Page 4 - YMCA of the Suncoast 2023 Annual Report

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
DEVELOPING
THE NEXT GENERATION
Youth Development is a cornerstone of our work. We provide supportive environments, positive experiences, guidance and encouragement, so children can confidently be who they are and fearlessly strive to become whoever they want to be.
With programs like sports, swim team, Teen Leaders, school break, summer camp, before
and afterschool care and more, the YMCA of the Suncoast provides opportunities for youth to cultivate values/skills/relationships leading to positive behaviors, better health and educational excellence. We are committed to continually inspiring children to feel a sense of belonging and achievement. Creating opportunities for youth development, and closing the achievement gap between children from lower-income households and their middle/upper-income peers is a Y priority.
Research shows - children who spend time in constructive learning activities afterschool perform better in the classroom. Our before and afterschool child care programs are provided for children when there may be no supervision at home. Our program encourages positive behavior and good choices through character
development activities. Children receive help with their homework and participate in educational activities, reinforcing what they learn at school. They learn sharing, making friends and learning the importance of the Y’s core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Through
the integration of values-based curriculum and recreation, participants grow stronger in school and life.
2023 IMPACT SNAPSHOT
8,188
Kids received support through early learning, after-school, childcare and camps.
5,068
Children got a head start on life through participation in sports at the Y, helping them with social and emotional development.
1,125
Children received gifts donated by the community through our Giving Tree program.
3 YMCA OF THE SUNCOAST | ANNUAL REPORT 2023 | BUILDING FOR BETTER