Page 10 - Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Annual Report 2018

DEAR FRIENDS,
My first full year here has been
full of meaningful accomplishments and growth...and I have all of you to thank!
Let’s start with one of our most critical initiatives: drowning prevention. In 2018, we significantly expanded Safety Around Water (SAW), thanks to the Rays Baseball Foundation and United Way Suncoast. In total, 1,098 kids received free water safety lessons in 2018. We’re reaching even
more kids this year with a new partnership with the Florida Blue Foundation and four other local Ys. With more than 30 Y locations in Tampa Bay offering SAW, our goal is to impact 5,500 kids.
Furthermore, in collaboration with the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, in 2018 we taught more than 620 kids formal swim lessons and water safety education in
their own apartment complex and neighborhood pools through an innovative initiative. We are proud to expand “Be Water Smart from the Start” to be a year-round program. What a remarkable time to be part of the Y!
As a local leader in health and wellness, the Tampa Y earned full recognition from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2018 for the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). The special recognition came at the same time we partnered with BayCare to provide need-based
scholarships for more pre-diabetes patients to participate in DPP.
Also on the chronic disease prevention front, we expanded our Pedaling for Parkinson’s program from two to four centers. At our South Tampa, Bob Sierra, New Tampa and North Brandon Ys, riders report noted improvements related to tremors, motor coordination, flexibility, grip strength, posture, stiffness and overall mobility.
In 2018, The First Tee of Tampa Bay reached tens of thousands
their generous namesake gift and commitment to local residents. The project would also not be possible without the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioner’s generous contributions of land and funds.
My thanks to the Governance Board, center boards, volunteers, donors and staff for their dedication and continuous support to serve the changing needs of our community. Throughout 2018, we’ve remained committed to our Vision 2020 Strategic Priorities: closing the achievement gap, improving
My first full year here has been full of meaningful accomplishments and growth...and I have all of you to thank!
of more kids through the game of golf. Our golf program is now in every Hillsborough County public elementary school - that’s about 150 schools and 80,000 students. Just incredible!
Our facilities are also evolving as our neighborhoods are expanding. We’ve invested in several exciting renovation projects, new top-notch wellness equipment and enhanced program services. We will continue to improve to provide a member experience that is fulfilling and of real value.
We’re not slowing down anytime soon. To kick off 2019, we cut the ribbon on our first new family Y in 18 years, the Spurlino Family YMCA at Big Bend Road. We are truly grateful for the Spurlino Family for making the new Y possible through
Tampa Bay’s health and well-being, teen leadership development and drowning prevention. In total, we invested more than $5.8 million dollars in the community, through financial assistance to ensure participation in all programs among those facing financial hardship, in addition to, subsidized programs that fill community voids throughout Hillsborough and East Pasco counties.
Thank you for your support as we continue to work hard to strengthen the foundations of our community.
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO 813.224.9622
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TAMPA METROPOLITAN AREA YMCA | Annual Report 2018 | STRONGER BECAUSE OF YOU