CHANGING TIMES AND OUR YMCAS RESPONSE

Over the last year, our community was tested in ways we've never seen before. Together, we adapted to the challenges of a pandemic and learned new ways to keep ourselves, our kids and our families healthy and safe. As an organization with more than a century of experience in caring for our community, the Watts Family Maryvale YMCA responded quickly to these challenges; creatively expanding our programs to meet our community when, where and how we are needed most.

WITH YOUR SUPPORT

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, we can continue to ensure the health, safety and well-being of every YMCA child and family; working to pave the way for a bright future and happy ending to the hundreds of stories that together, we play a part in, no matter their age, race, gender or socioeconomic status. But, there is more work to be done.

PROVIDING WORKFORCE SERVICES TO OPPORTUNITY YOUTH

With your help, we will continue to provide workforce and life skills development for Opportunity Youth age 16-24. We serve 500 opportunity youth per year through mentoring and coaching for education and career; providing internship opportunities; education scholarships; GED tutoring; soft skills training; and resume and application assistance. Youth also participate in programs such as Leaders in Training, Youth and Government and Teen Leaders Club. These skills, along with the opportunity to practice the Ys core values of Caring, Respect, Responsibility and Honesty, help to lift up our teens who may be struggling with self-esteem and depression, or difficult school or family environments.

In 2018, the YMCA in started a foster care program to help fill the needs of the foster care community. Our foster care program works alongside the YMCA Youth Work Force.

In 2020, the Watts Family Maryvale YMCA launched a social enterprise program that employs youth in our workforce development program. The CAD Studios printing company includes training youth in large format and T-shirt printing while developing job skills and providing valuable work experience.

PROVIDING SCHOOL READINESS FOR PRESCHOOL AGE YOUTH

Our Early Learning Readiness (ELR) program is designed by our national office (YMCA of the USA) to support early childhood education and ensure young children are well prepared for kindergarten success. This free program is specifically designed for lower income, newcomer communities, where fewer children are typically enrolled in formal preschool due to financial constraints or family preferences. The goal of ELR is to expand the knowledge and skills of informal caregivers so they may assume the role of "first teacher," effectively preparing children for school success. Through hands-on activities, our trained facilitators advise caregivers on how to best support the learning process. The program is now in its fifth year and surveys have shown increased early childhood development knowledge among caregivers.

PROVIDING CRITICAL CHILD CARE FOR FAMILIES

With your help, we are committed to keeping our promise to the community to provide emergency and school time child care services; allowing parents to work with peace of mind. As needs evolve within our education system, so will the Y. Our quick response and ever-adapting programs will continue to prioritize education, learning and safety for the children in our care. With your support, we can provide these opportunities for every child in our community regardless of their inability to pay.

PREVENTING CHILDHOOD DROWNING

With your help, we will help prevent childhood drownings the leading cause of accidental death of children in Arizona under the age of five through our advocacy programs that teach critical safety around water and swimming skills in the communities we serve. From group and private swim lessons, to partnering with schools to teach drowning prevention curriculum, the Ys commitment to drowning prevention remains a top priority in 2021.

PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL PEOPLE OF ALL AGES TO THRIVE AND BELONG IN AN INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITY

With your help, we can improve the health and well-being of our community to reduce chronic disease and obesity, improve mental health and address the needs of our senior population. By providing financial assistance for children, families, young adults and foster youth, we give access to facilities and programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body.

$1,500 Provides wages for 100 hours of work experience for Opportunity Youth

$1,200 provides a year of transportation assistance for Opportunity Youth

$500 Provides life saving safety around water and swim lessons for six children

$250 Provides school time childcare for a child for one week

$100 Provides three months of membership and life skills programming for opportunity youth

The Watts Family Maryvale YMCA needs your help to continue to provide financial assistance for programs and services like these for our most vulnerable populations. Thank you for your consideration of a pledge or gift to the Watts Family Maryvale YMCAs 2021 annual support campaign.