Irving Family YMCA works to build a more healthy community
Written by Phil Cerroni
The Irving Family YMCA has tremendous momentum moving into the 2013 year. On the heels of another successful year in 2012, staff and volunteer are poised to build on the foundation of programs addressing critical community needs.
Since 2010, our primary focus has been in the areas: A-Risk Teen Programming, Childhood Obesity Prevention and Literacy/School prep for children birth to 5 years old. In each of these areas we continue to see incredible increases in volunteerism, funding support and program growth. In 2012, more than 700 volunteers gave nearly 18,000 hours of their time to help our Y-staff team impact just over 9,000 children and families within our community. Our 2012 Campaign saw staff and volunteers raise $130,000 on a goal of $110K. This was the 4th straight successful campaign which has seen our goal (because of increased need) rise from $60K to our current goal of $135,000 for 2013.
We are so proud to say that our Teen Enrichment programs are impacting close to 300 Middle School and High School students each week. New partnerships like that with the Hackberry Creek Social Club and the La Buena Vida Foundationare helping our staff team introduced new and exciting program opportunities for our young people. Our Play & Learn program has expanded to a total of 11 sites thanks to a lead gift from Sam’s Club allowing us to impact more than 175 children (birth to 5) and their caregivers each week. Salsa, Sabor y Salud and F.I.T. for Health impacted 180 families (650+ people) in the area of obesity prevention. “Salsa” & “F.I.T. are 8 week programs where the entire family learns strategies on how to shop, cook and eat healthier and are given a weekly opportunity to ‘play’ together. Pre/Post testing as well as graduation testimonials indicated a successful program that is having a positive impact on all participants. These programs would not be possible without the support of the Irving Healthcare Foundation who has drawn a line in the sand to help reverse the statistics on Childhood Obesity.
And then there’s Miracle League. A tremendous collaborative effort by the YMCA and the City of Irving to allow special needs children a unique opportunity to PLAY BALL, exercise and socialize! Dr. Pepper – Snapple of Irving provides a generous gift so that this program is free to all participants. While we are thrilled to have achieved these goals within critical areas, we know that the need in each of these continues to grow.
Give us a call and let us show how you can join the Irving YMCA in 2013 as we expand our work to Strengthen the Foundation of our Great Community.
Source: Irving Family YMCA
