Young Mens Christian Association of the North

Healthy living: improving the nation's health and well-being. being healthy means more than simply being physically active. it is about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. the y is a place where people can work toward that balance by challenging themselves to learn a new skill or hobby, fostering connections with friends through lifelong learning programs, or bringing loved ones closer together through many family-centered activities. at the y, it is not about the activity people choose as much as it is about the benefits of living healthier on the inside as well as the outside. the y demonstrates its commitment to healthy living through a variety of focus areas. health and wellbeing provides resources and guidance to maintain or improve physical activity, mental health and overall wellbeing. family time brings families together to have fun and grow together. sports and recreation provides healthy lifestyle activities that unite people with shared athletic and recreational interests. the y also provides social networking opportunities and activities that connect people who share common passions and personal interests. specific core programs that promote healthy living include group fitness classes, aquatics classes, youth fitness, family activities, personal and group training, open gym and swim times, and foreverwell senior programs and activities. in 2024, more than 75,500 seniors joined and participated in foreverwell senior programming. the y is also engaged in preventative health measures including programs that address youth and adult obesity, diabetes, cancer survivorship and cardiac rehabilitation, as well as holistic wellbeing programs like meditation, acupuncture and other modalities that help the whole person thrive.

Social responsibility: giving back and providing support to our neighbors. the ymca believes in social responsibility, giving back and providing support to neighbors. the generosity of others is at the core of the y's mission. it is only through the support of countless volunteers and public and private donors that the y is able to support and give back to the communities we engage. core program areas in this focus are: leadership impact group: drives sustainable change and transforms systems within our communities to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. through an inclusive and collaborative process, we create environments where leaders can explore new perspectives, gain practical tools and take action with confidence. newcomer support: support systems that welcome, celebrate, educate and connect diverse demographic populations in local neighborhoods, the u.s. and around the world. volunteerism and giving: voluntary contributions that fund, lead and support the y's critical work. advocacy: collaboration with policy makers, community leaders and private and public organizations to develop youth, eliminate barriers, prevent chronic disease, build healthier communities and encourage social responsibility. specific programs that build social responsibility are community health, community outreach, education and workforce development, environmental education, youth and family services, global education, newcomer services, leadership impact experiences, financial support, program and policy volunteers, advocacy and public policy. in 2024, more than 13,800 youth were served in y's youth and family services programs, which address violence prevention, human trafficking, food insecurity, homelessness, juvenile justice and foster care.