGRAMS INCLUDE ADULT BASKETBALL, ADULT TENNIS, ADULT SWIM LESSONS, SWIM LEAGUES, ADULT VOLLEYBALL, ADULT TENNIS, RACQUETBALL, PICKLEBALL, ETC. PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE MEMBERS OF EACH LOCAL COMMUNITY. SENIOR PROGRAMMING FOR ACTIVE OLDER ADULTS IS A LARGE PART OF OUR HEALTH AND WELLNESS OFFERINGS. WITH MANY RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES ACROSS OUR SERVICE AREA, SENIORS NOT ONLY COME TO THE Y FOR PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND WELLNESS BUT SOCIALIZATION AND CAMARADERIE AMONG FRIENDS. ALONG WITH MANY SENIOR FITNESS CLASSES AND PROGRAMS, WE HOST SOCIAL TRIPS TO LOCAL DESTINATIONS TO FOSTER RELATIONSHIP-BUILDING AMONG OUR SENIOR COMMUNITIES. IN 2021, OUR DIY AT THE Y ("DO IT YOURSELF AT THE Y") GROUPS RESUMED AT SEVERAL BRANCHES. THIS INITIATIVE GIVES OLDER ADULTS WITH EXPERTISE IN SOMETHING AN OPPORTUNITY TO VOLUNTEER TO TEACH OTHERS A NEW SKILL OR HOBBY. LUNCH AND LEARN EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS MOVED BACK TO IN-PERSON FROM A VIRTUAL FORMAT. CLASSES AND PROGRAMS ARE PROVIDED TO HELP OLDER ADULTS MAINTAIN THEIR SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND INDEPENDENCE BY MAINTAINING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. THE ARTHRITIS AND WATER EXERCISE CLASSES ARE DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS TO MAINTAIN MUSCLE TONE AND FLEXIBILITY USING THE WATER TO CUSHION THE JOINTS. IN ADDITION TO ENHANCING MOTOR FUNCTION, THESE PROGRAMS SERVE A PREVENTATIVE HEALTH FUNCTION IN THAT THEY MAY PREVENT OR POSTPONE THE NEED FOR SURGERIES. YMCA AQUATICS PROGRAMS ARE PART OF THE Y'S OVERALL GOAL OF BUILDING A HEALTHY SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY. IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING SPECIFIC SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY SKILLS, THEY PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH THROUGH REGULAR EXERCISE. THESE PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED AT FEES AFFORDABLE TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, WITH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T AFFORD THE FULL FEES. DROWNING IS THE SECOND-LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN CHILDREN IN THIS COMMUNITY. WE FEEL LEARNING TO SWIM IS A NECESSITY, NOT A LUXURY. LEARN-TO-SWIM LESSONS ARE CONDUCTED ALMOST DAILY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR FOR INFANTS FROM SIX MONTHS OLD TO ADULTS. GRANTS FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS AND LOCAL, FOUNDATION, AND CORPORATE SUPPORT, SUCH AS RAYMOND JAMES FOUNDATION, HERNANDO COUNTY UNITED WAY, YMCA OF THE USA, AND THE JUVENILE WELFARE BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY PROVIDED SUBSTANTIAL FUNDING FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS TO PARTICIPATE IN FREE AND DISCOUNTED SWIMMING CLASSES DURING THE YEAR. DURING THE SPRING AND SUMMER, SEVEN Y BRANCHES OFFERED SAFETY AROUND WATER, A WEEK OF FREE SWIMMING LESSONS FOR SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN. A TOTAL OF 5,787 CHILDREN LEARNED TO SWIM AND BE SAFE AROUND THE WATER IN 2021, ACROSS OUR FOUR-COUNTY AREA. YMCA POOLS ARE USED FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REGULARLY, AS WELL AS SCUBA PROGRAMS, PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS, SWIM TEAMS AND MEETS, AND LIFEGUARD TRAINING CLASSES. THE YMCA CONTINUES TO PROVIDE POOLS FOR AREA HIGH SCHOOL SWIM TEAMS TO PRACTICE AND CONDUCT MEETS. THE YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST HAS ESTABLISHED FAMILY AQUATIC CENTERS AT MOST OF OUR FACILITIES, INCLUDING JOHN GEIGLE NORTH PINELLAS, GREATER RIDGECREST, GREATER PALM HARBOR, JAMES P. GILLS FAMILY, HERNANDO COUNTY, AND CITRUS YMCA BRANCHES. THESE CENTERS FEATURE SLIDES AND INTERACTIVE DESIGNS WITH FOUNTAINS, SPRAYS, AND ACTIVITIES. SEVERAL LOCATIONS FEATURE A ZERO-DEPTH ENTRY POOL. THE JOHN GEIGLE NORTH PINELLAS BRANCH YMCA SERVED 75 PEOPLE IN THEIR MASH (MAINSTREAM ADULTS SHARING HOPE) PROGRAM IN 2021. MANY ADULTS ARE PHYSICALLY AND/OR MENTALLY CHALLENGED AND LIVING AT HOME WITH THEIR FAMILIES IN OUR PASCO AND UPPER PINELLAS AREA. THE YMCA AND MASH PARENTS HAVE ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE TO HELP CREATE INDEPENDENCE IN THEIR LIVES. PHYSICALLY AND/OR MENTALLY CHALLENGED ADULTS WITHIN THE PASCO/UPPER PINELLAS AREA CAN PARTICIPATE IN A PROGRAM THAT ALLOWS THEM TO GROW IN SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY THROUGH INTERACTION WITH FRIENDS, EXPRESSING THEIR CREATIVITY, AND PARTICIPATING IN RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS. THIS PROGRAM CHANGED DRASTICALLY IN 2020, WITH THE CLOSURE OF OUR FACILITIES AND ONGOING COVID CONCERNS, BUT PROGRAMS RESUMED IN 2021 AND PARTICIPANTS WELCOMED THE OPPORTUNITY FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION AND EXERCISE. THE YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST WILL CONTINUE SERVING THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN OUR SERVICE AREA, USING OUR LEARNINGS TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICE AND HELP PEOPLE GROW IN SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: OUR YMCA BELIEVES IN GIVING BACK AND SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS. WE HAVE BEEN LISTENING AND RESPONDING TO OUR COMMUNITY'S MOST CRITICAL SOCIAL NEEDS FOR 65 YEARS. Y PROGRAMS, SUCH AS VOLUNTEERISM AND GIVING OPPORTUNITIES, GLOBAL PARTNERS, PARTNERSHIPS WITH FEEDING AMERICA - TAMPA BAY, STATE ALLIANCES (ADVOCACY), AND WORLD SERVICE, ARE EXAMPLES OF HOW WE DELIVER TRAINING, RESOURCES, AND SUPPORT THAT EMPOWER OUR NEIGHBORS TO EFFECT CHANGE, BRIDGE GAPS AND OVERCOME OBSTACLES. IN 2021, WE ENGAGED 97,000 YMCA MEMBERS, PARTICIPANTS, VOLUNTEERS, AND DONORS IN ACTIVITIES THAT STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY AND PAVE THE WAY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO THRIVE.(CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O)THE YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST, GUIDED BY ITS STRATEGIC PLAN, SETS GOALS TO CREATE A CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY AND VOLUNTEERISM. THE Y IS FOCUSED ON ADVANCING OUR MISSION THROUGH PHILANTHROPY BY GIVING, ASKING, JOINING, AND SERVING. OUR PLAN PRIORITIZES OUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, CREATE AND EXPAND PROGRAMS TO SERVE UNDERSERVED AND UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES, SUSTAIN HEALTHY LIVING PROGRAMS, CREATE OPPORTUNITIES THAT SUPPORT ACADEMIC SUCCESS, EXPAND PROGRAMS TO INCREASE YOUTH AND TEEN PARTICIPATION, AND EXPAND WATER SAFETY PROGRAMS SO THAT EVERY CHILD WITHIN OUR SERVICE AREA PARTICIPATES IN A BEGIN TO SWIM PROGRAM. WITH ITS COMMITMENT TO NEVER TURN A PERSON OR FAMILY AWAY BECAUSE OF AN INABILITY TO PAY FOR SERVICES, THE YMCA CONTINUES TO BE THE COMMUNITY WHERE PEOPLE OF ALL INCOMES AND BACKGROUNDS CAN FIND PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT FOR HEALTHY BEHAVIOR CHANGES. THE YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR ALL PERSONS IN NEED. CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE YMCA ENABLE US TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ON A SLIDING SCALE. WE PROMISE THAT EVERYONE WHO QUALIFIES WILL RECEIVE ASSISTANCE TO THE GREATEST EXTENT POSSIBLE BASED ON THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. THE Y'S VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Y COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS CONTINUED IN 2021 AT A REDUCED LEVEL AS WE BEGAN TO RE-ESTABLISH THE PROGRAM POST-COVID-19. IT IS IMPORTANT TO US TO INVOLVE COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN MEANINGFUL AND VALUABLE WORK. AS A VOLUNTEER-LED ORGANIZATION, THE Y CANNOT THRIVE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF VOLUNTEERS. WE HONOR YOUTH AND ADULT PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS THROUGH VARIOUS FORMS OF RECOGNITION AND THANKS. IN 2021, 530 VOLUNTEERS DONATED THEIR TIME AND TALENTS TO ASSIST IN THE Y'S CAUSE DRIVE PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES, PROVIDING MORE THAN 12,300 TOTAL HOURS LOGGED. THIS EQUATES TO MORE THAN 6 FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES! OUR Y IS FORTUNATE TO BENEFIT FROM TALENTED AND DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS WHO COMPOSE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ADVISORY COUNCILS AT EACH OF OUR BRANCHES. THESE INDIVIDUALS ADVISE ON STRATEGY, RECOMMEND POLICIES, FORGE COLLABORATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY, AND ACTIVELY FUNDRAISE. THEIR GUIDANCE AND OVERSIGHT IS CRITICAL TO MAINTAINING OUR STRONG REPUTATION, FINANCIAL POSITION, COMMUNITY ROOTS, AND SO MUCH MORE. A TOTAL OF 28 REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMUNITY SERVED ON THE YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND 127 OTHERS AS ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS AT OUR BRANCHES. IN 2021, THE YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST CONTINUED PARTNERSHIPS TO SERVE FAMILIES THAT INCLUDE AND CARE FOR FOSTER CHILDREN. WE BUILT RELATIONSHIPS WITH AGENCIES IN EACH OF OUR COUNTIES THAT SERVE FAMILIES WITH FOSTER CHILDREN. THEY SHARE OUR CALL TO SERVE BY STRENGTHENING YOUTH AND FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITIES. THIS OPPORTUNITY STEMS FROM OUR STRATEGIC PLAN TO ENSURE THAT WE ACTIVELY SEEK TO SERVE YOUTH WHO ARE UNDERSERVED AND UNDERREPRESENTED. FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE ACCESS TO OUR BRANCHES WITH A YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST MEMBERSHIP. FOSTER CHILDREN HAVE ACCESS TO THE YMCA UP TO THE AGE OF 22. IN 2021, 200 FOSTER CARE PARTICIPANTS WERE SERVED THROUGH MEMBERSHIP AND PROGRAM ENGAGEMENT. WHAT BEGAN AS A RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, WE CONTINUED IN 2021 AS A COLLABORATION WITH FEEDING AMERICA - TAMPA BAY, AT THE JAMES P. GILLS FAMILY YMCA AND THE GREATER RIDGECREST BRANCH YMCA. OUR GILLS BRANCH SERVED AS A FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTER 2 TIMES PER MONTH, UTILIZING NEARLY 60 VOLUNTEERS, TO SERVE OVER 1,800 HOUSEHOLDS IN NEED WITH OVER 160,000 POUNDS OF FOOD. IN 2021, THE YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST HELD ITS SIXTEENTH ANNUAL MAYORS' PRAYER BREAKFAST, HOSTED BY THE CITY OF CLEARWATER'S MAYOR. THIS EVENT, ATTENDED BY OVER 300 PEOPLE, WAS A TIME FOR THE COMMUNITY TO COME TOGETHER IN FELLOWSHIP AND PRAYER. THE CITRUS MEMORIAL HEALTH FOUNDATION YMCA AND THE JAMES P. GILLS FAMILY YMCA EACH HOSTED PRAYER BREAKFAST DURING 2021, WHICH HAD OVER 275 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE. THE YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST HAS AN INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP WITH THE YMCA OF PERU. ALTHOUGH CHALLENGED IN 2020 DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS, IN 2021 WE CONTINUED TO RE-ENGAGE OUR PARTNERSHIP WHICH ALLOWS THE SHARING OF PROGRAM IDEAS AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTHS BETWEEN THE TWO YMCAS. THE VISION FOR THE YMCA PERU - U.S. YMCA MOVEMENT IS IMPLEMENTING A STRATEGY THAT MUTUALLY STRENGTHENS THE ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITIES AND SELF-RELIANCE OF YMCA PERU AND UNITED STATES YMCAS TO DEEPEN GLOBAL COMMUNITY IMPACT AND ENGAGEMENT. THE YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST IS A MEMBER OF THE FLORIDA STATE ALLIANCE OF YMCAS. THE ALLIANCE PROVIDES A SINGLE, UNIFIED VOICE FOR THE Y IN FLORIDA. WORKING TOGETHER, WE BELIEVE WE CAN FOCUS ATTENTION ON THE ISSUES AND NEEDS OF YMCAS IN OUR STATE AND CREATE A HEALTHIER AND MORE ACTIVE POPULATION.