Program areas at Young Men's Christian Association of Metropolitan Denver
Community health & well-beingthe ymca is a welcoming, inclusive and transformative community where people explore their purpose and goals, achieve health and wellness of their spirit, mind and body; and connect with their community and foster a sense of belonging. The y is intergenerational and where true health occurs. In 2022, some 27,682 individuals sought out the y to improve their health physical and mental through programs at our six ymca wellness centers and program sites across the Denver metro area. Programs range from group exercise, cycling and swim to nutrition and health coaching to painting (continued on schedule o)and cooking classes to book clubs and bingo activities. We continued our outreach to communities in 2022 and furthered our impact to address leading areas of chronic disease by supporting 1,600 individuals+ referred to our high-blood pressure self monitoring, cancer, pre-diabetes, nutrition and weight loss programs. In our diabetes prevention program, 5.4% was the average weight loss achieved. Through the ymca, parents, family and community members are also contributing 5,968 volunteer hours in coaching youth sports, gardening projects, food distribution and teen service projects. We endeavor to provide programs that are affordable and open to all; and, in 2022, provided approximately $1.2 million in financial assistance to 500+ families so that we continue to make the y accessible in our communities.
Community impactthe y is one of the few non-profit organizations embedded through the community and positioned to help address inequity. By partnering with municipalities, non-profits, corporations, foundations, school districts and individuals, we can extend our reach to communities and ensure the y is accessible where and when we are needed. We are helping families in need by continuing to address food insecurity and, n 2022, distributed 66,790 pounds of fresh food through our beyond hunger food pantry program. As a recognized y-usa diversity, equity, inclusion and global innovation ymca, we are connecting and welcoming (continued on schedule o)new americans through our annual welcoming week program and summer camp for children and job opportunities for teens newly arrived to the u.s. In partnerships with vitalant and Colorado children's hospital for blood donations and drives at our y locations, some 2,300+ lives were saved in 2022. Through our annual healthy kids day, a free community event, we are inspiring kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active. An investment in the ymca is an investment in the Denver metro community and for every $1 spent by the ymca of metro Denver, $3.07 is returned to the community. Together, we are creating a healthier, more vibrant Denver for all.
Youth developmentas one of the largest providers of youth programs in the state, the ymca of metro Denver is nurturing the development of kids in early childhood, building life skills at the school age and into Young adulthood. In the critical area of child care, the y is addressing access and affordability. At our three early child care centers, y academies, 185 children and families are supported with critical early child care allowing parents to work and support their families. Partnering with parents and families in our afterschool, sports and summer camp child development programs in 2022, (continued on schedule o)9,265 children are healthier, more resilient and confident. of those, 3,465 in youth sports where they are learning teamwork, sportsmanship and character. Through our power scholars academy, students are experiencing an average of 2 months' gain in math and reading skills. The y is ideally positioned to help Young adults navigate their formative teen years. Through our youth in government, youth conference on national affairs, youth service and advocacy programs, preteens and teens are honing their leadership skills. In 2022, 165 youth gained work experience as lifeguards, camp counsellors, front line staff and interns through our nutrition, community well-being and other departments.