Young Mens Christian Assoc Jamestown

THE MISSION OF THE JAMESTOWN AREA FAMILY YMCA IS "TO PUT CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICE THROUGH PROGRAMS THAT BUILD STRONG KIDS, STRONG FAMILIES, AND STRONG COMMUNITIES BY ENRICHING THE LIVES OF ALL PEOPLE IN SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY."

YMCA 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 PROGRAMS - SUCH AS MENTOR ON THE MOVE, TEEN READY TO WORK, ALL DAY CHILD CARE, AFTER SCHOOL CARE, DAY CAMPS RESIDENTIAL CAMP AND MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES OFFER A RANGE OF EXPERIENCES THAT ENRICH COGNITIVE, SOCIAL, PHYSICAL, AND EMOTIONAL GROWTH. IN 2021, WE PROVIDED $303,509.00 IN DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THAT MAKES PARTICIPATION POSSIBLE FOR THE CHILDREN WE ENGAGE. SINCE 1858, THE JAMESTOWN FAMILY YMCA, AS AN ORGANIZATION, HAS DEDICATED ITSELF TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF STRONG KIDS, STRONG FAMILIES AND STRONG COMMUNITIES AND VIEWS PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE POSITIVE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS DURING OUT OF SCHOOL TIME AS AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR MISSION. THE YMCA'S NUMBER ONE PRIORITY IS TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN. THE YMCA COMPLIES WITH ALL STATE AND COUNTY REGULATIONS FOR PROGRAMS AND REGULARLY CONDUCTS PROGRAM EVALUATIONS AND INSPECTIONS. THE YMCA ENSURES THAT ALL YOUTH PROGRAM STAFF HAVE COMPLETED THE SCREENING PROCESS PRIOR TO EMPLOYMENT AND HAVE RECEIVED TRAINING IN CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION, THE YMCA MISSION, AS WELL AS OTHER RELEVANT TRAINING EXCLUSIVE TO THE TYPE OF PROGRAM THEY ARE WORKING IN. THE JAMESTOWN YMCA'S EXPERIENCE AND REPUTATION CLEARLY SHOWS OUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT SUPPORTS THE TOTAL GROWTH OF THE CHILDREN WE SERVE AND HAS DEDICATED ITSELF TO PROVIDING ACTIVITIES THAT FOSTER THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL, PHYSICAL, ACADEMIC, INTELLECTUAL, CULTURAL, COGNITIVE AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT. THE JAMESTOWN FAMILY YMCA HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY LICENSED AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS AT 4 LOCATIONS INCLUDING RING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, LOVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BEMUS POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, EASTSIDE Y CARE, AND ONE PROGRAM AT SOUTHWESTERN PROVIDES BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS. IN ADDITION, THE YMCA PROVIDES EXTENDED DAY CARE PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES MOST SCHOOL DAYS, VACATION DAYS, HOLIDAYS, AS WELL AS RESIDENT CAMP PROGRAMS, PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS, CHILD-WATCH PROGRAMS, YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS, AND SPECIAL EVENTS. A DAY CARE CENTER FOR CHILDREN AGES 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS IS AVAILABLE AT YMCA HERITAGE HOUSE CHILD CARE CENTER. YMCA FAMILY PROGRAMS: THE JAMESTOWN FAMILY YMCA IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING FAMILIES WITH PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT THE FAMILY UNIT AND AVENUES TO RESOURCES AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO ENSURE SUCCESS. THROUGH FAMILY PROGRAMS SUCH AS MONTHLY FAMILY NIGHTS, SPECIAL EVENTS, CHILD CARE PROGRAMS, DAY CAMP PROGRAMS, FAMILY SWIM, SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, PARENT/CHILD SWIM LESSONS, AND MORE, FAMILIES ARE ABLE TO ENGAGE IN POSITIVE INTERACTION, SPEND QUALITY TIME TOGETHER AND PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES THAT WILL HELP EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER OF THE FAMILY GROW PERSONALLY AND TOGETHER AS A FAMILY UNIT. YMCA TEEN PROGRAMS: THE JAMESTOWN AREA YMCA IS DEVOTED TO PROVIDING TEENS WITH A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT TO LIVE, LEARN, AND PLAY IN AFTER SCHOOL. LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE YMCA, THE TEEN CENTER IS A FREE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM OFFERED TO ALL JAMESTOWN AREA TEENS. AT FIRST GLANCE THE TEEN CENTER OFFERS A SAFE AND FUN PLACE FOR TEENS TO SPEND THEIR TIME AFTER SCHOOL. A CLOSER LOOK REVEALS THAT THE TEEN CENTER IS MUCH MORE. THE TEEN CENTER IS THE PLACE WHERE THE LEARNING, HEALTHY LIVING, LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS, AND ASSET DEVELOPMENT TAKE ROOT. THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH CHAUTAUQUA STRIDERS AND JAMESTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, BOTH ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS AND STRUGGLING STUDENTS ARE RECEIVING DIRECT HELP WITH THEIR SCHOOL WORK. THE TEEN CENTER INCLUDES A TRAVEL BASKETBALL LEAGUE THAT COMPETES WITH OTHER YOUTH SERVING AGENCIES. PLAYERS ARE KEPT ACADEMICALLY ACCOUNTABLE WHILE HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY AN ORGANIZED SPORT. THESE SAME FREE OPPORTUNITIES AND MORE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO THE YOUTH WHO PARTICIPATE AT THE EASTSIDE YMCA THROUGH ITS COORDINATION WITH THE DOWNTOWN TEEN CENTER. THE EASTSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL ACADEMY IS A STRUCTURED SUMMER AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM TARGETING THE LEARNING NEEDS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS. THE PROGRAM INCLUDES ACADEMIC TUTORING, HANDS ON LEARNING, AND ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES THAT CATER ESPECIALLY TO THE LEARNING NEEDS OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS. THE EASTSIDE DAY CAMP TAKES PART IN POWER SCHOLARS WHICH WAS A PILOT PROGRAM DURING THE 2016 SUMMER. ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION IN MATH AND LANGUAGE NARROWED THE GAP IN SUMMERTIME LEARNING LOSS. THE LAKEWOOD YMCA PROVIDES SPORTS AND FITNESS PROGRAMS FOR TEENS AS WELL AS A VARIETY OF SPECIAL CLASSES TO HELP TEENS GROW PERSONALLY AND DEVELOP SKILLS. OTHER YMCA TEEN PROGRAMS INCLUDE A VARIETY OF SPORTS AND FITNESS PROGRAMS, BABYSITTING CLINICS, SPECIAL SPEAKERS, TOURNAMENTS, AND OTHER EVENTS DESIGNED TO OFFER A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO THE SUPPORT AND HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF TEENS IN OUR COMMUNITY. YMCA AQUATICS: THE JAMESTOWN AREA YMCA HAS TWO INDOOR POOLS, A 25 YARD LAP POOL AND A 20 YARD WARM WATER INSTRUCTIONAL/RECREATIONAL POOL. WE OFFER A MULTITUDE OF LIFE ENHANCING PROGRAMS INCLUDING SWIM LESSONS STARTING AT 6 MONTHS ALL THE WAY UP TO OLDER ADULTS. THE Y ALSO OFFERS WATER EXERCISE, SCUBA, LIFEGUARD TRAINING, AN AGE GROUP AND MASTERS SWIM TEAMS. AN ADAPTIVE SWIM PROGRAM PROVIDES A RECREATIONAL OUTLET FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. THE Y ALSO OFFERS RECREATIONAL AND LAP SWIM TIMES FOR OUR MEMBERS AND GUESTS. OVER 2,000 INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATE IN THESE PROGRAMS EACH YEAR. THE Y ALSO HAS A FREE AQUATIC SAFETY DAY FOR ALL SECOND GRADERS IN THE JAMESTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS; OVER 2,350 STUDENTS HAVE BEEN SERVED THROUGH THIS PROGRAM WITH ANOTHER 300+ SCHEDULED FOR THIS YEAR. WITH OVER 3,500 PEOPLE DROWNING NATIONALLY EVERY YEAR THE Y'S POOLS AND PROGRAMS ARE AN IMPORTANT PART IN CREATING A SAFE AND STRONG COMMUNITY. YMCA RESIDENT CAMP PROGRAMS: THE JAMESTOWN AREA YMCA HAS OFFERED RESIDENT YOUTH CAMPING SINCE 1898 AND TODAY PROVIDES AN ACA-ACCREDITED CURRICULUM DESIGNED TO PROMOTE EXCELLENCE IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. THROUGH ACTIVE OUTDOORS ACTIVITIES, OFFERED THROUGH THE SUMMER AND YEAR-ROUND, YOUTH DEVELOP GREATER AWARENESS OF THE NATURAL WORLD, UNDERSTANDING OF OTHERS WHO ATTEND FROM VARIED BACKGROUNDS, AND PHYSICAL WELLNESS. ACTIVITIES ARE BASED ON A 160-ACRE WOODED LAKEFRONT PARCEL AND INCLUDE BOATING, INSTRUCTIONAL SWIMMING, ARTS, DRAMA, OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, SPORTS, NUTRITION, CHALLENGE COURSE, ACADEMICS, AND GENERAL RECREATION SUCH AS CAMPFIRES AND SING-A-LONGS. OVER 20% OF THE CAMPERS ATTEND AT LITTLE OR NO COST, THROUGH THE ONYAHSA CAMP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. THE STAFF IS CAREFULLY SELECTED, HIGHLY TRAINED, AND DEEPLY COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A SAFE, HEALTHY, AND HAPPY RESIDENT AND DAY CAMP EXPERIENCE FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES.

YMCA HEALTHY LIVING - THE Y IS A LEADING VOICE ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. WE BRING FAMILIES CLOSER TOGETHER, ENCOURAGE GOOD HEALTH, AND FOSTER CONNECTIONS THROUGH FITNESS, SPORTS, FUN, AND SHARED INTERESTS. THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT AS OUR NATION STRUGGLES WITH AN OBESITY CRISIS, FAMILIES STRUGGLE WITH WORK/LIFE BALANCE, AND INDIVIDUALS SEARCH FOR PERSONAL FULFILLMENT. OUR PROGRAMS ARE ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, AND OPEN TO ALL FAITHS, BACKGROUNDS, ABILITIES, AND INCOME LEVELS. IN 2021, WE PROVIDED $303,509.00 IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE WHO OTHERWISE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD TO PARTICIPATE. AS A RESULT, OUR COMMUNITY IS RECEIVING THE SUPPORT, GUIDANCE, AND RESOURCES IT NEEDS TO ACHIEVE GREATER HEALTH IN SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY. YMCA HEALTH AND FITNESS: IN "BUILDING STRONG KIDS, STRONG FAMILIES, STRONG COMMUNITIES", THE JAMESTOWN AREA YMCA FOLLOWS THE YMCA'S "SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY" PHILOSOPHY. IN THE HEALTH AND FITNESS ARENA, THE JAMESTOWN AREA YMCA HAS PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES, INCLUDING CHILDREN, TEENS, FAMILIES, AND THE ACTIVE OLDER ADULT POPULATION. WITH THE PURCHASE OF NEW CARDIOVASCULAR EQUIPMENT AT FACILITIES, NAUTILUS AND FREE WEIGHT APPARATUS, AEROBICS ROOM, AND GYMNASIUMS, OUR TRAINED AND CERTIFIED STAFF ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP MEMBERS WITH THEIR FITNESS AND WELLNESS GOALS AND NEEDS. WE OFFER THREE FREE TRAINING APPOINTMENTS AND CLASSES FOR ALL MEMBERS AND PROVIDE FITNESS PROGRAMS THAT KEEP UP WITH TODAY'S FITNESS TRENDS. THESE INCLUDE ZUMBA, ZERO GAIN CAMPAIGN, AEROBICS, PILATES, SILVERSNEAKERS, FIT FOR LIFE, CYCLE REEBOK, STABILITY BALL, MOVING FOR BETTER BALANCE, STRENGTH TRAINING CLASSES, YOGA, AND MASSAGE. WE ARE ALSO SUPPORTERS AND PARTICIPANTS IN YMCA'S HEALTHY LIVING. ADULT AND YOUTH SPORTS, SUCH AS SOCCER, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, TENNIS, RACQUETBALL, SQUASH, GYMNASTICS, PRESCHOOL FITNESS CLASSES, AND HOCKEY, ALSO ADD TO OUR PROGRAM LIST. SEVERAL LOCAL HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDERS HELP PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY WITH DISCOUNTED OR FREE YMCA MEMBERSHIP PLANS TO FULFILL THEIR HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS NEEDS. THIS YEAR MARKS THE 31ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE BUSINESSES, A WEEK-LONG FRIENDLY COMPETITION WITH 18-20 EVENTS WHERE EMPLOYEES FROM DIFFERENT BUSINESSES COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHER. COMMUNITY FITNESS EVENTS OPEN TO ALL INDIVIDUALS ALSO INCLUDE OUR ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY FIRECRACKER RUN AND THE AMY KING RUN HELD EACH NOVEMBER. OUR OTHER COLLABORATIONS WITH THE LOCAL SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS GIVE US THE OPPORTUNITY TO EDUCATE AND COMMUNICATE THE IMPORTANCE OF WELLNESS TO THE COMMUNITY.

YMCA 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 157 YEARS. Y PROGRAMS SUCH AS CHILD WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTION, YOUTH AND FAMILY SCHOLARSHIPS, HANDICAPPED HOUSING, AND MILITARY OUTREACH ARE EXAMPLES OF HOW WE DELIVER TRAINING RESOURCES AND SUPPORT THAT EMPOWER OUR NEIGHBORS TO AFFECT CHANGE, BRIDGE GAPS, AND OVERCOME OBSTACLES. IN 2021, WE ENGAGED APPROXIMATELY 6,824 MEMBERS, PARTICIPANTS, AND VOLUNTEERS IN ACTIVITIES THAT STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITY AND PAVE THE WAY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO THRIVE. WHEN THERE WAS A NEED FOR THE ORGANIZATION TO TAKE OVER WORK WITH THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY ON THE CITY'S EAST SIDE, THE YMCA STEPPED IN AND STARTED THE EASTSIDE YMCA WHICH WE CURRENTLY OPERATE. HOMEWORK HELP, ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT, SUMMER LEARNING, COMMUNITY GARDENING, AND HISPANIC HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS ARE JUST A FEW OF THE EXAMPLES OF WORK WE DO IN THIS AREA. YEARS AGO, THE YMCA STARTED THE FREE YMCA TEEN CENTER IN RESPONSE TO NEEDS AND ISSUES FACING THE YOUTH OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY. IN 1995, THE YMCA OPENED UP THE FOURTH STREET HOUSING APARTMENTS FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES IN RESPONSE TO A NEED FOR HOUSING FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA. THE YMCA TAKES ITS COMMITMENTS TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY VERY SERIOUSLY AND CONTINUES TO ACTIVELY LOOK FOR WAYS TO EFFECTIVELY SERVE THE PEOPLE OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY. YMCA COLLABORATIONS: THE JAMESTOWN YMCA PROVIDES SERVICES AND PROGRAMS FOR THE COMMUNITY THROUGH ITS CLOSE COLLABORATIONS WITH OVER 75 LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS, CORPORATIONS, AND AGENCIES. THESE COLLABORATIONS INCLUDE SPONSORSHIP, EVENT PROMOTION, PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT, SUPPORT, AND EDUCATION. LOCAL COLLABORATIONS ARE WITH THE UNITED WAY OF SOUTHERN CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, JAMESTOWN BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, YWCA, CHAUTAUQUA STRIDERS, JAMESTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SOUTHWESTERN CENTRAL SCHOOL, BEMUS POINT CENTRAL SCHOOL, WCA HOSPITAL, GIRL SCOUTS, FOURTH STREET HOUSING, DOWNTOWN JAMESTOWN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, THE RESOURCE CENTER, CHAUTAUQUA ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNCIL, JAMESTOWN PEDIATRICS, THE POST-JOURNAL, MEDIA ONE GROUP, TIME WARNER CABLE, CHAUTAUQUA ARTS COUNCIL, CHAUTAUQUA MALL, AND PRENDERGAST LIBRARY. OUR FUTURE SUCCESS WILL RELY ON OUR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS IN PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION, AGGRESSIVELY SEEKING PROGRAM FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES, AND TAKING PROACTIVE MEASURES TO MEET THE EVER CHANGING NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. HUNGER RELIEF THE YMCA IS ENGAGED IN HUNGER RELIEF FOR CHILDREN AS A SPONSOR FOR BOTH THE CHILD AND ADULT FOOD CARE PROGRAM (CACFP) AND THE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM (SFSP). WE ARE A LOCAL LEADER PROVIDING AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER MEALS TO CHILDREN ACROSS THE CITY, INCLUDING CHILDREN ENROLLED AT YMCA CHILD CARE SITES, OTHER YOUTH SERVING AGENCIES AND PUBLIC OPEN LOCATIONS (PARKS, LIBRARY, CHURCH, SCHOOLS) IN THE JAMESTOWN AREA. MEAL PROGRAMS OPERATE 12 MONTHS A YEAR AND HAVE SERVED MORE THAN 50,000 NUTRITIOUS MEALS TO YOUTH FOR SEVERAL YEARS. SUMMER LEARNING LOSS THE YMCA IS ENGAGED IN HELPING NARROW THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT GAP BY PROVIDING SUMMER LEARNING SUMMER PROGRAMS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LOCAL SCHOOLS. THESE PROGRAMS INCORPORATE SUMMERTIME ACADEMICS IN ORDER TO FOSTER MATH AND READING SKILL GROWTH AMONG RISING 1ST TO 8TH GRADERS WHO ARE VULNERABLE TO FALLING BEHIND DUE TO SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS.

OTHER MISCELLANEOUS