The Flint Young Men's Christian Association of Flint Michigan

Youth Development Our YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That's why we help young people cultivate the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement. Our YMCA offers programs such as swimming lessons, outdoor education, character development, day and resident camps, and sports instruction. These are a sampling of the programs that we offer that provide a range of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical and emotional growth. Our resident and day camps offer adventure and learning activities that provide education, and promote spiritual awareness, healthy living, social growth and self-respect. During our programs, 2,000 campers gained a sense of belonging, an appreciation for nature and the environment, and grew in immeasurable ways.

Healthy Living The Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. We bring families closer together, encourage good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun, and shared interests. As a result, over 8,000 people in our community are receiving the support, guidance, and resources they need to achieve greater health in spirit, mind, and body. This is particularly important as our nation struggles with an obesity crisis, families struggle with work/life balance, and individuals search for personal fulfillment. We have also seen how COVID-19 is vastly more deadly for individuals with certain chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity that can be improved through regular exercise. Our programs are accessible, affordable, and open to all faiths, backgrounds, abilities, and income levels.

Social Responsibility Our YMCA believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We have been listening and responding to our community's most critical social needs for more than 100 years. Y programs, such as our Financial Assistance Program, Safety Around Water Program, Safe Places Afterschool Program, Saturday Morning Basketball and Feeding program and the numerous special needs camps we offer, are just a few examples of how we deliver resources and support that empowers our neighbors to effect change, bridge gaps, and overcome obstacles. The YMCA of Greater Flint raises money annually to support its financial assistance program. Over, 8,000 people in our community were able to receive scholarships to participate at the Y because of our Partner with Youth Campaign. At the YMCA, we believe that no one should be turned away because of their inability to pay. We provide financial assistance for memberships, youth programs, and camping experiences throughout the year.

Safe Places Another way the YMCA of Greater Flint is developing youth in our community is through the Y Safe Places initiative. Through this program the Y provides safe, quality services to youth, grades K-12, residing in the Greater Flint Area. Over 190 youth have been served through The Y Safe Places Program, now in its tenth year. The Safe Places sites, provide year-round programming to maximize every opportunity to reach targeted youth. In addition to being easily accessible for neighborhood youth and families, Safe Places has established the following goals: (1) To provide quality care for all children; in a safe, structured environment; (2) To improve quality of life, health, and self-esteem; (3) To support and strengthen the family unit; (4) To help children develop to their fullest potential; and (5) To teach the importance of physical activity throughout life.

Swim Team The YMCA Flint Falcons is a competitive swim team comprised of swimmers from the greater Flint area. This USA and YMCA sanctioned swim team's mission is to develop the character traits, technical skills and intense desire necessary for maximum realization of each individual's highest goals, including the Olympic dream. This dynamic team brings all youth to realize their unique athletic talent in the pool regardless of social economic status, race, or religion. This program is particularly important to African-American, inner city males who have a statically higher chance of drowning. Youth thrive from having consistent, low-impact exercise as well as the emotional and mental benefits of team sports. Besides these physical, mental, and emotional benefits, high school youth can use team participation to receive a college scholarship as well as job skills working as a lifeguard or aquatic coordinator. Through the guise of physical competition, this swim team sets up youth for success by developing them mind, body, and spirit.

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