Young Men's Christian Association of Middle Tennessee (6273)

Healthy Living We're committed to improving the health and well-being of our community because we believe a community is strongest when everyone in it has the opportunity to live healthier in all areas of life-spirit, mind and body. Unfortunately, too many people in our community are suffering from a health and obesity crisis that is causing unnecessary harm and costing our state billions of dollars in preventable health care costs. Research shows that by investing in the health of our neighbors now, we can stop illnesses before they start, and the savings quickly add up in our community through: * Improved quality of life * Fewer illnesses * Increased school performance * Healthy aging * A better workforce How? We're committed to providing community-based health solutions that offer everyone, regardless of age, income or background, the opportunity to improve their health and well-being. Our Strategies: Prevention As a leading provider of holistic health and wellness services in our community, we help individuals and families practice the healthy lifestyle habits that have been proven to prevent illnesses ranging from diabetes and stroke to heart disease and many forms of cancer. In addition, we work outside the walls of our facilities to engage in community partners and leaders in all areas of government to advocate for policies and programs that can make the healthy choice the easier choice for everyone in our community. Assisting Targeted Health Populations Some people need more help with their health than others. That's why we provide support groups and other programs focused on serving the physical, mental and spiritual needs of targeted health populations ranging from people with cancer or diabetes to individuals fighting addiction or depression. We're also partnering with local hospitals and other health providers to offer medically-based services including physical therapy, nutrition education and cardiac rehabilitation. Eliminating Health Disparities Studies show that individuals with the lowest incomes are 44% more likely to become obese compared to households with higher incomes. In addition, some minority groups or people living in certain under-served communities have much higher rates of obesity as well as other painful and debilitating health conditions. Through its financial assistance programs and commitment to maintaining a presence in all parts of our community, we address these health disparities and eliminate the link between an individual's socioeconomic status and their health. Our 2024 Impact: * Improved the health of more than 185,000 members * Improved the physical and social well-being of thousands of participants by averaging over 1,300 YMCA group fitness classes weekly taught by nearly 500 instructors throughout middle Tennessee. * Eliminated health disparities by offering membership financial assistance to over 21,000 individuals, through our Open Doors Program.

Youth Development Why? We're committed to nurturing the potential of children and teens in our community because we believe the values and skills learned early on are the vital building blocks of life. Research shows that the way a child or teen spends their time away from school can play a critical role in their future success. Specifically, programs like those the Y offers help youth: * Find inspiration and meaning * Do better in school * Learn essential skills * Develop socially and emotionally * Gain confidence * Feel safe and welcomed How? Every day we give thousands of youth the opportunity to discover their true potential and to cultivate the values, skills and relationships that will lead to positive behaviors and better health and educational achievement. Our Strategies: Provide A Place to Belong The Y gives youth and teens in our community a safe place to belong while offering quality programs and services that make sure our kids' learning and development does not begin and end with the sound of the school bell. Develop Character Values and Life Skills The Y connects kids to caring adult role models whose example and leadership teach kids critical character values and life skills ranging from how to get into college to how to be a good sport and even better citizen. Cultivate Healthy Habits Children reach their full potential when they are healthy in all areas of life-spirit, mind and body. Through a wide range of youth wellness programs and initiatives, the Y is working to give kids the healthy habits they need to learn, grow and thrive. Help Those Who Need Us Most Whether it's providing a literacy tutor to close a child's achievement gap, a swim lesson in a community with a higher risk of drowning or a mentor to a teen trying to overcome the mistakes of their past, the Y believes in giving every child a chance to thrive regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances. Our 2024 Impact: Nurtured the potential of over 82,000 youth and teens through Y membership programs including swim lessons, summer camp, before-and-after school care and other enrichment opportunities designed to teach critical life skills; as a participant in both the Federal Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Program, the Y served over 136,000 meals to children at our highest-need after-school care sites.