THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF THE CAPITAL DISTRICT (4416)

Core to the Y's Mission is Healthy Living. Our YMCA believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We've been responding to our community's critical health needs for more than 100 years. Y programs deliver resources and support that empower our neighbors to overcome obstacles and effect positive change in their lives. For example, our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program offers adult cancer survivors a mix of physical and social assistance that helps them find their new "normal". Our Pedaling for Parkinson's program helps those battling Parkinson's disease to regain mobility and slow the progression of their disease. With obesity at epidemic levels in this country, Capital District YMCA programs like Y Fit Kids (a unique 30-minute program that gets kids involved in intense exercise through fun and challenging workouts) are improving children's lives.

Core to the Y's Mission is Youth Development. The Capital District YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential in every child and teen. We are the largest provider of childcare in the Capital Region, with 4 Early Learning Centers and over 30 childcare locations across the region, serving more than 2,000 children. In addition, each summer we care for more than 3,000 children in our day and overnight camp programs. We provide subsidies and direct financial assistance that make participation possible for the young people we engage. We provide a host of programs and services that address our belief that all youth deserve the opportunity to develop into their best selves. Toward that end, we help young people cultivate values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement. Our programs provide a wealth of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth. Middle and high school students from all backgrounds are welcome in our Black & Latino Achievers program, and benefit from our efforts to help them develop a positive sense of their self-worth; raise their academic standards; and build character. Achievers have the chance to explore career and education options while being mentored by caring adults, attending workshops and workplace tours, college preparation classes, and more. Our Leaders Club is one of our most intensive and comprehensive teen programs. It provides opportunities for leadership training, personal growth, service to others, and social development. Young people meet in small groups, working closely with their peers and a counselor on skill- and character-building activities, as well as on planning and organizing club projects. Students in our Youth & Government program are empowered to make a difference in their communities through education and problem-solving experiences as they navigate New York's legislative process and develop their skills and confidence to serve our communities. Among our unique regional benefits to children is our regional resident camp and outdoor education center, which serves children and adults year round. Our Outdoor Education programs include stream, wetlands, forest, and lake study; composting, gardening, and farm animal care; and low-impact hiking/camping and teambuilding. Campers have the opportunity to develop 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.