Page 12 - Tampa YMCA Annual Report 2024

FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
DEAR FRIENDS,
Thanks to the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, passionate volunteers and the generosity of our donors, we celebrated another milestone year at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.
We are making significant progress on our strategic
plan, launched last year, which continues to guide our decision- making efforts. Notably,
we have made remarkable advancements on several capital projects, including our Tampa Heights development. The
redevelopment of our Tampa Heights properties will not only allow us to provide a new, state-of-the-art YMCA for our central city community, but it will also position us to better serve this vibrant neighborhood for generations to come. Additionally, our 18,000 square foot Spurlino Family YMCA gymnasium addition is nearing completion, addressing a crucial community need and enabling us to provide even more impactful programs to a South County community that continues to experience substantial growth. We’re also excited that our new Wesley Chapel YMCA has entered its preconstruction phase. This new facility will allow us to serve the needs of one of the fastest- growing communities in our region. When we say we are Building Community, we mean it – it’s at the heart of everything we do.
Furthermore, a key strategic priority for the Tampa
Y is to fill critical community voids. And this year, we launched two licensed preschools. Preparing youth for success is a fundamental objective for our Y. Both locations, YMCA Camp Sierra and the Central City YMCA, offer evidence-based curricula dedicated to promoting children’s social, emotional and physical well-being. They’re led by certified/experienced childcare staff ensuring the highest quality of education/care. It’s a perfect environment to see a child learn, grow and thrive.
Another opportunity for children to thrive is in the all- new Thrivers Club. A 12-week youth cancer survivor program, Thrivers uses low-impact physical activity to help develop coordination and decrease fatigue from cancer treatment. It offers much-needed respite for caregivers with free Y memberships for the entire
family. This membership allows the parents/siblings of our young Thrivers to enjoy/connect through many Y programs.
This past year, Tampa Y programs and community outreach events impacted 281,407 children, teens, adults, senior citizens, cancer survivors, chronically ill community members, at-risk youth, infants and toddlers. We served 714,826 healthy meals and nutritional snacks to kids through the Y’s out-of- school meal programs. And for the ninth year, our Veggie Van - a mobile marketplace – served 32,465 kids, seniors and families living in food deserts with 162,628 meals.
I’m proud to share - we invested $13,299,895 back into the community through financial assistance, subsidized programming and community reinvestment to help ensure every child can pursue their fullest potential at the Y regardless of their family’s financial capacity. Also, we continue to serve as a gathering place FOR ALL as neighbors support one another in their health/well-being journey. Everyone’s welcome at the Y regardless of age, race, religion or physical capacity.
Tampa Bay’s trust is not something we take lightly. We work diligently to ensure we’re good stewards of our resources. Again, your Tampa YMCA impacted over 250,000 individuals in 2024, strengthening the region and building a brighter future for kids and families.
Thank you to our Governance Board, Center Advisory Boards, volunteers, donors and especially our great staff, for their dedication/commitment to support our neighborhoods. I’m excited as we work together to empower our community to reach its healthiest and most fulfilled life.
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO 813.224.9622
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TAMPA METROPOLITAN AREA YMCA | ANNUAL REPORT 2024