Page 10 - 2019 Annual Report Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA

DEAR FRIENDS,
Before I dive into the tremendous impact we’ve made in the community in 2019, I want to thank you. None of this would have been possible without generous supporters like you!
I always like to start with drowning prevention,
one of our most imperative priorities. This year, we significantly expanded Safety Around Water, thanks to a partnership with the Florida Blue Foundation and our neighboring Ys. We couldn’t be prouder to report nearly 8,000 children learned life-saving swim skills at more than 30 Ys in Tampa Bay thanks to the generous Florida Blue grant.
In collaboration with the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, in 2019, we taught 1,148 kids formal swim lessons and water safety education in their own apartment complex and neighborhood pools through the “Be Water Smart from the Start” year- round program. This is also the first year the program evolved to include specialized programming and private swim lessons for youth with special needs. All of these lessons were provided free of charge to our young participants.
New 2019 data showed the number of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes cases decreased by 35 percent in the U.S. – proof we’re moving the needle on
Gold certified Y building in Hillsborough County.
LEED is the recognized global standard for high- performing green buildings. The Spurlino Y also won the Environmental and Entertainment Merit Award from the Hillsborough County Planning Commission
in October 2019. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Creative Contractors, Fleischman-Garcia Architects and Real Building Consultants, the Spurlino Y now stands alongside some of the most innovative buildings in the country.
In 2019, we also significantly enhanced several of our youth programs, including our rebranded Stay
& Plays, which provide our youngest members with an educational curriculum while parents work on bettering their health. We also launched a brand new Summer Camp Experience offering campers fun, educational experiences with activity specialists. Furthermore, our revamped Before and After School Enrichment (BASE) program now provides project- based learning with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math).
Lastly, I am very proud of the fact that we reinvested $7.5M back into the community through direct scholarships and program subsidies to ensure that our YMCA is FOR ALL. Your generosity allows us to open our doors to kids and families regardless of
None of this would have been possible without generous supporters like you!
their financial capacity, enabling your Tampa
Y to effectively serve more than 242,000 individuals in 2019.
the diabetes epidemic. We are fortunate to be one of 1,100 locations offering the Y’s Diabetes Prevention Program to help more than 64,000 participants across the country. Furthermore, we joined forces with the YMCA of the Suncoast and YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg to expand Enhance®Fitness this year. The senior fitness and falls prevention program is now offered for free at 22 locations across Tampa Bay.
It’s almost surreal to think the Spurlino Family
YMCA at Big Bend Road has been open in Southern Hillsborough County for more than a year now. Since its January 10, 2019 grand opening, the Spurlino Y team has been providing much-needed services to 14,000 members in the rapidly growing Riverview/ Gibsonton community. The Spurlino Y is now the first LEED Gold certified Y location and the second LEED
I would like to thank the Governance Board, Center Advisory Boards, volunteers, donors and staff for their dedication and continuous support to serve the changing needs of our community. I am excited to work with the same passionate group of leaders as we finalize our new strategic plan for 2020 and beyond!
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO 813.224.9622
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TAMPA METROPOLITAN AREA YMCA | Annual Report 2019