2013-04-24T19:13:28-05:00 2012-12-31 910959909 NR SMITH AND ASSOCIATES PS 2120 CATON WAY SW OLYMPIA WA 985021106 990 2012-01-01 910586473 SOUTH SOUND YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSN SOUT 3607536576 1530 YELM HIGHWAY SE OLYMPIA WA 985014684 MICHAEL WEST 3607536576 2013-04-17 1 NORMAN R SMITH CPA P00241319 3607549475 2012 2016-03-07 17:11:31Z MICHAEL WEST 1530 YELM HIGHWAY SE OLYMPIA WA 985014684 6733691 0 X SOUTHSOUNDYMCA.ORG X 1892 WA TO PROVIDE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY AN AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE RESOURCE FOR THE POSITIVE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY THROUGH RECREATIONAL, HEALTH AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS. 18 18 547 1322 0 0 525433 635428 6159438 5943459 36134 24131 118845 100661 6839850 6703679 0 0 0 0 4389822 4250034 0 0 14160 2489577 2536499 6879399 6786533 -39549 -82854 14664301 14555600 4452433 4180271 10211868 10375329 X TO PROVIDE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY AN AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE RESOURCE FOR THE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY THROUGH RECREATIONAL HEALTH AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS. 0 0 2271985 2277269 CHILDCARE: SEE ATTACHED 1734685 2749475 MEMBERSHIP: SEE ATTACHED 616068 384109 YOUTH: SEE ATTACHED 960650 532606 SEE ATTACHED 960650 532606 5583388 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 11 0 1 547 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 18 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 WA X COLLEEN OCZKEWICZ 3607536576 1530 YELM HIGHWAY SE OLYMPIA WA 985014684 LYNN WOFFORD 0.00 X X 0 0 0 STEVE HATTON 0.00 X X 0 0 0 LAURIE BERRYMAN 0.00 X X 0 0 0 NEIL WOODY 0.00 X X 0 0 0 KIM PUTNAM 0.00 X X 0 0 0 KIMBERLY ELLWANGER 0.00 X 0 0 0 DICK WADLEY 0.00 X 0 0 0 JACE MUNSON 0.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN PARRY 0.00 X 0 0 0 CHRISTINE FLEMING 0.00 X 0 0 0 PAT BERSCHAUER 0.00 X 0 0 0 MARY FURMAN 0.00 X 0 0 0 WENDY HOLDEN 0.00 X 0 0 0 JON JONES 0.00 X 0 0 0 ALLEN T MILLER JR 0.00 X 0 0 0 JERRY SHAW 0.00 X 0 0 0 BILL MCGREGOR 0.00 X 0 0 0 RUTH WEIGELT 0.00 X 0 0 0 MICHAEL WEST 40.00 X 185858 0 20437 COLLEEN OCZKEWICZ 40.00 X 39435 0 1404 HARRY SUMMERS 40.00 X 46391 0 4890 271684 0 26731 1 0 1 0 0 24629 352039 143804 114956 635428 MEMBERSHIP DUES 900099 2771492 2771492 CHILDCARE 900099 2324937 2324937 YOUTH 900099 384109 384109 AQUATICS 900099 320617 320617 PHYSICAL EDUCATION 900099 142304 142304 5943459 24131 24131 0 352039 30012 -30012 -30012 SPECIAL EVENTS 900099 78949 78949 MISCELLANEOUS INCOME 900099 51724 51724 130673 6703679 5943459 0 124792 271684 114249 144425 13010 3203869 2098905 1104885 79 390409 202739 187670 384072 258772 125067 233 26176 26176 15188 15188 980131 2552652 -1569874 -2647 56457 29613 26332 512 642751 245904 396847 33857 17418 16439 22100 7112 12015 2973 231814 231814 389466 22045 367421 138559 33979 104580 6786533 5583388 1188985 14160 632178 563324 87911 88880 2886 2627 208706 143597 15824426 3715626 12262848 12108800 1469772 1648372 14664301 14555600 604532 658917 3821550 3496146 26351 25208 4452433 4180271 X 10211868 10375329 10211868 10375329 14664301 14555600 X -82854 47965 198350 X X 0 1 X 1 0 X 6863945 7547312 7057843 6684871 6592830 34746801 96444 63368 119625 118845 72558 470840 6960389 7610680 7177468 6803716 6665388 35217641 0 0 0 35217641 74296 38410 26280 36134 24131 199251 74296 38410 26280 36134 24131 199251 7034685 7649090 7203748 6839850 6689519 35416892 0.99440 0.99240 0.00560 0.00760 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 1492200 1492200 13243448 2864327 10379121 1088778 851299 237479 12108800 LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 1648372 1648372 FUNDS HELD FOR OTHERS 25208 25208 6689519 0 6689519 14160 14160 6703679 6772373 0 6772373 14160 14160 6786533 PART XI, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: FUNDRAISING PART XII, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING STRONG KIDS CAMPAIGN 352039 352039 30012 352039 352039 30012 30012 -30012 1 X 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MICHAEL WEST 185858 0 0 0 0 0 13005 0 7432 0 206295 0 0 0 PART I, LINE 3 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE PERFORMS STUDY OF EQUITABLE COMPENSATION FOR SIMILAR POSITION. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11 A COPY OF THE 990 WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE GOVERNING BODY FINANCE COMMITTEE TO REVIEW BEFORE IT WAS FILED. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C THE ORGANIZATION MONITORS AND ENFORCES COMPLIANCE WITH ITS CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ON A REGULAR BASIS. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 THE ORGANIZATION DETERMINES COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS THROUGH A COMPARABILITY STUDY, APPROVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 THESE ITEMS WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS, UPON REQUEST. OTHER FEES FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 11G SUPPLIES: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 442,536. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 86,270. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 9,423. TOTAL EXPENSES 538,229. OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPENSES: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 77,552. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 113,210. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 2,734. TOTAL EXPENSES 193,496. DUES: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 82,127. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 13,910. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 96,037. TELEPHONE: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 24,344. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 40,131. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 64,475. EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND REPAIRS: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 6,664. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 33,866. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 40,530. POSTAGE: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 10,812. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 11,680. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 1,022. TOTAL EXPENSES 23,514. MISCELLANEOUS: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 672. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 9,018. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 9,690. SPECIAL EVENTS: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 0. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 34,658. TOTAL EXPENSES 34,658. ALLOCATION OF INDIRECT EXPENSES: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 1,907,945. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES -1,877,959. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES -50,484. TOTAL EXPENSES -20,498. CHANGES IN NET ASSETS OR FUND BALANCES: FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9: FAIR VALUE ADJUSTMENT 198,350. THE PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM THE PRIOR YEAR. PART III PAGE 2, PART III STATEMENT OF PROGRAM SERVICE ACCOMPLISHMENTS INTRODUCTION THE SOUTH SOUND YMCA SERVES OUR COMMUNITY BY MEETING THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICE NEEDS OF FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS. WE WORK TO HELP PEOPLE DEVELOP VALUES AND BEHAVIORS THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES. THEY ARE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL FAITHS, RACES, ABILITIES AND INCOMES. NO ONE IS TURNED AWAY FOR INABILITY TO PAY. IN THE YMCA, A VOLUNTEER BOARD HIRES AND SETS POLICY FOR ITS CEO, WHO MANAGES THE OPERATION WITH FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME STAFF AND VOLUNTEER LEADERS. OUR YMCA MEETS COMMUNITY NEEDS THROUGH ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES CALLED PROGRAMS, IN YMCA BUILDINGS AND FROM RENTED QUARTERS, DONATED SPACE, STOREFRONTS, PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS. YMCAS MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS COUNTYWIDE. THERE ARE MANY HUNDREDS OF CORPORATE YMCAS THAT ARE FORMAL MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL MOVEMENT. THE ENTIRE SYSTEM INVITES CREATIVITY AND CHANGE THROUGH ITS AUTONOMOUS MEMBER YMCAS, ITS DECENTRALIZATION AND ITS LACK OF REGIONAL BOUNDARIES. OVER ITS LONG HISTORY, THE YMCA HAS BEEN RENEWED AGAIN AND AGAIN BY THE ACTIONS OF ITS MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS, THEIR PROGRAM INNOVATIONS AND THEIR COMMON SENSE APPROACH. YMCAS IN THE UNITED STATES ARE PART OF A WORLDWIDE MOVEMENT, THE WORLD ALLIANCE OF YMCAS. IT IS A NON-BINDING ORGANIZATION OF INDEPENDENT YMCA MOVEMENTS FROM MORE THAN 120 COUNTRIES, WITH HEADQUARTERS IN GENEVA, SWITZERLAND. MISSION TO PROVIDE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY AN AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE RESOURCE FOR THE POSITIVE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT THROUGH RECREATIONAL, HEALTH AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS. PURPOSE THE YMCA IS A MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATION OF MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN OF ALL AGES, ABILITIES, INCOMES, RACES AND RELIGIONS. IT IS DEDICATED TO BUILDING HEALTHY BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES. IT PUTS CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICE THROUGH PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH, STRONG FAMILIES, YOUTH LEADERSHIP, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING. GOALS TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES, ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS TO ENHANCE AND MAINTAIN THEIR COMMITMENT TO MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING; TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES TO ENRICH THEIR RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO EXAMINE AND CLARIFY VALUES, IMPROVE COMMUNICATION AND ENCOURAGE POSITIVE INTERACTION; TO PROVIDE THE ENVIRONMENT, OPPORTUNITY AND ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOUTH TO DEVELOP SKILLS AND VALUES THAT FOSTER LEADERSHIP, CONFIDENCE, SELF-ESTEEM, SELF-RELIANCE AND MUTUAL RESPECT; TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS TO DEVELOP A SENSE OF CITIZENSHIP THROUGH PROGRAMS THAT MEET IDENTIFIED COMMUNITY NEEDS; TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS TO EXPAND THEIR AWARENESS, INTEREST, RESPECT AND APPRECIATION OF THE VARIED PEOPLES AND CULTURES OF OUR GLOBAL SOCIETY. MEMBERS IN 2012, 46,538 PEOPLE WERE SOUTH SOUND YMCA MEMBERS AND PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS, INCLUDING 19,401 CHILDREN AND TEENS AND 27,137 ADULTS. OF THESE, 3,913 PEOPLE RECEIVED $541,810 IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. VOLUNTEERS IN 2012, 1,322 POLICY AND PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS DONATED 16,457 HOURS TO OUR YMCA. DESCRIPTION OF YMCA PROGRAMS AQUATICS: LIFELONG ACTIVITY WATER IS AN UNFAMILIAR PLACE FOR PEOPLE WHO TRAVEL MOSTLY ON DRY GROUND. BUT SINCE THE PLANET HAS MORE WATER THAN LAND, THERE ARE SWIMMING LESSONS TO BE LEARNED. AT THE YMCA, LEARNING IS A GREAT DEAL MORE THAN IT MIGHT SEEM. ITS TAKING PEOPLE INTO WATER THAT SOME FIND SCARY AT FIRST AND TEACHING THEM NOT ONLY TO SURVIVE BUT ALSO TO THRIVE AND TO FIND FUN, FITNESS, STRESS RELIEF, ADVENTURE AND LIFELONG ENJOYMENT. EVERY YEAR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE LEARN TO SWIM AT THE YMCA. THAT IS A LOT OF SPLASHING AROUND WITHOUT EVEN BEGINNING TO COUNT THE THOUSANDS MORE WHO ALREADY KNOW HOW TO SWIM AND JOIN THE YMCA TO SWIM LAPS, LOOSEN MUSCLES AND JOINTS WITH AQUATIC EXERCISES, BECOME PART OF SWIM TEAMS, LEARN LIFE GUARDING, AND INTRODUCE BABIES TO THE POOL OR JUST PLAY AROUND IN THE WATER. THE FOCUS ON HEALTHY LIVING FOR ALL AGES HAS ONLY INCREASED INTEREST IN AQUATICS. MANY PEOPLE CLAIM THAT SWIMMING IS THE BEST FORM OF EXERCISE FOR YOUNG AND OLD TO KEEP THE BODY FIT AND TRIM WHILE STRENGTHENING THE HEART AND LUNGS. WATERS BUOYANCY IS A PARTICULAR PLEASURE FOR PEOPLE TEMPORARILY OR PERMANENTLY DISABLED. OUR YMCAS OFFER PROGRAMS SPECIFICALLY FOR SUCH CHILD AND ADULTS. WATER CAN OFTEN FREE THEM TO MOVE AROUND WITHOUT SUPPORT AND STRENGTHEN LITTLE-USED MUSCLES. SOMETIMES PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TAKE PART IN REGULAR CLASSES. BECAUSE RESPECT FOR OTHERS, REGARDLESS OF AGE OR ABILITY, IS AN UNDERLYING VALUE FOR ALL YMCA PROGRAMS, THESE CLASSES PROVIDE AN ATMOSPHERE OF ACCEPTANCE THAT IS ITSELF A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE. IN RECENT YEARS, YMCA HEALTH AND FITNESS EXPERTS HAVE ADAPTED AEROBIC EXERCISES FOR THE POOL TO CREATE GENTLE-IMPACT AEROBICS. WATER ENABLES EXERCISERS TO WORK AT HIGHER INTENSITY WITH LESS IMPACT THAN ON A GYM OR EXERCISE-ROOM FLOOR. MANY OLDER EXERCISERS ESPECIALLY LIKE WATER AEROBICS. FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY MOST PEOPLE COUNT SWIMMING AS A FAMILY AFFAIR AT THE OCEAN, LAKES, RIVERS AND POOLS. IT IS OFTEN A FAMILY AFFAIR AT THE YMCA, TOO, WITH SWIMMING TIMES SET-ASIDE JUST FOR FAMILIES. WATER SPORTS AND SWIMMING ARE ALSO STANDARD FEATURES AT YMCA CAMPS. THE YMCAS INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP IN AQUATICS STARTED BACK IN 1885, WHEN THE BROOKLYN, NEW YORK YMCA BUILT AN INDOOR POOL OR SWIMMING BATH, AS IT WAS CALLED. SWIMMERS ALL DID THE BREASTSTROKE. A CANADIAN SWIMMING INSTRUCTOR HIRED BY THE DETROIT YMCA IN 1906 REVOLUTIONIZED TEACHING WITH MASS SWIMMING LESSONS AND DRY-LAND DRILLS. AND HE CHANGED THE BASIC STROKE TO THE CRAWL. YMCA PROGRESSIVE SWIMMING INSTRUCTION WAS PIONEERED IN THE 1930S. LEARN-TO-SWIM MONTH WAS A FEATURE OF THE 1950S. NATIONAL LIFEGUARD TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION AND A FOCUS ON BRINING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES INTO THE POOLS MARKED THE 1970S. AEROBICS AND OTHER FITNESS REGIMENS WENT WET IN THE 1980S. SAFETY AROUND WATER YMCAS TAKE SAFETY SERIOUSLY. ONLY THOSE TRAINED AND CERTIFIED TO RIGOROUS YMCA SWIMMING STANDARDS TEACH IN YMCA POOLS. LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL AGES, ABILITY LEVELS AND INTERESTS. BABIES AS YOUNG AS 6 MONTHS CAN ENJOY WATER PLAY WITH THEIR PARENTS IN A PARENT/TOT PROGRAM, WHICH INCLUDES AN INSTRUCTOR IN THE POOL TO COACH THE ADULTS ON SAFETY SKILLS. 3 YEAR OLDS TO 6-YEAR OLDS CAN TAKE PRE-SWIMMING CLASSES ON THEIR OWN. AT THE CORE IS THE CURRENT PROGRESSIVE SWIMMING PROGRAM FOR 6-YEAR-OLDS TO ADULTS. BEGINNERS, OR POLLIWOGS, LEARN SIMPLE STROKES AND PERSONAL SAFETY SKILLS AS THEY GET A FEEL FOR THE WATER. THOSE WHO STAY IN SWIM LESSONS RIGHT UP TO THE MOST ADVANCED LEVELS ARE CHALLENGED TO MASTER VARIOUS SWIM STROKES AND BUILD ENDURANCE. WORKING FROM THE OVERALL YMCA PHILOSOPHY OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT, THE INSTRUCTORS USE A PROBLEM-SOLVING, GUIDED DISCOVERY TEACHING APPROACH. THE EMPHASIS IS ON LEARNING, NOT PASSING OR FAILING. MANY YOUNGSTERS AND ADULTS WHO LEARN TO SWIM AT YMCAS BECOME TEACHERS THEMSELVES, WHO GROW IN THEIR OWN LEADERSHIP ABILITIES AS WELL AS SWIMMING SKILLS. SELF-ESTEEM GROWS SWIMMING AT THE YMCA IS TAUGHT IN A POSITIVE MANNER TRUSTING, SUPPORTING, AND CARING. PEOPLE LEARN IN A NON-THREATENING ATMOSPHERE FREE FROM DISCOURAGING CRITICISM. IT MEANS POSITIVE FEEDBACK AND REINFORCEMENT FOR EVEN THE TINIEST GAIN. ACCOMPLISHMENT BUILDS CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM. IT WORKS WONDERS. AQUATIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS RESIDENTS OF THE PUGET SOUND, PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY COULD BE SUBJECT TO TRAUMATIC INCIDENTS AROUND WATER. OUR AQUATIC PROGRAMS HELP PREVENT THAT FROM HAPPENING. IN 2012 WE PROVIDED SWIMMING LESSONS TO 6,017 CHILDREN, YOUTH AND TEENS. PART III CHILD CARE: WORK WITHOUT WORRY IN 1980, A GROUP OF YMCA DIRECTORS MET TO DISCUSS THE RAPIDLY GROWING NEED FOR CHILDCARE. THEY RECOGNIZED THAT THE KINDS OF FAMILIES KIDS WERE GROWING UP IN HAD CHANGED. MOST HAD BOTH PARENTS ON THE JOB OR A SINGLE PARENT WHO WORKED. THAT MEANT SOME KID OF DAY CARE WAS NEEDED TO FILL THE GAPS. IT WAS A NATURAL FOR YMCAS. THEY HAD BEEN ACTIVE FOR 60 YEARS IN A VARIETY OF PARENT-CHILD ACTIVITIES. THEY HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN CHILD CARE, TOO BEFORE IT WAS EVER CALLED THAT WITH YOUNGSTERS COMING IN AFTER SCHOOL TO YMCA GAME ROOMS, GYMS, POOLS AND CRAFT CLASSES, GETTING TO KNOW YMCA STAFF MEMBERS AND OTHER KIDS THERE. IN THE SUMMER THERE WERE DAY CAMPS AND FUN CLUBS ALONG WITH REGULAR RESIDENT SUMMER CAMP. ALL OF THIS IS STILL AROUND TODAY, PLUS THERE ARE FORMAL CHILDCARE PROGRAMS. TO CREATE ITS BASIC MANUALS, THE YMCA DREW FROM ITS OWN EXPERIENCE AND ADDED THE ADVICE OF EXPERTS ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT. THE RESULT WAS AN ABILITY TO SET UP AT MULTIPLE SITES, WITH DAILY ACTIVITIES MAPPED OUT BY WELL-PREPARED STAFF MEMBERS. IN ADDITION TO YMCA TRAINING, MANY YMCA CHILDCARE PROFESSIONALS HAVE ADVANCED DEGREES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO WORK WITH PRESCHOOLERS, INFANTS AND TODDLERS. FOCUSES ON FAMILY VALUES AND INVOLVEMENT NO MATTER HAW MANY HOURS YOUNGSTERS SPEND IN A CHILD CARE SETTING EACH WEEK, IT IS STILL THE FAMILY THAT IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT STRUCTURE IN THEIR LIVES. GOOD CHILD CARE MUST BE GOOD FAMILY CARE, YMCA CHILD CARE PROGRAMS OFFER WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITIES TO STRENGTHEN FAMILIES, HELPING THEM BETTER COMMUNICATE; WORK AND PLAY TOGETHER; SHARE VALUES; FEEL A SENSE OF COMMUNITY WITH OTHER FAMILIES AND EVEN IMPROVE THEIR ECONOMIC STABILITY. CONVENIENT LOCATIONS AND CARING STAFF MEMBERS THE YMCA APPROACH IS CHARACTERISTICALLY FLEXIBLE. OUR CHILDCARE TAKES PLACE IN A VARIETY OF SETTINGS IN THE YMCAS MULTIPURPOSE BUILDINGS AND IN SCHOOL GYMNASIUMS, CAFETERIAS AND PORTABLES. THE HIGH STANDARDS FOR THE CARE OF CHILDREN REFLECT THE YMCA MOVEMENTS VALUES AND EXPECTATIONS: YMCAS MEET AND OFTEN EXCEED GOVERNMENT LICENSING STANDARDS. STAFF MEMBERS ARE WELL PREPARED AND PARTICIPATE IN ONGOING TRAINING THROUGH THE YMCA SYSTEM OF PROGRAM SCHOOLS, TRAINING EVENTS AND CERTIFICATION. THEY BELIEVE THEIR PROGRAMS CAN HELP DEVELOP A BETTER LIFE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. LIKE ALL YMCA PROGRAMS, CHILDCARE IS OPEN TO ALL, WITH FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR THOSE UNABLE TO PAY FULL FEES. WE PRIDE OURSELVES IN OUR COMMITMENT TO TURN NO ONE AWAY. THE BOTTOM LINE FOR YMCA CHILDCARE IS WHATS BEST FOR THE FAMILY. PROVIDING IT IS THE YMCAS WAY OF WORKING TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE WHOLE CHILD, THE WHOLE FAMILY AND THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. AGE-APPROPRIATE EXPERIENCE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTERS THE SOUTH SOUND YMCA PROVIDES CARE TO CHILDREN AGES 3 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS AT SOUTH PUGET SOUND COMMUNITY COLLEGE. THIS CENTER SERVES THE STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES OF SOUTH PUGET SOUND COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. PARENTS CAN CONCENTRATE ON STUDIES KNOWING THEIR CHILDREN ARE RECEIVING EXCELLENT CARE. AT OUR BRANCHES, MOTHERS AND FATHERS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DROP IN CARE WHILE THEY WORK OUT OR ATTEND A PROGRAM. SCHOOL AGE PARENTS WORKDAYS TYPICALLY START EARLIER AND LATER THAN THEIR CHILDRENS SCHOOL DAYS. THOSE MORNING AND AFTERNOON TIME GAPS CAN BE EMPTY, EVEN LONELY OR THEY CAN BE FILLED CREATIVELY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY. CHILDREN CONCENTRATE ON ACADEMICS AT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BUT THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE FOR THEM TO LEARN IN YMCA PROGRAMS BEFORE AND AFTER THOSE HOURS. YMCA CHILDCARE FOR THESE ELEMENTARY AGED KIDS PROVIDES CHANCES TO EXPRESS INDIVIDUAL TALENTS IN THE ARTS, CRAFTS, GAMES, SPORTS OR OTHER AREAS OF INTEREST, TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF YMCA FACILITIES AND CLASSES. KIDS FIND OUT WHAT PARTICIPATION AND SUCCESS IS ALL ABOUT IN AN APPROACH THAT SAYS EVERYBODY PLAYS, EVERYBODY WINS. EACH DAY THERE IS TIME FOR KIDS TO CALL THEIR OWN. AND TIME IS SET ASIDE TO TACKLE HOMEWORK WITH TUTORING AVAILABLE. CLOSE COMMUNICATION WITH SCHOOLS IS IMPORTANT. MANY PROGRAMS FOR THESE OLDER CHILDREN ALSO INCLUDE FIELD TRIPS TO WIDEN THEIR WORLD. YMCA PEOPLE KNOW HOW TO CHALLENGE SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN AND HOW TO LISTEN TO THEM. CHILDREN IN THIS AGE GROUP TYPICALLY ENJOY INTERACTING WITH ALL THE ADULTS INVOLVED, BUT STAFF ALSO HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO GIVE FEEDBACK TO PARENTS AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. DAY CAMPS WHILE HELPFUL FOR WORKING PARENTS, DAY CAMPS ARE AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDREN TO EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF YMCA ACTIVITIES. DAY CAMPS ARE OFFERED IN THE SPRING, SUMMER, AND WINTER AND DURING MID-WINTER SCHOOL BREAKS. THESE CAMPS OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING SPORTS, OVERNIGHT CAMPING, CRAFTS AND VISITS TO MUSEUMS, ZOOS AND PARKS. CHILDCARE ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN MANY INSTANCES, YMCA CHILDCARE ALLOWS PARENTS OF THE CHILDREN TO REMAIN GAINFULLY EMPLOYED, KNOWING THAT THEIR CHILDREN ARE THRIVING IN A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. FOR PARENTS WHO CANNOT AFFORD THE FULL FEE, CARE IS PROVIDED ON A SLIDING SCALE BASIS. WITH THE INCREASED COST OF LIVING IN OR AREA, THERE ARE MORE HOMES WHERE BOTH MOM AND DAD MUST WORK AND MANY SINGLE FAMILIES THAT CRITICALLY NEED THIS SERVICE. IN 2012 THE YMCA CARED FOR 2,577 CHILDREN AND PROVIDED $266,073 IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. WE CONTINUE TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY BY CREATING MORE PROGRAMS AND PROVIDING CHILDCARE IN 28 SCHOOL LOCATIONS, IN OUR EARLY LEARNING CENTER AND AT OUR FACILITIES. PART III YMCA OLDER ADULTS: A PLACE FOR ALL AGES THE Y, M AND C IN YMCA STAND FOR YOUNG, MENS AND CHRISTIAN. AND WHEN THEY BEGAN IN 1844, YMCAS OPENED THE DOOR ONLY TO CHRISTIAN YOUNG MEN. IT CERTAINLY IS DIFFERENT TODAY. OVER THE YEARS YMCAS KEPT OPENING THEIR DOORS WIDER AND WIDER UNTIL THEY INCLUDED ENTIRE FAMILIES: MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN OF ALL AGES, RACES AND RELIGIONS. THE YMCA HAS BEEN KEEPING PACE WITH MANY FOLKS SINCE THEIR CHILDHOOD. THERE IS NO REASON TO SHUT THEM OUT ONCE THEY REACH RETIREMENT. YMCAS HAVE FOUND THAT OLDER ADULTS NEED EXERCISE AND THE EXTRA EDGE OF GOOD HEALTH IT PROVIDES TO MEET LIFES CHANGING CHALLENGES. THEY WANT A PLACE TO GO, LIKE THE YMCA, THAT THEY CAN DEPEND ON A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN ENRICH THEIR LIVES AND DEVELOP NEW SKILLS, NEW INTERESTS AND NEW FRIENDS. BENEFICIAL USE OF TIME LIKE EVERYONE ELSE, OLDER PEOPLE NEED TO CONTINUE HAVING A MISSION IN THEIR LIVES, A SENSE OF DIRECTION AND PURPOSE. THEIR LIVES UNDERGO MAJOR CHANGES WITH RETIREMENT, ADDED TO THE NATURAL CHANGES IN FAMILY LIFE THAT COME WITH AGE. AT THE SAME TIME, THEY OFTEN HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF MORE TIME TO SPEND IN CONSTRUCTIVE WAYS, DOING THINGS THEY LIKE TO DO AND FINDING NEW CHALLENGES. THE SOUTH SOUND YMCA PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THIS PROCESS BY OFFERING A VARIETY OF OPPORTUNITIES AND ACTIVITIES. EXERCISE IS UNIVERSALLY RECOMMENDED REGARDLESS OF AGE, AND MANY SEEK OUT THE YMCA FOR THAT PURPOSE. FAVORITES FOR OLDER ADULTS ARE LIGHTER EXERCISES, WATER ACTIVITIES AND WALKING. THE HABITS OF ATTENDING REGULAR EXERCISE CLASSES OFTEN LEAD TO CREATION OF SOCIAL CLUBS. SOME OF THESE CLUBS HAVE A SINGLE FOCUS, LIKE GETTING TOGETHER TO SWIM, FOR MEALS OR TO TACKLE A COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT. OTHERS INCLUDE A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS CLASSES RANGING FROM CRAFTS TO CURRENT AFFAIRS. ALSO POPULAR ARE DAY TRIPS AND CAMPING. SOMETIMES OTHER FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS ARE INVITED. NEW FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT AT EVERY AGE, BUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THEM AT THE TIME OF LIFE WHEN MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THE LOSS OF OLD FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS IS ESPECIALLY VALUABLE. OPPORTUNITIES FOR HELPING OTHERS MANY OLDER ADULTS CHOOSE TO OFFER THEIR EXTRA HOURS AND THEIR LIFETIME OF EXPERIENCE TO THEIR YMCAS, VOLUNTEERING IN MANY AREAS, FROM FUNDRAISING TO PROGRAMS. YMCAS TAKE CARE TO MATCH THE SKILLS AND INTEREST OF VOLUNTEERS WITH THE VARIOUS PROJECTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE. A PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT WAY FOR OLDER MEMBERS TO HELP THEIR YMCAS AND ENRICH THEIR OWN LIVES IS THROUGH INTERACTIONS WITH OUR YOUTH: EATING LUNCH WITH CHILDREN IN DAY CARE, SUPERVISING A GROUP OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL KIDS ON A FIELD TRIP, ASSISTING WITH A YOUTH SWIM CLASS OR SPORTS LEAGUE OR A ADVISING A TEEN CLUB. OLDER ADULTS TODAY INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN THE FULL LIFE OF THE YMCA. MANY DISCOVER THAT THIS HELPS THEM IN THEIR RELATIONS WITH YOUNGER MEMBERS OF THEIR OWN FAMILIES. IMPROVED MOBILITY AND A SENSE OF WELL-BEING JOGGERS DONT GET OFF THE TRACK BECAUSE THEYVE REACHED A CERTAIN AGE. NOR DO SWIMMERS THROW IN THE TOWEL. IN THE YMCAS FAVORITE HEALTH AND EXERCISE PROGRAMS, ITS SOMETIMES THE OLDER PARTICIPANTS WHO SET THE PACE IF NOT FOR SPEED, BUT FOR DEDICATION TO STAYING FIT. THEY ARE AN INSPIRATION TO PEOPLE DECADES YOUNGER WHO CAN SEE HOW EXERCISE HAS HELPED THEM STAY ACTIVE. THE SOUTH SOUND YMCA BRANCHES INCLUDED A SPECTRUM OF AGES IN THEIR CLASSES. THIS GIVES OLDER ADULTS A RANGE OF PROGRAMS TO CHOOSE FROM AND FIND THE ONES THAT ARE BEST FOR THEM. WHILE SOME OLDER PEOPLE JOIN CLASSES WITH ADULTS OF ALL AGES, OTHERS ARE MORE COMFORTABLE WITH PROGRAMS LIMITED TO MEMBERS OF THEIR OWN AGE GROUP. ITS A CHOICE WE BELIEVE OLDER ADULTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE THEMSELVES. SOME ARE NEWCOMERS TO THE FITNESS FIELD, PERHAPS FINDING TIME LATER IN LIFE FOR THE EXERCISE THEY HAD ALWAYS MEANT TO DO BUT KEPT PUTTING OFF. OTHERS TRY THE YMCA AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF A PHYSICIAN TO HELP DEAL WITH A PHYSICAL PROBLEM. YMCA STAFF MEMBERS HELP THEM FIND AN APPROPRIATE PROGRAM, ONE THEYLL ENJOY DURING WORKOUTS AND AT OTHER TIMES BECAUSE OF HOW MUCH BETTER IT MAKES THEM FEEL. OLDER ADULT ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2012, THE SOUTH SOUND YMCA SERVED 4,814 ADULTS 55 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. PART III SPORTS: DEVELOPS VALUES STRONGER THAN WINNING COACHES START WITH PLAYERS AT WHATEVER SKILL LEVEL THEY FIND THEM. THEY TRY TO WORK WITH EACH PLAYER TO SET GOALS AND EVALUATE PROGRESS IN LIGHT OF PLAYERS OWN STANDARDS NOT THOSE OF THE FASTEST, STRONGEST OR MOST COORDINATED. THE TEACHING COMPONENT IS IMPORTANT. PRACTICE SESSIONS INCLUDE A REVIEW OF SKILLS LEARNED AND THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW ONES. PLAYERS HAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE VARIOUS POSITIONS ON THE TEAM, BECAUSE NO WINNING SCORE MATTERS MORE THAN GIVING THEM ALL THE CHANCE TO STRIVE AND TO STRETCH ONESELF. SOME BRANCH YMCAS ALSO SPONSOR COMPETITIVE TEAMS, BACKED UP BY DEVELOPMENTAL INSTRUCTION. MOST ARE IN AQUATICS OR GYMNASTICS. THE YMCA YOUTH SPORTS PHILOSOPHY CARRIES OVER TO THESE, TOO. EVEN WHEN THE GOVERNING BODY FOR A SPORT REQUIRES THAT TIMES AND SCORES BE POSTED AT THE COMPETITION, YMCA COACHES ENCOURAGE PARTICIPANTS TO COMPARE THEIR MARKS WITH THEIR OWN PAST PERFORMANCE. BUILDS SELF-ESTEEM THOSE IN YMCA YOUTH SPORTS WHO LEARN A GAME WELL AND IMPROVE THEIR LEVELS OF SKILL GENERATE AUTHENTIC FEELINGS OF SELF-ESTEEM. VOLUNTEER COACHES, WHO ARE TRAINED AND ADVISED TO AVOID PUT-DOWNS AND HAVE NO TRYOUTS OF CUTS, GUIDE PARTICIPANTS. WHATS KEY ABOUT THE VOLUNTEERS, OR COACHES, IS THAT THEY ARE THERE FOR THE YOUNGSTERS BECAUSE THEY WANT TO BE, AND THEY KNOW THE VALUE OF SPORTS IN A CHILDS DEVELOPMENT. MANY ARENT EVEN PARENTS OF THE KIDS WHO PLAY. THE YOUNGSTERS LEARN TO BUILD POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH ADULTS OUTSIDE THEIR HOMES AND SCHOOLS. STRENGTHENS FAMILIES THERE IS NOTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT MOMS, DADS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS TURNING OUT TO WATCH THE YOUNGSTERS PLAY OR TO HELP THE TEAM IN SOME WAY. THE SOUTH SOUND YMCA HOLDS EVENTS FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN TO TAKE PART IN TOGETHER. THE MORE INVOLVED PARENTS ARE, THE MORE OPEN THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION BECOME. THE PARENTS, IN EFFECT, JOIN THE TEAM AS THEY LEARN THE VALUES OF THE YMCA APPROACH AND, IT IS HOPED, HELP THEIR CHILDREN TO ACT ON THOSE VALUES IN MANY ASPECTS OF THEIR LIVES. PROMOTES HEALTHY LIFESTYLES THE PLAY THAT DRAWS YOUNGSTERS TO YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS CAN BUILD LIFELONG POSITIVE ATTITUDES, HABITS OF HEALTHY EXERCISE AND GOOD NUTRITION, AND WAYS TO HAVE FUN AS ADULTS. THERE IS LITTLE OR NO COACHING ON MOST ADULT TEAMS, BUT THE SAME RULES APPLY NO PUT-DOWNS, NO NAME-CALLING, NO PROFANITY, RESPECT FOR OTHERS AND GIVING EVERYONE A CHANCE TO PLAY. LESS OBVIOUS BUT JUST AS IMPORTANT IS AN AWARENESS OF THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT COME WITH BELONGING TO A COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION. YOUNGSTERS, PARENTS AND INDIVIDUAL ADULTS IN YMCA SPORTS OFTEN GET INVOLVED IN OTHER ACTIVITIES, PERHAPS JOINING ANOTHER YMCA PROGRAM. THEY CAN ALSO GET A CHANCE TO LEARN ABOUT HELPING OTHERS THROUGH YMCA SERVICE PROJECTS. BEING A WINNER IN LIFE IS PART OF ALL IT IS ABOUT. YMCA SPORTS SEEK TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN EVERY PARTICIPANT. THE IDEALS ARE HIGH FOR TEAMS AND LEAGUES. YMCAS VALUE THE APPROACH THAT SAYS EVERYBODY PLAYS, REGARDLESS OF ABILITY. THEY VALUE COOPERATION OVER COMPETITION, FAIR PLAY OVER WINNING AT ANY COST, GOOD FEELING AND GOOD HEALTH OVER A GOOD SCORE, CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN YOUNG PEOPLE OVER DEVELOPING THE NEXT SUPERSTAR. THEY VALUE BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM OVER BEATING THE OPPONENT. THE YMCA KNOWS THAT WITH SUCH AN APPROACH, EVERYBODY WINS UNDEFEATED IN SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY. THESE VALUES COMBINE TO KEEP COMPETITION IN PERSPECTIVE, GIVING EVERYONE THE FUN OF SPORTS WITHOUT FEELINGS OF REJECTION OR FAILURE. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL KIDS. TEACHES COOPERATION AND TEAMWORK YOUNGSTERS IN TEAM SPORTS LEARN HOW TO WORK IN GROUPS ON AND OFF THE PLAYING FIELDS. THEY SEE HOW A TASK CARRIED OUT AT A SINGLE POSITION AFFECTS AN ENTIRE TEAM. THEY LEARN THE DISCIPLINE OF HARD WORK, THE NECESSITY TO TRUST OTHERS, AND THE ART OF BLENDING THEIR SKILLS WITH OTHERS IN A COMMON PURSUIT. ALL OF THIS MAKES A BETTER TEAM. HELPING TEAMMATES IMPROVES THE LEVEL OF PLAY. SO DOES PAYING ATTENTION WITH EYES AND EARS. BEING PART OF THAT BETTER TEAM MEANS THAT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DECISION-MAKING SKILLS ALSO GROW. THE GOAL, OF COURSE, IS FOR EACH AND EVERY TEAM TO IMPROVE. AT THE END OF THE SEASON, THERE MAY BE AWARDS FOR PARTICIPATION BUT NOT FOR WIN, PLACE OR SHOW. ANOTHER ASPECT OF TEAMWORK IS GETTING ALONG WITH A MIX OF PEOPLE. OUR BRANCHES TYPICALLY BRING TOGETHER THOSE FROM A VARIETY OF ECONOMIC LEVELS, ETHNIC BACKGROUNDS, RELIGIONS AND NEIGHBORHOODS, AS WELL AS THOSE WITH DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS. THEY ALL PLAY TOGETHER AND START TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE EACH OTHER. THE YOUNGSTERS WHO LEARN TO PLAY BY YMCA RULES CAN BECOME WINNERS IN LIFE. THEY CAN GROW INTO HEALTHIER AND MORE SELF-ASSURED, LOVING AND GIVING ADULTS AND PARENTS. MEETS THE PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF KIDS DRIBBLING A BASKETBALL DOWN A COURT OR SPIKING A VOLLEYBALL OVER THE NET THATS HOW A LOT OF GIRLS AND BOYS DEFINE FUN AND GAMES. YMCA PEOPLE INVENTED BASKETBALL IN 1891 AND VOLLEYBALL IN 1895. IN THE CENTURY SINCE THEY FIRST WERE PLAYED IN YMCA GYMS, THESE TWO GAMES HAVE BECOME POPULAR THE WORLD OVER. THEY HAVE NEVER BELONGED JUST TO THE YMCA BUT TO EVERYONE. MOST OF THE NEW THINGS YMCAS DEVELOP THEY GIVE THE WORLD. NO CHARGE. YOUTH SPORTS ARE OFFERED BY MOST OF THE YMCAS. THE SPORTS VARY DEPENDING ON COMMUNITY SIZE AND NEED, AVAILABLE FIELDS AND FACILITIES AND, OF COURSE, POPULARITY. FLAG FOOTBALL, BASEBALL, SOFTBALL, SOCCER, T-BALL, FLOOR HOCKEY, TENNIS, FIELD HOCKEY, GYMNASTICS AND SWIMMING ARE COMMON, AS WELL AS BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL. DEVELOPS SKILLS THE CLEAR EMPHASIS ON PERSONAL GROWTH DOESNT MEAN THAT THE YMCA ISNT SERIOUS ABOUT TEACHING THE SKILLS THAT LEAD TO GOOD PLAY ON ITS COURTS AND FIELDS. IT IS THROUGH PRACTICE, PERSISTENCE AND PATIENCE, IN FACT, THAT YOUNGSTERS IMPROVE SKILLS. YOUTH ACCOMPLISHMENTS THE SOUTH SOUND YMCA OFFERS BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, SOCCER, T-BALL, FLAG FOOTBALL, MARTIAL ARTS, GYMNASTICS, TRACK, DANCE, AQUATIC PROGRAMS AND MORE. IN 2012, THE YMCA GAVE $23,319 IN DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO YOUTHS PARTICIPATING IN THESE ACTIVITIES. PART III HEALTH AND WELL BEING: GOOD HEALTH PREVENTION IS A KEY WORD FOR HEALTH AT THE YMCA. THE YMCA TAKES THE WELLNESS, OR HOLISTIC APPROACH. ITS HEALTH AND FITNESS PROGRAMS ARE ORGANIZED AROUND THE PRINCIPLE THAT THERE IS A ONENESS OF BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT. ALL OF WHAT THE YMCA DOES IS AIMED AT A LONG AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE AND HAVING FUN LIVING IT. THATS THE WAY THE YMCA APPROACHES EXERCISE. ITS NOT SOMETHING JUST FOR THE BODY. ITS A WAY OF LIFE THAT REQUIRES EDUCATION IN GOOD NUTRITION, PROPER EXERCISE, AVOIDANCE OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE, DEALING WITH STRESS AND STRUCTURING LIFE TO LESSON PROBLEMS POSED BY CHRONIC AILMENTS SUCH AS ARTHRITIS, CANCER AND HEART DISEASE. TODAY, EMPHASIS ON PREVENTION STRETCHES FROM THE FIELDS OF MEDICINE TO INSURANCE. PEOPLE UNDERSTAND HOW IMPORTANT THEIR DAILY ACTIONS CAN BE FOR LONG-TERM HEALTH. THE YMCA IS A MAJOR PROVIDER OF AFFORDABLE HEALTH AND FITNESS PROGRAMS, WITH FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE. IT ENCOURAGES SELF-IMPROVEMENT. ITS MEMBERSHIP IS CULTURALLY DIVERSE, MADE UP OF PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES. YMCA STAFFS ARE WELL TRAINED AND CERTIFIED WHERE NEEDED. YMCA STANDARDS GENERALLY MEET OR EXCEED THOSE REQUIRED BY LOCAL AND STATE LICENSING BOARDS. SINCE THE 1880S THE YMCA HAS BEEN A LEADER IN THE FIELD. ITS OWN HEALTH AND FITNESS PROFESSIONALS NUMBER IN THE THOUSANDS. IT HAS ALSO BEEN A TRAINING GROUND FOR RECREATION AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS OUTSIDE THE YMCA, FOR THE HEALTH CLUB INDUSTRY AND FOR CORPORATE WELLNESS PROGRAMS. IT WAS IN 1891 THAT A YMCA PHYSICAL PROGRAMS LEADER CREATED THE NOW FAMILIAR RED TRIANGLE. TO THIS DAY, IT SYMBOLIZES THE ASSOCIATIONS COMMITMENT TO HELPING PEOPLE BUILD HEALTHY LIVES, ALONG WITH THE YMCAS OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS. BECAUSE HEALTHY EXERCISE HAS BEEN A YMCA STAPLE FOR SO LONG, THE YMCA ALREADY HAD HEALTH AND FITNESS CENTERS IN ALL 50 STATES IN THE 1970S, WHEN THE PURSUIT OF GOOD HEALTH TURNED INTO A NATIONAL PASSION. YMCAS ARE STILL LEADERS TODAY, WITH STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT AND EXERCISE INNOVATIONS SUCH AS YOUTH FITNESS, CROSS TRAINING AND CLASSES FOR OLDER ADULTS. ALL AGES, ALL ABILITIES, ALL INCOMES THE YMCA APPROACH IS THAT EXERCISE AND HEALTH EDUCATION ARE IMPORTANT AND SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES. YMCAS LOOK FOR WAYS THAT ALL MEMBERS OF A FAMILY CAN PARTICIPATE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, WHICH HELPS TAKE THE EDGE OFF TENSION AT HOME AND ENCOURAGES OPEN COMMUNICATION. YMCA FAMILY SWIM TIMES ARE DESIGNED TO GIVE PARENTS AND CHILDREN A CHANCE TO PLAY TOGETHER, RELAX AND HAVE FUN. OUR YMCA OFFERS SUBSIDIZED MEMBERSHIPS, SO NO ONE HAS TO BE TURNED AWAY FOR INABILITY TO PAY. FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS ARE LESS PER PERSON THAN INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS WOULD BE, WHICH IS FURTHER ENCOURAGEMENT TO BRING EVERYBODY. CHILDREN WHO GROW UP IN YMCA PROGRAMS GET A GOOD BASIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HEALTH ISSUES, BUT EVEN BETTER, THEY LEARN ALONG THE WAY JUST HOW GREAT IT IS TO FEEL GOOD. THEY DEVELOP LIFESTYLES THAT INCLUDED TIME FOR FITNESS AND FUN. EVERYONES INVITED THE YMCA IS A COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR ALL A WARM, RELAXED PLACE LED BY VOLUNTEERS AND RUN BY WELL TRAINED AND HELPFUL EMPLOYEES WHO MAINTAIN ITS WHOLESOME ATMOSPHERE. IT ENCOURAGES INDEPENDENCE AND SELF-RELIANCE. THIS COMBINED WITH ITS OPEN DOOR POLICY HAS LED OUR YMCAS TO BE CENTERS FOR PEOPLE UNDERGOING PHYSICAL THERAPY, THOSE WITH PERMANENT DISABILITIES, THOSE RECOVERING FROM DISEASE AND THOSE SEEKING IMPROVED FLEXIBILITY AND STRENGTH. A JOYFUL AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE YMCA HEALTH PROGRAMS, ALONG WITH EXERCISE AND EDUCATION, GENERALLY INCLUDE A BROADENING OF ONES CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AT EVERY LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT. WE BELIEVE KIDS SHOULD BE KIDS. PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN VARIOUS SPORTS GIVES THEM NOT ONLY FIRST-RATE PHYSICAL EXERCISE BUT ALSO THE CHANCE TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT MASTERING NEW SKILLS AND LEARNING TO COOPERATE WITH OTHERS AS PART OF A TEAM. WHEN YOUNGSTERS MOVE TO MIDDLE SCHOOLS, MANY ARE READY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TAKING CARE OF THEIR BODIES AND IMPROVING THEIR ATHLETIC ABILITIES. THIS IS THE TIME WHEN WE WILL ADD DISCUSSIONS ABOUT HEALTH ISSUES, FROM NUTRITION TO DRUG AWARENESS. THERE IS MORE DIVERSITY FOR HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH. SOME ARE READY FOR STRENGTH TRAINING WORK FOR SPECIFIC SPORTS. OTHER PARTICIPANTS ARE ATTRACTED TO AEROBICS. THE YMCA CONTINUES TO EMPHASIZE VALUES THAT PROMOTE A LIFELONG HEALTHY OUTLOOK. AND YMCA INSTRUCTORS, JUST BY BEING WHO THEY ARE, ARE GREAT ROLE MODELS. THEY ARE TRAINED, CERTIFIED, DEPENDABLE AND CARING. INDEPENDENCE AND LONGEVITY ADULTS NEED AND RECEIVE THE WIDEST RANGE OF EXERCISE ALTERNATIVES. WORKING OUT WITH WEIGHTS OR KEEPING STEP IN AEROBIC DANCE HELPS MANY STAY IN SHAPE. OTHERS WANT MORE TO TRAIN FOR AN EVENT, PERHAPS. AND SOME WANT LESS JUST THE STRENGTH TO MOVE FROM THE COUCH TO THE JOGGING PATH. WHATEVER THE GOAL, A YMCA STAFF MEMBER WILL HELP THE INDIVIDUAL DRAW UP A REALISTIC PLAN TO ACHIEVE IT, OFFER ENCOURAGEMENT ALONG THE WAY AND HELP MAP OUT A NEW DIRECTION WHEN THE GOAL IS REACHED. THERE IS NO AGE BARRIER TO FITNESS. SOME OLDER PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALWAYS EXERCISED REGULARLY CONTINUE RIGHT ON WITH THE ACTIVITIES THEY ENJOY, JOINING CLASSES WITH PEOPLE DECADES YOUNGER. OTHERS MAY NEED A SLOWER PACE OR A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO DEAL WITH A PARTICULAR PROBLEM, LIKE ARTHRITIS. YMCAS RESPOND WITH SPECIAL CLASSES AND INDIVIDUAL EXERCISE PLANS. THE EMPHASIS IS ON HELPING OLDER ADULTS MAINTAIN THE BEST PHYSICAL CONDITION POSSIBLE, WHICH IN TURN HELPS THEM MAINTAIN INDEPENDENCE. NOR DO DISABILITIES FROM ACCIDENT OR DISEASE NECESSARILY LIMIT EXERCISE OPPORTUNITIES AT THE YMCA. AN EXPERT WILL OFTEN WORK WITH STAFF PEOPLE TO DESIGN A SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR A GROUP WITH A PARTICULAR PROBLEM. OFTEN THE YMCA STAFF INTEGRATES PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES INTO REGULAR EXERCISE PROGRAMS, PROVIDING SPECIAL HELP WHEN NEEDED. PART III FAMILY: GOOD TIMES TOGETHER OPEN TO ALL KINDS OF FAMILIES THE YMCA IS PROUD TO BE A FAMILY ORGANIZATION. FAMILY AT THE YMCA INCLUDES ALL THESE AND MORE: THE SINGLE DAD OR MOM BRINGING UP KIDS ALONE; TWO PARENTS BOTH WORKING OUTSIDE THE HOME AND THEIR KIDS; THE SINGLE PERSON OR COUPLE LIVING WITH AND CARING FOR A GRANDPARENT OR OTHER RELATIVE; THE BREADWINNING DAD AND HOMEMAKING MOM (OR VICE VERSA) AND KIDS; THE CHILDLESS COUPLE; AND MORE. IT REFLECTS THE FACTS. MANY MOTHERS ARE IN THE WORKFORCE. MANY CHILDREN ARE RAISED BY A SINGLE PARENT. MANY CHILDREN LIVE IN STEPFAMILIES. AMERICANS, RESTLESS BY NATURE, GIVE LITTLE THOUGHT TO MOVING THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY FROM THEIR EXTENDED FAMILY OF GRANDPARENTS, AUNTS AND UNCLES TO TAKE A NEW JOB OR MAKE A NEW LIFE. FEWER AND FEWER FAMILIES HAVE A RELATIVE AT HOME TO WATCH THE KIDS DURING THE DAY. SUCH ISOLATION INCREASES PRESSURE ON PARENTS, WHO ARE STRETCHED THIN BETWEEN WORK AND HOME WITHOUT ENOUGH TIME FOR EITHER ONE. THEY MAY HAVE TO TAKE CHANCES ON MAKESHIFT ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH CAN OFTEN BREAK DOWN. THEY TRY TO BE A GOOD PARENT BUT HAVE FEW PEOPLE TO LEAN ON FOR SUPPORT. OUR BRANCH YMCAS FILL THE GAP WHEN THEY CAN. STRENGTHENS FAMILY COMMUNICATION YMCAS ARE ALERT TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF FAMILIES AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS. STAFF MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS ALIKE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION WHEN MEMBERS TALK ABOUT WHATS HAPPENING IN THEIR LIVES AND HOMES. TUTORING, COUNSELING, SUPPORT GROUPS, SEMINARS ALL HELP TO STRENGTHEN FAMILIES. THE YMCA GIVES FAMILIES A SAFE, RELIABLE AND AFFORDABLE PLACE TO GO. YMCAS OFFER PROGRAMS THAT COMMIT CHILDREN AND ADULTS TO SETTING ASIDE TIME TO SPEND TOTALLY ABSORBED IN PROJECTS AND FUN TOGETHER. MANY OFFER PARENT-CHILD ACTIVITIES, HEALTH PROMOTING EXERCISES FOR FAMILIES AND CLASSES FOR PARENTS. WE RESERVE REGULAR TIME SLOTS ON THEIR SCHEDULES EXPRESSLY FOR FAMILIES TO SWIM, WORK OUT AND PLAY TOGETHER. YMCAS WERE EARLY PROVIDERS OF CHILD CARE FOR THE CHILDREN OF WORKING PARENTS, OFFERING PROGRAMS TO MEET THIS COMMUNITY NEED AT THEIR OWN FACILITIES AND AT SCHOOLS. PROGRAMS OUTSIDE A YMCA BUILDING OFFER THE SAME BALANCE OF RECREATIONS, LEARNING AND VALUES DEVELOPMENT THAT COMES TOGETHER IN ALL YMCA PROGRAMS. PARENTS CAN BE CONFIDENT THAT THE CARE IS FOR THEIR WHOLE CHILD. AND YMCA CHILDCARE INVOLVES PARENTS THROUGH FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND REGULAR DISCUSSIONS WITH CAREGIVERS. IN CHILDCARE, EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ASSURE THAT THE YMCA IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A PARENT BUT INSTEAD WORKS IN WAYS THAT SUPPLEMENT WHAT THE FAMILY CAN DO. SPENDING GOOD TIME WITH THE KIDS YMCAS HAVE DECADES OF SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS TO BUILD ON. IN 1910 THE IDEA OF FATHER AND SON BANQUETS AND CLOSE FELLOWSHIP WAS DEVELOPED IN PROVIDENCE, RI. IT WAS FOLLOWED IN THE 1920S BY THE Y-INDIAN GUIDES IN ST. LOUIS. THE GENERAL IDEA WAS TO CREATE EVENTS IN WHICH BOTH TOOK PART. IT MEANT SETTING ASIDE TIME FOR THEM TO BE TOGETHER. MEN AND BOYS, OF COURSE, HAD COME TO THE YMCA FOR EXERCISE AND FELLOWSHIP LONG BEFORE THEN. BUT THESE NEW VENTURES WERE THE FIRST TO INVOLVE FATHERS AND SONS IN ACTIVITIES PLANNED SPECIFICALLY TO STRENGTHEN THEIR RELATIONSHIPS. THE IDEA CONTINUED TO GROW. SOON AFTER WORLD WAR II, MOST YMCAS WELCOMED WOMEN AND GIRLS INTO MEMBERSHIP, AND MOTHER-DAUGHTER PROGRAMS WERE ADDED. NOW THERE ARE ALSO MOTHER-SON AND FATHER-DAUGHTER PROGRAMS. BRANCH YMCAS ADAPT THESE PROGRAMS, OR CREATE NEW ONES, TO REFLECT THE ADULT-CHILD COMBINATIONS PRESENT IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. YMCAS LEARNED THAT AN IMPORTANT WAY TO HELP CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE BUILD HEALTHY BODIES, MINDS AND SPIRITS WAS TO HELP THEIR ADULT CAREGIVERS AND ROLE MODELS DO THE SAME. FROM THE SIMPLEST SHARED PROJECTS, RESPECT, COMMUNICATIONS AND SELF-WORTH CAN GROW. NOW ALL THROUGH THE COUNTRY YMCAS ARE MEETING FAMILIES NEEDS BY OFFERING EXPERIENCES THAT DRAW ADULTS AND CHILDREN CLOSER TOGETHER IN A SAFE, CARING AND WARM ENVIRONMENT. A SECOND LOOK AT THOSE YMCA PROGRAM SCHEDULES SHOWS THAT WHETHER LABELED FAMILY OR NOT, MANY ACTIVITIES DO INCLUDE FAMILIES AND CHILDREN IN SOME WAY. AFFORDABLE RECREATION SPLASHING EACH OTHER IN THE POOL DURING FRIDAY NIGHT FAMILY SWIM TIME MIGHT JUST BE THE BEST WAY TO RELAX AND LET THE WEEKS WORK AND WORRIES WASH AWAY. A FAMILY NIGHT OF FUN AND GAMES IN THE POOL, GYM OR ELSEWHERE CAN BE A FERTILE TIME FOR GROWTH. OTHER RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ARE IMPORTANT, TOO, FROM MIXED VOLLEYBALL GAMES TO FIELD TRIPS TO LOCAL ATTRACTIONS. SOME YMCAS SCHEDULE BIKE HIKES, PICNICS OR TRIPS TO PRO SPORTS EVENTS. THE ONLY BOUNDARIES FOR FAMILY FUN ARE SET BY THE IMAGINATION AND ENTHUSIASM OF THE PARTICIPANTS. SOME FAMILIES VOLUNTEER TOGETHER. THEY PLAN AND RUN YMCA EVENTS AND PROGRAMS. OTHER FAMILIES OFFER COMMUNITY SERVICES AS VOLUNTEERS FOR A FOOD PANTRY, A RECYCLING CENTER OR OTHER PROGRAMS. THEY MAKE FRIENDS WITH OTHER IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AS THEY WORK AND PLAY TOGETHER, DEVELOPING NEW SKILLS IN COMMUNICATION AND COOPERATION. FAMILIES WHO CARE ABOUT THEMSELVES LEARN TO CARE ABOUT OTHER FAMILIES. ANOTHER KIND OF FAMILY YMCAS DONT JUST OFFER PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES. THEY FUNCTION AS FAMILIES OF A SORT THEMSELVES, INVOLVING ALL MEMBERS IN ACTIVITIES THAT LEAD TO PERSONAL GROWTH AS THEY LEARN, WORK AND LAUGH TOGETHER. PART III TEEN LEADERSHIP: SKILLS FOR LIFE DEMOCRACY NEEDS LEADERS FROM AMONG ITS PEOPLE. THEYRE NEEDED IN COMMUNITIES, FAMILIES, BUSINESS, SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, AND GOVERNMENT IN FACT ALMOST EVERYTHING WE DO TOGETHER. GOOD LEADERS ARENT BORN TO LEAD; THEYRE TRAINED FOR IT. AND THATS THE KIND OF TRAINING THE YMCA DOES WELL FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS. WE ARE CONSTANTLY FORMING GROUPS, BOARDS, CLUBS, MODEL GOVERNMENTS, COMMITTEES AND TEAMS WHERE THOSE OF ALMOST ALL AGES CAN LEARN THE GIVE AND TAKE NEEDED IN WORKING TOWARD A COMMON PURPOSE. THIS IS BASIC TO FAMILY LIFE AND TO CITIZENSHIP. IT PRODUCES PEOPLE WHO CAN ROUSE THE CONSCIENCE OF A COMMUNITY, CONDUCT FAMILY AFFAIRS IN A WAY THAT EVERYONE WINS, OR PERFORM WELL ON THE JOB. WHEN ALL ARE HEARD AND THEIR VIEWS RESPECTED, SELF-CONFIDENCE FLOWERS FOR BOTH THE LEADERS AND THE FOLLOWERS. THE YMCAS VOLUNTEER LEADERS BRING IT BACK TO ITS ROOTS AS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE ASSOCIATE FREELY FOR THE COMMON GOOD. IN THIS RESPECT THE YMCA BECOMES A SCHOOL FOR DEMOCRACY. LEARNING TO GIVE AND TAKE THERE ARE NEGATIVE MODELS OF LEADERSHIP THAT THE YMCA REJECTS, SUCH AS THE HOSTILE LEADER WHO CONFRONTS AND PUNISHES. THE YMCA MODEL IS POSITIVE, BASED ON A BELIEF THAT WE ALL ARE WORTHWHILE INDIVIDUALS. THE YMCA BELIEVES THAT MORE AND BETTER WORK IS PRODUCED BY THOSE WHO ARE LED POSITIVELY AND PRAISED FOR WHAT THEY HAVE DONE WELL, RATHER THAN SCOLDED FOR WHAT THEY MISSED. LEADERSHIP MEANS LEARNING HOW TO GET THINGS DONE ON GROUPS, HOW TO DRAW UP RULES, HOW TO FOLLOW A LEADER AND WHAT TO DO WHEN CALLED UPON TO LEAD. THAT MEANS LEARNING THE ART OF COMPROMISE, SPEAKING IN PUBLIC, ACCEPTING DIFFERENT VIEWS AND SEEKING OUT THINGS THAT UNITE PEOPLE RATHER THAN FOCUSING ON WHAT DIVIDES THEM. THESE TALENTS GIVE RISE TO DECISIONS THAT DRAW SUPPORT AND STRATEGY THAT WORKS. FOLLOWING THE RIGHT PATH PROGRAMS OFFERED BY THE YMCA TODAY DIFFER AT EACH BRANCH AS EACH MEETS THE PARTICULAR NEED OF ITS COMMUNITY. BUT THE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF TEEN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ARE THE SAME: SELF-ESTEEM, PERSONAL HEALTH, EMPLOYMENT SKILLS AND CAREER GOALS, EDUCATION AND TRAINING AND VOLUNTEER SERVICE. THEY ALL DERIVE FROM THE YMCAS MISSION TO BUILD HEALTHY MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT. SKILLS THROUGH PRACTICE THE SOUTH SOUND YMCA OFFERS A YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT PROGRAM. THOSE TAKING PART LEARN ABOUT STATE GOVERNMENT THROUGH HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES LIKE DRAFTING AND DEBATING LEGISLATION AND TAKING ON THE ROLES OF ELECTED STATE OFFICIALS. WHETHER THROUGH SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS LIKE THESE OR THROUGH BASIC HEALTH AND EXERCISE, TEENS COMING TO THE YMCA FIND THE OPPORTUNITIES, TRAINING AND ENCOURAGEMENT THEY NEED TO MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM CHILDHOOD TO ADULTHOOD, A TIME OF WONDERFUL GROWTH. THEY DISCOVER THEIR TALENTS FOR LEADERSHIP AND LEARN HOW TO DEVELOP THEM THROUGH SERVING OTHERS. LEADERSHIP ACCOMPLISHMENTS THE SOUTH SOUND YMCA OFFERS PROGRAMS THAT EMPOWER TEENS THROUGH ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES THAT PROVIDE SUPPORT, TRAINING, CHALLENGE AND RECOGNITION. OUR PROGRAMS INCLUDE YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT, LATE NIGHT EVENTS, EARTH SERVICE CORPS, AMERICORP AND FAMILY PRIME TIME, AN INTERGENERATIONAL GET TOGETHER. IN 2012, THE SOUTH SOUND YMCA HAD 6,257 PERSONS PARTICIPATE IN ITS YOUTH PROGRAMS. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: GOOD PLACES TO LIVE THROUGH A CENTURY AND A HALF OF GROWTH, THE YMCA HAS CELEBRATED DIVERSITY. PEOPLE OF ALL KINDS COME TOGETHER AT THE YMCA. THEY REACH OUT, BRINGING OTHERS INTO AN ORGANIZATION WHERE ALL FEEL COMFORTABLE. THE YMCA BECOMES A COMMUNITY IN ITSELF, ONE WHICH HELPS BUILD CULTURAL AWARENESS AND MEANINGFUL, RESPECTFUL INTERACTION AMONG PEOPLE IN LOCAL NEIGHBORHOODS. LOOK FOR THE MERCHANT, THE TEACHER, THE COMPUTER PROGRAMMER, THE SALESMAN, THE TRUCK DRIVER AND THE MAYOR ON THE EXERCISE MATS AT A 7 A.M. WORKOUT. THEIR COOL-DOWN OFTEN INCLUDES SOME TALK ON HOT TOPICS IN TOWN. LOOK FOR THOSE SAME PEOPLE AT A YMCA BOARD MEETING, MAKING PLANS AND DECISIONS TOGETHER WITH A COMMON PURPOSE: STRENGTHENING THE COMMUNITY AND IMPROVING LIVES. COORDINATED SERVICE THE YMCA IS A LEADER IN MEETING HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICE NEEDS. BUT YMCAS DONT DO IT ALONE. COLLABORATION IS AT THE HEART OF THEIR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK. THE YMCA ACTS AS AN AGENT FOR CHANGE, EITHER CALLED IN TO HELP OR ORIGINATING AN IDEA AND BUILDING SUPPORT FROM OTHER GROUPS GOVERNMENTAL AND PRIVATE, EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL SERVICE. THE MUTUAL DRIVE TO GET THINGS DONE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN BATTLES OVER TURF OR DOLLARS. COMMUNITY SELF-RELIANCE YMCAS BEGAN IN ENGLAND IN 1844, AND SEVEN YEARS LATER IN BOSTON, AS ASSOCIATES OF WHAT MIGHT BE CALLED TODAY BORN-AGAIN PROTESTANT YOUNG MEN WHO WERE ANXIOUS TO SAVE THE SOULS OF OTHER YOUNG MEN. THEY WERE WORRIED ABOUT THE TEMPTATIONS FACING THOSE NEWLY ARRIVED FROM FARMS TO WORK IN THE URBAN FACTORIES. BOSTONS ORIGINAL YMCA CONSTITUTION DEDICATED THE ORGANIZATION TO WORK TO IMPROVE THE SPIRITUAL AND MENTAL CONDITION OF YOUNG MEN. AS THE YEARS PASSED, THE ORGANIZATION ADDED A SOCIAL MISSION TO ITS ORIGINAL RELIGIOUS PURPOSE. REACHING OUT TO THOSE NOT YET SAVED, THE YMCA ESTABLISHED A HABIT EARLY OF OPENING ITS DOORS WIDE. TODAY ITS EVANGELIZING IS GONE, BUT THE YMCAS INCLUSIVENESS HAS BECOME EVEN MORE DISTINCTIVE. THE YMCA SERVES ALL PEOPLE REGARDLESS OF AGE, GENDER, RELIGION, INCOME OR ABILITY. IT KNOWS DIVERSITY IS A SOURCE OF STRENGTH. YMCA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT EMPOWERS PEOPLE OF ALL BACKGROUNDS TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN ISSUES THAT AFFECT THEIR LIVES, TO LOOK BEYOND SYMPTOMS AND FIND ROOT CAUSES, AND TO CREATE LASTING SOLUTIONS TOGETHER. THATS COMMUNITY SELF-RELIANCE.