Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Information about Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.
| (i)Name of supported organization | (ii) EIN | (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 9 above or IRC section (see instructions)) | (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? | (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) | (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | |||||
| Total | ||||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2010 | (b) 2011 | (c) 2012 | (d) 2013 | (e) 2014 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .... | ||||||
| 2 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf....... | ||||||
| 3 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. | ||||||
| 4 | Total. Add lines 1 through 3 | ||||||
| 5 | The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f).. | ||||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | ||||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2010 | (b) 2011 | (c) 2012 | (d) 2013 | (e) 2014 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | ||||||
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | ||||||
| 9 | Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. | ||||||
| 10 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. | ||||||
| 11 | Total support Add lines 7 through 10. | ||||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2010 | (b) 2011 | (c) 2012 | (d) 2013 | (e) 2014 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . | 9,324,035 | 8,428,975 | 12,850,034 | 13,391,753 | 11,678,043 | 55,672,840 |
| 2 | Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose...... | 4,656,859 | 4,771,068 | 4,807,978 | 5,085,761 | 5,143,656 | 24,465,322 |
| 3 | Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513.. | ||||||
| 4 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf... | ||||||
| 5 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. | ||||||
| 6 | Total. Add lines 1 through 5. | 13,980,894 | 13,200,043 | 17,658,012 | 18,477,514 | 16,821,699 | 80,138,162 |
| 7a | Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons... | 0 | |||||
| b | Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year. | 0 | |||||
| c | Add lines 7a and 7b.. | 0 | |||||
| 8 | Public support (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) | 80,138,162 | |||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2010 | (b) 2011 | (c) 2012 | (d) 2013 | (e) 2014 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Amounts from line 6... | 13,980,894 | 13,200,043 | 17,658,012 | 18,477,514 | 16,821,699 | 80,138,162 |
| 10a | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. | 142,749 | 279,238 | 600,695 | 718,478 | 1,299,028 | 3,040,188 |
| b | Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975. | ||||||
| c | Add lines 10a and 10b. | 142,749 | 279,238 | 600,695 | 718,478 | 1,299,028 | 3,040,188 |
| 11 | Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. | ||||||
| 12 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) .. | 71,903 | 71,903 | ||||
| 13 | Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.).. | 14,195,546 | 13,479,281 | 18,258,707 | 19,195,992 | 18,120,727 | 83,250,253 |
| Section A - Adjusted Net Income | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
||||
| 1 | Net short-term capital gain | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Other gross income (see instructions) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Add lines 1 through 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Depreciation and depletion | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Other expenses (see instructions) | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) | 8 | ||||
| Section B - Minimum Asset Amount | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
||||
| 1 | Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): | 1 | ||||
| a | Average monthly value of securities | 1a | ||||
| b | Average monthly cash balances | 1b | ||||
| c | Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets | 1c | ||||
| d | Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) | 1d | ||||
| e | Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI): | |||||
| 2 | Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Subtract line 2 from line 1d | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 1-1/2% of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Multiply line 5 by .035 | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) | 8 | ||||
| Section C - Distributable Amount | Current Year | |||||
| 1 | Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Enter 85% of line 1 | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Income tax imposed in prior year | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Check here if the current year is the organization's first as a non-functionally-integrated Type III supporting organization (see instructions) | |||||
| Section D - Distributions | Current Year | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes | ||
|
2
Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity |
||
| 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations | ||
| 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets | ||
| 5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required) | ||
| 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions | ||
| 7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. | ||
|
8
Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions |
||
| 9 Distributable amount for 2014 from Section C, line 6 | ||
| 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount | ||
| Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) |
(i) Excess Distributions |
(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2014 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2014 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
Distributable amount for 2014 from Section C, line 6 |
||||
|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2014 (reasonable cause required--see instructions) |
||||
| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2014: | ||||
| a From 2009.......X | ||||
| b From 2010.......X | ||||
| c From 2011.......X | ||||
| d From 2012.......X | ||||
| e From 2013....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2014 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2009 not applied (see instructions) |
||||
| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2014 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2014 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2014, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2 (if amount greater than zero, see instructions) |
||||
|
6
Remaining underdistributions for 2014. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1 (if amount greater than zero, see instructions) |
||||
|
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2015. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
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| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a From 2010.......X | ||||
| b From 2011.......X | ||||
| c From 2012.......X | ||||
| d From 2013....... | ||||
| e From 2014....... | ||||
| Facts And Circumstances Test |
|---|
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|
| Software ID: | |
| Software Version: |
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11 | PRIOR TO FILING FORM 990 THE CEO WILL DISBURSE THE FORM ELECTRONICALLY TO BOARD MEMBERS. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C | THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REVIEW THE ORGANIZATION'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ANNUALLY IN ORDER TO INSURE THAT THE ORGANIZATION'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AND EMPLOYEES ARE REGULARLY AND CONSISTENTLY MONITORING AND ENFORCING IT. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15A | THE ORGANIZATION UTILIZES THE SERVICES OF A HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTANT WHO GATHERS INFORMATION FROM OTHER COMPARABLE ORGANIZATIONS AND DATA PROVIDED BY YMCA. THE INFORMATION IS THEN REPORTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BENCHMARKS ARE COMPARED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE COMPENSATION. |
| FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 | FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UPON REQUEST. |
| FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9: | NET LOSS ON INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENT -879,335. |
| PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) | MISSION STATEMENT THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS IS AN ASSOCIATION UNITED IN A COMMON GOAL TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITIES AND TO DEVELOP THE SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY OF ALL PERSONS, REGARDLESS OF MEANS, THROUGH ACTIVITIES GUIDED BY AND BASED UPON OUR CORE VALUES OF CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY. CAUSE STATEMENT THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS WILL STRENGTHEN THE FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY THROUGH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT SUPPORT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION VISION STATEMENT THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS WILL NURTURE AND SUPPORT AN ENVIRONMENT THAT REFLECTS, RESPECTS, AND CELEBRATES OUR DIFFERENCES, AND EMBRACES THE RICHNESS OF OUR DIVERSITY. STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS SUCCESSFULLY IMPACTS FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS BY FOSTERING A SENSE OF BELONGING TO A MOVEMENT THAT CONTINUALLY EVOLVES TO MEET THE RELEVANT NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY. ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS IS AN ASSOCIATION UNITED BY A VISION OF STRONG, THRIVING COMMUNITIES FILLED WITH HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WORKING TOGETHER TO LEAD BALANCED LIFESTYLES IN BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT. NO OTHER COMMUNITY-BASED, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION IN CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS HAS THE GEOGRAPHIC REACH OR THE BREADTH OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ENCOMPASS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AS THE YMCA. OUR FIVE BRANCHES SUPPORT NEARLY 30,000 MEMBERS ACROSS 57 CITIES AND TOWNS IN THE HEART OF THE COMMONWEALTH. COLLABORATION WITH MORE THAN 100 OTHER PARTNERS EXTENDS OUR REACH TO NEARLY 50,000 INDIVIDUALS ANNUALLY. WE ALSO DELIVER PROGRAMS AT MORE THAN 15 SITES IN OTHER LOCATIONS, ALONG WITH OUR TWO RURAL SUMMER DAY CAMPS. OUR Y HAS ENJOYED MANY SUCCESSES IN RECENT YEARS, ESPECIALLY WITH LAST YEAR'S CELEBRATION OF OUR 150TH ANNIVERSARY. IN AN HISTORIC ANNUAL CAMPAIGN, OUR PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF CHAMPIONS CAME TOGETHER TO RAISE OVER $1 MILLION TO SUPPORT THOSE MEMBERS OF THE Y WHO MOST NEED OUR SUPPORT. TO ENSURE OUR SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO NEED US MOST, OUR Y IS PROUD TO OFFER MANY LOW AND NO-COST PROGRAMS - PROVIDING EVERYTHING FROM AFFORDABLE, EDUCATIONAL AFTERSCHOOL CHILDCARE TO A WELLNESS INITIATIVE FORMING A SUPPORT NETWORK FOR CANCER SURVIVORS TO A FITNESS AND NUTRITION STRATEGY TO EMPOWER FAMILIES TO GROW HEALTHIER TOGETHER. OUR PROGRAMMING IS DESIGNED TO EVOLVE WITH THE GROWING AND CHANGING NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITIES. YMCA HISTORY THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS HAS BEEN IMPACTING CHILDREN, TEENS, FAMILIES AND ADULTS FOR OVER 150 YEARS. WHEN OUR Y BEGAN IN 1864, IT OPERATED OUT OF ONE RENTED ROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE ICONIC MECHANICS HALL IN DOWNTOWN WORCESTER - ONE OF THE FIRST LANDMARKS IN THE CITY. TODAY, OUR Y HAS EVOLVED FROM SERVING ONE GENDER AND ONE RELIGION TO PROUDLY SERVING ALL PEOPLE. WE HAVE BECOME ONE OF THE REGION'S MOST IMPACTFUL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. THANKS TO OUR DEEP ROOTS IN THE COMMUNITY, OUR Y CONTINUES TO BE UNIQUELY POSITIONED TO ADDRESS THE EVER-CHANGING NEEDS OF THOSE WE SERVE. WHILE OUR HEALTH AND FITNESS RESOURCES HELP OUR MEMBERS BECOME THEIR BEST SELVES, OUR IMPACT REACHES FAR BEYOND OUR WELLNESS CENTERS. BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF OUR Y, WE DELIVER IMPACTFUL PROGRAMMING TO THOSE WHO NEED US MOST. IN 1920, THE FLAGSHIP CENTRAL COMMUNITY BRANCH OPENED ITS DOORS IN DOWNTOWN WORCESTER'S MAIN SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD. DUE TO THE SOCIOECONOMIC DEMOGRAPHICS OF THIS PART OF THE CITY, THE CENTRAL BRANCH FUNCTIONS AS A SAFE HAVEN FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE AREA, INCLUDING THE NEWLY INSTALLED TEEN ACHIEVEMENT CENTER AND FAMILY LOCKER ROOM. MANY LOW-INCOME MEMBERS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOODS WE SERVE QUALIFY FOR FREE OR REDUCED MEMBERSHIP AND PROGRAMS. JUST DOWN THE ROAD, THE GREENDALE FAMILY BRANCH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1929 THANKS TO NORTON COMPANY'S (NOW SAINT-GOBAIN'S) GENEROUS DONATION OF FACILITIES. THIS YEAR, WITH THE HELP OF OUR VALUABLE MISSION PARTNERS, GREENDALE IS EXPANDING AND IMPROVING ITS WELLNESS CENTER TO FURTHER OUR Y'S COMMITMENT TO BEST SERVING COMMUNITY NEEDS. THE BOROUGHS FAMILY BRANCH OPENED IN 2002, BUT OUR Y FIRST REACHED THIS UNDERSERVED REGION STARTING IN 1983. WITH NO DEDICATED BRANCH LOCATION, WE OFFERED ONLY LIMITED PROGRAMMING. THIS YEAR, WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE POTENTIAL TO EXPAND THE FOOTPRINT OF THIS BRANCH THANKS TO THE NEW OUTDOOR AQUATICS CENTER AND TWO FLOORS OF MULTIPURPOSE WELLNESS SPACE. THE NEXT ADDITION TO THE UMBRELLA OF THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS, THE FITCHBURG Y, WAS FOUNDED IN 1887 BY A GROUP OF COMMUNITY LEADERS WHO RECOGNIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORLDWIDE YMCA MOVEMENT. THROUGHOUT THIS BRANCH'S HISTORY, IT HAS STRIVED TO IMPROVE THE Y EXPERIENCE FOR RESIDENTS OF NORTHERN CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS WITH EXPANSIONS, SUCH AS THE 1957 PURCHASE OF CAMP LOWE IN NEARBY LANCASTER, MA. SINCE BECOMING PART OF OUR Y IN 2012, THE MONTACHUSETT COMMUNITY BRANCH (MCB) HAS ENABLED US TO CONTINUE FULFILLING OUR CAUSE OF STRENGTHENING THE FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY. FITCHBURG IS A KEY LOCATION FOR MANY Y MEMBERS WHO LIVE AND WORK OUTSIDE THE AREA OF WORCESTER BECAUSE THEY NO LONGER HAVE TO MAKE THE STRESSFUL COMMUTE INTO THE CITY TO RECEIVE OUR Y'S SERVICES. FURTHERMORE, SINCE THE OPENING OF THE NEW LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY BRANCH, OUR Y HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEEPEN ITS IMPACT BEYOND ITS PREVIOUS BOUNDARIES. THE STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY IS HELPING TO REVITALIZE A DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD WHILE ACTING AS A RESOURCE FOR A DIVERSE RANGE OF PEOPLE, INCLUDING A NETWORK OF HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES, LOCAL GIRL SCOUT TROOPS AND PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES. JUST DOWN THE STREET, SAINT MARK'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH HOSTS OUR AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM WHERE CHILDREN RECEIVE HOMEWORK HELP, HEALTHY SNACKS AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE THE Y'S WELLNESS CENTER ONCE A WEEK. WE ARE EXPANDING AND STRENGTHENING THE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OFFERED AT THE LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY BRANCH TO SERVE EVEN MORE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN NORTH COUNTY. OUR PROMISE: THANKS TO THE STRENGTH AND DIVERSITY OF OUR ASSOCIATION, WE ARE ABLE TO JOIN TOGETHER TO FULFILL OUR COMMITMENT TO NURTURING THE POTENTIAL OF YOUTH, PROMOTING HEALTHY LIVING AND BUILDING A SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE WELLBEING OF OUR CHILDREN, OUR HEALTH AND OUR NEIGHBORS. ONLY BY WORKING TOGETHER CAN WE ADDRESS THE EVER-CHANGING NEEDS OF THOSE WE SERVE. WITH THIS IN MIND, AT THE Y, OUR CAUSE IS STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES. EVERY DAY, WE WORK SIDE-BY-SIDE WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO ENSURE EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF AGE, INCOME OR BACKGROUND, HAS THE TOOLS TO BECOME THEIR BEST SELVES. OUR IMPACT: OUR Y INTENTIONALLY ALTERS PROGRAM OFFERINGS BY BRANCH TO RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS. WE ARE PROUD TO CONTINUE PROVIDING RELEVANT AND ENGAGING PROGRAMMING. OUR MEMBERS AND OTHERS WHO RELY ON US SPECIFICALLY SEEK OUT INITIATIVES WHICH OFFER SAFE ENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND WHICH ADDRESS CHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES, SUCH AS CANCER AND OBESITY. WITH OUR SUPPORT, EVERYONE WHO TURNS TO THE Y CAN ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST. FOR THE MOST EFFECTIVE PROGRAM APPROACHES, WE HAVE GROUPED OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES INTO THREE AREAS OF FOCUS: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT - NURTURING THE POTENTIAL OF EVERY CHILD AT OUR Y, CHILDREN AND TEENS ARE A PRIORITY BECAUSE WE KNOW THE FUTURE IS IN THE HANDS OF THE YOUNGEST GENERATION. OUR INITIATIVES SET A FOUNDATION FOCUSED ON EDUCATION, A BALANCED LIFESTYLE AND RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMMUNITY. EACH PROGRAM ENGAGES MENTORS TO SERVE AS ROLE MODELS FOR YOUTH, DEMONSTRATING ALL THEY CAN ASPIRE TO BE. STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS ALSO STRIVE TO EMPOWER OUR YOUNGEST PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS TO BUILD CONFIDENCE AND PRACTICAL SKILLS THEY CAN UTILIZE IN SCHOOL AND BEYOND. |
| PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) | EXAMPLES OF PROGRAMS INCLUDE: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Y EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STRENGTHENS THE HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF INFANTS, TODDLERS, YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES BY SUPPORTING EARLY LITERACY, HEALTHY-HABITS DEVELOPMENT AND STRONG PARENTING SKILLS. OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES EARLY-LEARNING READINESS EXPERIENCES DESIGNED TO PREPARE THEM FOR ENTERING THE EDUCATION SYSTEM ON THE RIGHT FOOT. WE ALSO FEATURE NUTRITIONALLY EDUCATIONAL EXERCISES WHEN AGE APPROPRIATE, SUCH AS FOOD GROUP SORTING AND HEALTHY FOOD COLLAGES ALONG WITH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE COLOR ORGANIZATION. FURTHERMORE, OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILY INVOLVEMENT AND EVENTS ARE HIGHLIGHTED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, WITH A FOCUS ON NUTRITIONALLY-OPTIMUM DIETS AND PHYSICAL PLAY. BY OFFERING THIS VITAL PROGRAMMING, THE Y IS LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR FUTURE AND ONGOING ACHIEVEMENT AND SUCCESS. SCHOOL'S OUT THIS INITIATIVE IS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE ASSOCIATION FROM KINDERGARTEN TO SIXTH GRADE AND DEVELOPS PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL, EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL SKILLS IN CHILDREN. STUDENTS IN SCHOOL'S OUT FOLLOW THE SAME SCHEDULE EVERY DAY - AS MUCH AS THAT IS POSSIBLE. OUR STAFF UNDERSTANDS THAT IN ORDER TO MEET THE CONSTANTLY CHANGING AND EXPANDING NEEDS OF YOUTH, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO BE FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTIVE. WHEN CHILDREN FIRST ARRIVE TO SCHOOL'S OUT AFTER SCHOOL, THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RELAX WITH QUIET ACTIVITIES. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING QUIET PLAYTIME IS A HEALTHY SNACK. NEXT, THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO WORK INDEPENDENTLY DURING HOMEWORK/LEARNING TIME WITH THE SUPPORT OF Y STAFF. FINALLY, CHILDREN ENGAGE IN ACTIVITY TIME. DESPITE THE ESTABLISHED SCHEDULE, WE INTENTIONALLY VARY THE PROGRAM'S ROUTINE TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO BECOME WELL-ROUNDED AND FLEXIBLE. TO INSTILL HEALTHY HABITS IN THE YOUTH WE SERVE, ACTIVE PLAY OR TEAM SPORTS ARE INCORPORATED INTO ACTIVITY TIME AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK AS WELL AS NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION. OUR STAFF ACT AS POSITIVE ROLE MODELS, DEMONSTRATING THE IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE. SCHOOL'S OUT OFFERS A BALANCED AND ADULT-SUPERVISED ENVIRONMENT. CHILDREN FLOURISH IN THE STRUCTURED SETTING WE PROVIDE THEM, AS OUTLINED BY THE WELL-ESTABLISHED SCHOOL-AGE CARE CURRICULUM FRAMEWORKS FROM THE YMCA OF THE USA. THE CORE CONTENT AREAS ARE ARTS & HUMANITIES; CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT; HEALTH, WELLNESS AND FITNESS; LITERACY; SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; SERVICE-LEARNING; AND SOCIAL COMPETENCE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION. OUR MAIN GOAL IS TO KEEP YOUTH ENGAGED IN LEARNING WHILE HAVING FUN. THE SCHOOL'S OUT EXPERIENCE IS CRAFTED TO COMPLEMENT SCHOOL LEARNING PRACTICES, SUPPORT DIVERSE LEARNING STYLES AND ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHOLE CHILD IN SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY TO ENSURE ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL SUCCESS FOR THE CHILDREN WE SUPPORT. MOREOVER, DATA SHOWS THAT AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS INCREASE CHILDREN'S ENGAGEMENT IN SCHOOL, REDUCE THEIR RISK OF ABSENTEEISM AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND RAISE THEIR LIKELIHOOD OF GOING TO COLLEGE. THE PROGRAM'S SERVICES ARE A WELCOME RELIEF TO MANY WORKING PARENTS WHO PREVIOUSLY STRUGGLED TO ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION TO QUALITY CHILDCARE - LEAVING THEIR CHILDREN POTENTIALLY UNSUPERVISED AND AT RISK TO DESTRUCTIVE DECISIONS. THANKS TO SCHOOL'S OUT, PARENTS IN OUR COMMUNITIES HAVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING FOR THEIR CHILDREN WHICH SUPPLEMENTS THE EDUCATION THEY RECEIVE AT SCHOOL AND ENCOURAGES HEALTHY CHOICES. SUMMER LITERACY PROGRAMS OUR Y OPERATES THREE CRITICAL SUMMER LITERACY PROGRAMS. AT CAMP BLANCHARD, CAMP LOWE AND LAKESIDE SUMMER CAMP, LITERACY ACTIVITIES ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE DAILY CURRICULA TO MITIGATE SUMMER LEARNING LOSS - AND SOMETIMES INCREASE OVERALL READING AND WRITING SKILLS! ONCE AGAIN ENGAGING IN THE CITY-WIDE SUMMER LITERACY INITIATIVE, WE CONDUCTED SUMMER PLAY TO HELP KEEP YOUTH EXCITED ABOUT READING AND WRITING DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS WHILE GAINING MANY OTHER SKILLS. IN 2015, AT THE CENTRAL COMMUNITY AND GREENDALE FAMILY BRANCHES, UTILIZING THREE WORCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS LITERACY SPECIALISTS AND FOLLOWING A STATE ALLIANCE PILOT WITH THE Y-USA, THIS PROGRAM RAN FIVE MORNINGS A WEEK FOR SIX WEEKS, INCLUDING PRE AND POST TESTING. ALL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS OFFERED THROUGH OUR Y DURING THE SUMMER INVOLVE LITERACY COMPONENTS. STEM CURRICULUM IN 2014, THE WESTBOROUGH CENTER FOR CHILD DEVELOPMENT AT THE BOROUGHS FAMILY BRANCH BUILT AN EDUCATIONAL GREENHOUSE. THE GRANT WAS RECEIVED FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TO BE IN AN INTERACTIVE AND ENGAGING LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. THE GARDEN ALSO SUPPORTS HEALTHY LIVING FOR LOCAL FAMILIES BY GIVING THE COMMUNITY ACCESS TO FRESH VEGETABLES AND TEACHING PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS ABOUT A SEED TO TABLE APPROACH TO FOOD. GARDENING IS AN EASY, HANDS-ON APPROACH TO INCORPORATE STEM CONCEPTS INTO OUR PROGRAMMING. THIS CURRICULUM SUPPORTS YOUTH' S NATURAL CURIOSITY ABOUT THE WORLD AROUND THEM AND PROVIDES A PROLONGED OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE INQUIRY-BASED INVESTIGATIONS, TO HELP DEFINE NATURE AND MATTER, TO ASK QUESTIONS (SCIENCE), EXPLORE USING MICROSCOPES AND OTHER DEVICES (TECHNOLOGY), SOLVE PROBLEMS (ENGINEERING) AND USE MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTATIONAL THINKING - ALL WHILE HAVING FUN. ADDITIONALLY, GARDENING SUPPORTS MENTAL, EMOTIONAL, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT IN ADOLESCENTS. SUMMER CAMP YMCA SUMMER CAMPS ARE STRONG. OUR PROGRAMMING MITIGATES SUMMER LEARNING LOSS AND TEACHES ESSENTIAL WATER-SAFETY SKILLS FOR CHILDREN ACROSS THE CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS. CAMPERS BECOME PART OF A NEIGHBORHOOD OF FRIENDS WHERE POTENTIAL IS NURTURED, ACHIEVEMENTS ARE CELEBRATED, AND EXPLORATION IS ENCOURAGED. THE SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE OFFERS A VARIETY OF CRITICAL EDUCATIONAL COMPONENTS ALONG WITH TRADITIONAL CAMP ACTIVITIES AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS. DAILY ACTIVITIES INCLUDE SWIM INSTRUCTION, ARTS AND CRAFTS, NATURE EXPLORATION, HIKING AND SPORTS. PARTICIPANTS WILL DEVELOP SKILLS THROUGH A DIVERSE CURRICULUM OF CAMP GAMES AND PROJECTS WHICH ENCOURAGE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. WE STRIVE TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND SELF-ESTEEM, AND GROW PERSONALLY THROUGH CHARACTER-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES IN A STRUCTURED, POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT. PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED AT CAMP LOWE, LOCATED IN LANCASTER, NEAR THE MONTACHUSETT COMMUNITY BRANCH, AND AT CAMP BLANCHARD IN SUTTON. ADDITIONALLY, IN 2015, CAMP HARRINGTON MOVED TO OUR BRANCH IN NORTH WORCESTER AND IS NOW KNOWN AS CAMP GREENDALE ON INDIAN LAKE. WE ALSO RUN A MULTITUDE OF SUMMER CAMPS AT FOUR OF OUR Y BRANCHES ALONG WITH A CAMP AT LAKESIDE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH WORCESTER HOUSING AUTHORITY. CAMPERS ARE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 6 AND 17, AND MANY RELY ON SOME FORM OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ATTEND. AT EACH LOCATION, HOURS OF OPERATION ARE A RELIEF TO MANY LOW-INCOME PARENTS WHO WORK LONG HOURS AND WOULD OTHERWISE NOT BE ABLE TO ENSURE THEIR CHILDREN ARE IN A SAFE, EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT. MINORITY ACHIEVERS PROGRAM THE MINORITY ACHIEVERS PROGRAM (MAP) IS A NO-COST PROGRAM DESIGNED TO EMPOWER AT-RISK TEENS TO BUILD BRIGHTER FUTURES FOR THEMSELVES. PROGRAM STRATEGY HELPS VULNERABLE YOUTH DEVELOP SKILLS TO SUCCEED IN HIGH SCHOOL AND MATRICULATE TO COLLEGE WHILE INSPIRING THEM WITH A SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND HEALTH LIVING. THANKS TO OUR DEDICATED MISSION PARTNERS, INCLUDING LOCAL COLLEGES AND YOUTH SERVICE AGENCIES, MAP PROVIDES ACADEMIC AND COLLEGE READINESS TO ENSURE PARTICIPANTS' ACCESS TO COLLEGE. OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, MAP HAS BEGUN SERVING A BROADER COMMUNITY BASE - BOTH THE CENTRAL COMMUNITY BRANCH IN WORCESTER AND THE MONTACHUSETT COMMUNITY BRANCH IN FITCHBURG - AS WELL AS A WIDER AGE GROUP - MORE RECENTLY INCLUDING MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS. AS A RESULT, THE NEEDS OF OUR STUDENT POPULATION ARE DIVERSIFYING AND GROWING. STAFF ARE EMPOWERING TEENS TO SIT IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT FOR THEIR FUTURES; LAST YEAR, STUDENTS ORGANIZED AN ACTIVITY IN WHICH THEY HELPED PLAN THE FUTURE OF THE PROGRAM. OUR TEENS CONTINUE TO FEEL PRIDE IN THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS THROUGH MAP, AND ENROLLMENT CONTINUES TO BE STEADY. FORMER MAP PARTICIPANTS BECOME VALUABLE ROLE MODELS FOR CURRENT STUDENTS; MANY PAST GRADUATES COME BACK AND SERVE AS MENTORS. WE ARE PROUD TO STATE THAT IN 2015, 100% OF THE 14 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS GRADUATED AND WENT ON TO COLLEGE. |
| PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) | HEALTHY LIVING - IMPROVING THE NATION'S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING; AS PART OF OUR OVERALL COMMITMENT TO HEALTH AND WELLBEING, OUR Y JOINED A MOVEMENT KNOWN AS HEALTH INNOVATION - A NATIONAL RESPONSE TO THE GROWING OBESITY CRISIS. WE ARE PROUD TO BE A CATALYST IN SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN THEIR PURSUIT OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. OUR Y STRIVES TO SET THE BAR FOR WELLNESS STANDARDS - NOT JUST MEET THEM. OUR PROGRAMMING IS DRIVEN BY STAFF, VOLUNTEERS AND MISSION PARTNERS AND IS MEMBER-FOCUSED. AT A BRANCH LEVEL, NATIONAL RESOURCES AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE HAVE TRANSLATED INTO PROGRAM INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT RELATING TO OUR YOUTH WELLNESS INITIATIVES. WE HAVE INTEGRATED THE FOOD & FUN CURRICULUM, CREATED BY THE HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, DESIGNED TO HELP YMCAS INTEGRATE HEALTHY SNACKS, ACTIVE GAMES AND CREATIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES INTO AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS. OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, WE HAVE BUILT CAPACITY AND HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION, ALL WITH THE GOAL OF GAINING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF OUR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND REACHING THEM IN MEANINGFUL WAYS. EXAMPLES OF INNOVATIVE HEALTHY LIVING INITIATIVES INCLUDE: LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA OUR Y HAS PROUDLY HOSTED LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA SINCE 2011. WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO BE AMONGST THE RANKS OF OVER 400 YMCAS ACROSS THE NATION WHO OFFER THIS PROGRAM. OUR INITIATIVE IS INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING THE PEOPLE AFFECTED BY CANCER REACH THEIR HOLISTIC HEALTH GOALS. WE HELP SURVIVORS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS BUILD A NETWORK OF SUPPORT, COMPOSED OF EVERYONE FROM Y STAFF TO PEERS IN THE COMMUNITY, IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THEIR WELLBEING IN BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT. TO DATE, WE HAVE SERVED 500 SURVIVORS ALONG WITH MANY MORE FAMILY MEMBERS AND LOVED ONES. LIVESTRONG AT THE Y IS AVAILABLE TO ANY ADULT OVER THE AGE OF 18 WHO HAS COMPLETED OR IS UNDERGOING CANCER TREATMENT. Y STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS PERFORM AN EXTENSIVE INTAKE PROCESS, INCLUDING COMMUNICATION WITH POTENTIAL PARTICIPANTS' PHYSICIANS. TO REACH MORE PEOPLE IN NEED, OUR Y PARTNERS WITH VALUABLE COMMUNITY LEADERS, SUCH AS SAINT VINCENT HOSPITAL AND DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE TO HELP INFORM POTENTIAL PARTICIPANTS ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM. OUR Y IS PROUD TO FOSTER RELATIONSHIPS IN OUR REGION WITH PRESTIGIOUS MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS THESE WHO SHARE OUR COMMITMENT TO COMPASSIONATELY SUPPORTING VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITIES. ONE OF THE MOST POSITIVE ASPECTS OF LIVESTRONG AT THE Y IS OUR ABILITY TO BE FLEXIBLE, WHICH IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OFFERING THE PROGRAM ACROSS OUR FOUR, FULL-SERVICE BRANCHES - AND RECENTLY PILOTED AT THE NEW LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY BRANCH. THANKS TO THE EVIDENCE-INFORMED CURRICULUM, OUR STAFF IS ABLE TO TAILOR THE EXERCISE ROUTINES TO MEET THE HEALTH AND SAFETY NEEDS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL. FOR CERTAIN SURVIVORS, A CALMING, OUTDOOR YOGA CLASS IS THE BEST FIT. FOR EXAMPLE, ONE PARTICIPANT WAS WEAK FROM A WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT OF ZERO. HE WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR THE TYPE OF EXERCISE HE WAS USED TO. INSTEAD, OUR INSTRUCTORS SHOWED HIM HOW TO BUILD UP STRENGTH USING RELAXATION TECHNIQUES AND YOGA. OTHERS CAN HANDLE A MORE RIGOROUS SPINNING CLASS OR STRENGTH TRAINING SESSION WITHOUT STRAINING THEIR BODIES. LET'S GO! LET'S GO!: FAMILY FITNESS AND NUTRITION IS A PEDIATRICIAN-REFERRED PROGRAM OPERATED IN COLLABORATION WITH RELIANT MEDICAL GROUP FOR EIGHT-WEEK SESSIONS. THE INITIATIVE FOCUSES ON CHILDREN, AGES SEVEN TO 17, WHO HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE AND ENGAGES THEIR ENTIRE FAMILY TO DEVELOP SKILLS FOR A BALANCED LIFESTYLE. OVER THE LIFE OF THE INITIATIVE, LET'S GO! HAS SERVED 125 CHILDREN AND EVEN MORE FAMILY MEMBERS. THE PROGRAM MEETS TWICE PER WEEK FOR ONE HOUR EACH SESSION. THE LARGE GROUP CLASSES PROVIDE HANDS-ON EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE SPECIFIC TO HEALTHY EATING AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. FITNESS-LED PROGRAMMING ENCOURAGES FULL FAMILY INVOLVEMENT AND GIVES PARENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE. GROUP TRAINING IS A MEANS OF REINFORCING FAMILY FITNESS WHILE ATTENDING TO PROGRAM ATTENDEES' INDIVIDUAL FITNESS NEEDS. MOREOVER, RELIANT NUTRITIONISTS MEET AT LEAST TWICE WITH EACH CHILD FOR ONE-ON-ONE APPOINTMENTS. PARTICIPANTS ARE ALSO AWARDED A ONE-DAY FAMILY PASS PER WEEK THROUGHOUT THE EIGHT WEEKS AS A WAY TO ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO PRACTICE NEWLY-LEARNED COMPETENCIES. AFTER THE CYCLE CONCLUDES, ALL ALUMNI ARE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN THE GRADUATE CLUB: A FITNESS CLASS HELD WEEKLY AT NO COST. SHORE PARK COLLABORATION THE YMCA IS EXCITED TO CONTINUE ITS COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY OF WORCESTER AND BANCROFT SCHOOL IN AN EFFORT TO PROVIDE SAFE ACCESS TO SHORE PARK'S WATERFRONT. LOCAL FAMILIES HAVE A SAFE AND FUN PLACE TO GATHER, COOL OFF AND ENJOY THE SUMMER MONTHS. OUR Y ENSURES THE SAFETY AND WELLNESS OF HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES, THANKS TO THE DEDICATION OF HIGHLY-TRAINED STAFF, WHILE ENCOURAGING OUR NEIGHBORS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS WONDERFUL COMMUNITY ASSET. Y-FIT Y FIT IS A HEALTH AND WELLNESS INITIATIVE, RUN IN COLLABORATION WITH EMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS. THE PROGRAM'S TARGET AUDIENCE ARE YOUNG PEOPLE, AGES 12 TO 18, FROM THE MAIN SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD WHO ARE AT A HIGHER RISK FOR OBESITY AND OTHER HEALTH FACTORS. THE PROGRAMMING STRUCTURE TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE CENTRAL COMMUNITY BRANCH'S TEEN ACHIEVEMENT CENTER, WHICH INCLUDES A DEDICATED WELLNESS CENTER AND ROCK CLIMBING WALL. EVERY DAY AFTER SCHOOL, Y FIT PARTICIPANTS LEARN HEALTHY-LIVING SKILLS IN A SAFE, ADULT-SUPERVISED ENVIRONMENT WHILE ALSO RECEIVING THE GUIDANCE OF VOLUNTEER AND STAFF MENTORS. PARTICIPANTS LEAVE THE PROGRAM WITH INCREASED KNOWLEDGE OF NUTRITIOUS EATING AND HEALTHY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND A NETWORK OF FRIENDS AND MENTORS FROM THE TEEN ACHIEVEMENT CENTER. OUR Y IS DEDICATED TO IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF OUR YOUNGEST COMMUNITY MEMBERS. IN PARTICULAR, WE ARE COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC THAT HAS BEEN SPREADING ACROSS THE COUNTRY. ACCORDING TO THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, CHILDHOOD OBESITY HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED IN CHILDREN AND QUADRUPLED IN ADOLESCENTS IN THE PAST THIRTY YEARS, AND CHILDHOOD OBESITY HAS BOTH IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. UNFORTUNATELY, DIVERSE POPULATIONS SUCH AS HISPANIC/LATINO AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN/BLACK YOUTH ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY AT RISK TO LIVE IN FOOD-INSECURE HOUSEHOLDS AND TO SUFFER FROM HEALTH PROBLEMS LIKE OBESITY. ALL OF OUR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FEATURE SOME FORM OF NUTRITION AND FITNESS EDUCATION, ESPECIALLY Y FIT AND LET'S GO! THESE PROGRAMS PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT THAT EMPOWERS GROWTH, POSITIVE EXPERIENCES AND SUCCESS IN MANY FACETS OF THEIR LIVES. PARTICIPANTS DEVELOP SKILLS AND RESOURCES TO MANAGE AND SUSTAIN HEALTHY LIFE CHOICES. THE POTENTIAL LONG-TERM BENEFITS INCLUDE REDUCED HEALTH CARE COSTS, INCREASED LIFE EXPECTANCY WITH DECREASED CHRONIC DISEASE, BUILDING BLOCKS TO INFORMED HEALTHY DECISION MAKING AND INDEPENDENCE. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - GIVING BACK AND PROVIDING SUPPORT TO OUR NEIGHBORS THROUGH A VARIETY OF TEEN AND COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES. SEVERAL EXAMPLES INCLUDE: SPARTACUS SPARTACUS IS A VITAL PROGRAM FOR TEENS AIMED AT MITIGATING FUTURE NEGATIVE COURT INVOLVEMENT FOR REPEAT JUVENILE OFFENDERS. THIS INITIATIVE STRIVES TO INSTILL A SENSE OF COMMUNITY BY ENCOURAGING PARTICIPANTS TO MAKE THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS SAFER FOR EVERYONE AND DEMONSTRATING THE MERITS OF CHOOSING A MORE POSITIVE COURSE IN LIFE. SPARTACUS WORKS WITH APPROXIMATELY 80 AT-RISK TEENS ANNUALLY AT THE MONTACHUSETT AND CENTRAL COMMUNITY BRANCHES. THE PROGRAM LASTS EIGHT WEEKS AND ENGAGES PARTICIPANTS THROUGH: ADVENTURE-BASED ACTIVITIES, BOOT-CAMP STYLE WORKOUTS, ACADEMIC TUTORING, COMMUNITY SERVICE, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, ANGER MANAGEMENT COUNSELING AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ASSISTANCE. YOUTH ARE PRESENTED WITH CHALLENGES AND EMPOWERED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND CONFIDENCE TO IMPLEMENT CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. THESE SKILLS WILL HELP TEENS BUILD A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES. WE PROJECT THAT 60% OF PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE NO FURTHER NEGATIVE COURT INVOLVEMENT, AND 70% WILL DEMONSTRATE POSITIVE BEHAVIOR AT HOME, IN SCHOOL AND IN THE COMMUNITY. ADDITIONALLY, SPARTACUS WORKS WITH STUDENTS WHO WERE PLACED IN ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS DUE TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITY REGAIN ENTRY INTO THEIR ORIGINAL SCHOOL OF CHOICE. |
| PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) | ENGAGING A NEIGHBORHOOD - ENGAGING A COMMUNITY THE YMCA IS PROUD OF ITS INVOLVEMENT IN MANY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY EVENTS THAT PROMOTE OUR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOCUS AREA. NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IS A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME AND DRUG PREVENTION EVENT THAT OCCURS ANNUALLY ON THE FIRST TUESDAY IN AUGUST. THIS EVENT IS CELEBRATED IN MANY OF AMERICA'S LARGEST CITIES AND TOWNS. IN ADDITION TO INCREASING AWARENESS OF CRIME AND DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAMS, NATIONAL NIGHT OUT STRENGTHENS NEIGHBORHOOD SPIRIT AND COMMUNITY-POLICE PARTNERSHIP, WHILE SENDING A MESSAGE TO CRIMINALS THAT OUR NEIGHBORHOODS ARE ORGANIZED AND FIGHTING BACK AGAINST CRIME. EACH AUGUST, THE CENTRAL COMMUNITY BRANCH HOSTS WORCESTER'S NATIONAL NIGHT OUT. FAMILIES OF MANY DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS, LOCAL POLITICIANS AND LEADERS, POLICE OFFICERS, FIREFIGHTERS, CLERGY AND PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, INCLUDING OUR YOUTH, CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY COMING TOGETHER. THIS ANNUAL EVENT FEATURES THE PARTICIPATION OF DOZENS OF CHILDREN WHO ENJOY THE MANY EDUCATIONAL AND FUN ACTIVITIES HELD THAT NIGHT. MANY PARENTS TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK HOW THEY CAN GET INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY PROGRAMS THAT ARE FOCUSED ON PROTECTING THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS. THE EVENING INCLUDES FUN ACTIVITIES SUCH AS FACE PAINTING, EDUCATIONAL GAMES AND A FESTIVE BLOCK PARTY ATMOSPHERE. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVES, INCLUDING WHEELS TO WATER SUMMER SWIM PROGRAM, BEGINNING YEARS FAMILY NETWORK, AND FRIENDS OF FAMILIES IN TRANSITION, WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS THAT ASSIST US AND OTHER COLLABORATING ORGANIZATIONS IN MEETING OUR MISSION. COLLABORATIONS WITH OVER 150 DIFFERENT FORMAL AND INFORMAL GROUPS HELP US REACH EVEN MORE INDIVIDUALS THROUGHOUT OUR 57 COMMUNITIES. GLOBAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE ACCORDING TO THE GLOBAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (GCE) FRAMEWORKS DEVELOPED BY THE YMCA OF THE USA, A GCE Y IS DISTINGUISHED FROM OTHER ASSOCIATIONS BY ITS COMMITMENT TO ACHIEVING AND MAINTAINING EXCEPTIONAL GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES. IN 2012, WE WERE HONORED TO JOIN A GROUP OF ONLY 50 YS TO BECOME A GLOBAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE. GLOBAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOCUS ON RESPONDING TO AND SERVING DIVERSE AND CHANGING REGIONS AND POPULATIONS IN ORDER TO BEST STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES. OUR Y'S GCE STRATEGY FOSTERS UNDERSTANDING OF AND CONNECTION TO THE GLOBAL REALITY INFLUENCING LOCAL CITIES AND TOWNS, ADDRESSES DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES, DEVELOPS PROGRAMS/SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DIVERSE, UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES AND POSITIONS US AS A LEADING GLOBAL HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION. AS A NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED GLOBAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE, THE Y CONSTANTLY STRIVES TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THE DIVERSE POPULATIONS WE SERVE. IN 2015, WE TURNED OUR FOCUS TO INCLUSIVE PROGRAMMING, SUCH AS GLOBAL SPORTS FOR BRAZILIAN - AMONG MANY OTHER - POPULATIONS, FEMALE-ONLY CLASSES FOR MUSLIM WOMEN AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. WE ALSO ENGAGED A LOCAL UNIVERSITY IN A PROJECT TO STUDY THE NEEDS AND CULTURES OF NEWCOMER POPULATIONS IN OUR COMMUNITY. INVESTMENTS IN PEOPLE IN 2015, OUR Y EXCEEDED THE $1 MILLION GOAL FOR THE ANNUAL CAMPAIGN, DIRECTLY BENEFITING THOSE MEMBERS WHO RELY ON US MOST. AS AN ORGANIZATION, WE PROVIDED $950,000 IN DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND PROGRAM SUBSIDIES - $800,000 OF WHICH SUPPORTED INITIATIVES SPECIFICALLY AIMED AT SUPPORTING YOUTH. OUR SIGNATURE EVENTS, THE ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC AND THE LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA PROGRAM RECEPTION ARE INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING US ACHIEVE OUR GOAL AND CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF ASSISTANCE THROUGHOUT CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS. |
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