Page 4 - 2019 Annual Report YMCA of the Suncoast

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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
HEALTHY LIVING
NURTURING
OPPORTUNITIES
The Y believes every child deserves the support, guidance and encouragement to be who they are and discover who they can become.
Academic Success is a vital focus area of
the Y’s youth development work. To close
the achievement gap between children from lower-income households and their middle/ upper-income peers, the Y provides guidance, encouragement and support along the learning continuum – from early learning to post- secondary education. The Y works with local caregivers, students and schools to offer evidence-based programs that improve students’ educational readiness, engagement and outcomes, while helping them grow emotionally and physically, too.
When Teresa had to take leave from her job
as a nurse for health reasons, she needed a safe, nurturing environment to support her kids over the summer. Teresa turned to the Y. Through Y scholarships, Teresa’s children were able to attend the Y Scholars
Learning Academy at Sunray Elementary School. Y Scholars Learning Academy is a program where students have the opportunity to participate in summer learning activities that will increase their academic success, as well as their
social, emotional and physical development.
“Without the support of your donors, I would not have been able to afford to send my kids anywhere this summer,” says Teresa. “I am very grateful for the support from the Y.” At the end of the six-week program, during a celebration, Teresa’s daughter, Journey, started crying and shared that she did not want the program to end. “My kids learned so much and then turned around and taught me,” shares Teresa. “I hope we can come again next year!”