Page 10 - Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Annual Report 2021

FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
DEAR FRIENDS,
In our community and in our Y, 2021 has been a year like no other. As the world endeavored to recover from a global pandemic, we watched families and neighborhoods adapt and find new ways to grow and thrive.
Founded in 1888, our Tampa YMCA is no stranger
to unique challenges and I feel that once again, we displayed our capacity to play a critical role in building a stronger, more resilient Tampa Bay community. Before I dive into the tremendous community impact we accomplished in 2021, I want to thank you for your support. Our efforts would not have been possible without generous friends and donors like you!
Let me start with one of our most critical initiatives: drowning prevention. More children under the age
of four drown in Florida than anywhere else in the nation and Hillsborough County regularly ranks among the highest counties nationally for drowning. We are determined to do what it takes to prevent
this from happening in our community. In 2021, the Tampa Y taught 13,960 children how to swim and be safe around the water. We did this through two major initiatives... our Safety Around Water (SAW) program and our Mobile Water Safety program. Both are offered at NO COST to the community with an effort to reach children who might not otherwise receive swim lessons.
Additionally, as a community leader in health and well-being, the Tampa Y continued our work to help families understand the importance of physical activity and a balanced diet. In 2021, we were able to resume offering courses like our Y Diabetes Prevention Program, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, Enhance® Fitness, personal training and LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA
for cancer survivors as well as our Pediatric Cancer Program for youth battling cancer. I’m also proud
to share that 2021 was our sixth year bringing fresh produce to the community by way of our Veggie Van. Last year we provided 113,548 meals to 60,252 kids, seniors and families living in food deserts where healthy fruits and vegetables are difficult to come by.
We are also continuing our efforts to prevent childhood obesity through the recently expanded Food, Fit and Fun at the Y program. This curriculum- based health and wellness program for students participating in Y Afterschool programs teaches
and encourages a healthy lifestyle while having
fun. In 2021, a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture allowed the program to expand to include programming teaching kids how to create nutritious
snacks and learn the importance of eating healthy. The Veggie Van also provides fresh produce to students for monthly healthy snack demonstrations.
As I mentioned earlier, the YMCA has been in the Tampa Bay community for more than 132 years.
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We’ve been able to sustain our impact
for well over a century because we have
always evolved to meet the needs of our
ever-changing community.
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This year we were able to serve more than 265,866 people with access to welcoming, high quality, family friendly programs and services, to enhance their overall well-being. I feel certain that our organization is well positioned to continue to enhance the lives of our Tampa Bay community well into our future.
Lastly, I’m proud to share that last year the Tampa Y invested over $7.2 million back into the community through financial assistance. In addition to subsidized programs that fill community voids throughout Hillsborough and East Pasco counties, our financial assistance initiative helps to ensure that all kids and families, regardless of their current financial capacity, are able to take advantage of YMCA membership and programs that truly enhance lives.
I would like to thank our Governance Board, center boards, volunteers, donors and staff for their dedication and continuous support to serve the changing needs of our community. Thank you for your support as we continue to work hard to strengthen the foundations of our Tampa Bay community. Your passion and generosity toward your YMCA is beyond extraordinary.
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO 813.224.9622
9 SUSTAINABILITY IN LIVING WITH OUR CAUSE