Young Mens Christian Association Of Broward County Florida

Programs: Family time - the ymca brings parents and children together for life enriching experiences. We believe the ymca can help in strengthening relationships in families by providing fun and meaningful programs and activities. Time together as a family is valuable; the ymca provides quality physical and social programs and activities, designed specifically for families. All ymca programs place a strong emphasis on family. Activities are planned that foster understanding and companionship. Groups of families become support systems for one another, learning from each other and from their children in an enjoyable way. Programs such as mommy & me and y-adventure guides provide opportunities for parents to enjoy quality time with their children. Additionally, parent education classes are offered periodically to provide instruction in parenting, guidance, discipline, and money management. Over 1,650 families participated in these programs. In order to provide the most needy families with additional support, the ymca conducted food and toy drives. Over 3,550 families were recipients of food, toys, and back-to-school supplies for their children during the holidays and school year.

child care - the ymca of broward county has been and continues to be one of the largest providers of child care in our area for over 20 years. Currently, we provide high quality out of school time programs (after school, holiday care, etc. ) to approximately 5,950 children annually. Of these children, over 80% receive scholarships due to financial hardships. The ymca is committed to assuring that children from all backgrounds receive the same services. An increased number of children who are homeless or in the foster care system are being included at no charge to the family. Additionally, the ymca operates the broward inclusion child care program that is designed to increase the availability of childcare for children with disabilities. There are over 485 children being served in this program on a daily basis. A full day childcare program is also available for young children with scholarships available to those requiring financial assistance. Our programs are based upon years of research in the field of child development and are designed to meet the individual needs of the child and the family as a whole. Providing high quality child care is central to the y's mission. Woven into the fabric of our mission and high quality childcare is a commitment to strengthening families. We recognize an all too growing number of families from every socioeconomic level are neglected, adrift and in trouble. The stress and strain of balancing work and family is becoming more difficult to bear. The ymca of broward county assists in reducing this burden through the provision of tuition assistance for childcare services. Over $3,300,000 this past year was awarded to families to defray their fees. Additionally, we aid families who might need other forms of help due to family violence, loss of a job, substance abuse, etc. By collaborating with other social service agencies. Our third area of emphasis is on parent education. Through a variety of activities, which bring teachers and parents together, we focus on helping parents lean more about how to raise healthy, happy children who can grow into responsible caring adults. Camp the day camp the ymca of broward county offers is both a recreational and lasting experience of personal enrichment. The program is designed to help campers be aware of their bodies and fitness. They are also structured to help youth learn the value of cooperation and gain confidence to challenge themselves to achieve personal growth. The ymca of broward county provides a safe, clean environment and a quality program in which their children can spend their summer and school days off. We offer a valuable alternative to children staying home alone. Our hours are flexible (7:30 am 6:00 pm). Summer camps are open for ten weeks and holiday camps are available 22 days during the school year. Scholarships are provided for approximately 85% of the children and a continuum of care is available for children with disabilities as well. A strong collaboration with outside service-oriented organizations provides for additional services to help meet the needs of the children and families we serve. In 2013 the association served approximately 2,150 clients in the summer camp (general population and children with disabilities). Education & leadership the ymca is committed to providing a continuum of care for individuals with disabilities. In addition to children who are served in the after-school programs, a respite program for adults with developmental disabilities is offered each afternoon through the typical school year. The adults who are unable to be left unsupervised, then attend a full day training program during the summer months when their educational programs are closed. This allows for their parents/guardians to continue employment as they strive to maintain self-sufficiency. Over 345 adults participate annually in these programs and all receive financial assistance in order to attend.

sports & recreation these programs are designed to provide youth the opportunity to grow in spirit, mind and body. The philosophy "everyone plays everyone wins" is common ground for all sports and recreation programs. Over 9,720 children participate annually in these programs and in keeping with the ymca's mission; scholarships are made available to children who require financial assistance. I. Health, well-being & fitnessthe ymca of broward county, through its various family centers, has a network of programs that fulfill the y's mission of mind, body, and spirit. Programs are designed to impact wellness of the community and include free seminars and fitness evaluations. The y conducts hundreds of free health screenings yearly. Emphasis is on family with a full complement of programs for individuals six months to senior citizen. Many participants are given the opportunity to participate free of charge through financial assistance. They look to other community agencies for referrals to provide much needed health and physical educations programs. The association participates in the ymca of the usa annual event, healthy kids day, to bring community health partners together to promote health, wellness, and fitness to children.