Ymca of Southern Arizona

OUR MISSION:

The YMCA of Southern Arizona is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential through the development of Spirit, Mind and Body.

The YMCA of Southern Arizona, as a cause-driven organization, strives to:

• empower youth through physical activity and educational programs
• provide individuals and families with tools and programs to build a strong spirit, mind and body
• look within our community to serve 

 

By focusing on the specific areas of Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility, our goal is to make Tucson a healthier community while building strong partnerships with local and city organizations to provide the programs and services that empower, nurture and excite!

At the Y, we are dedicated to creating a positive impact on Tucson’s children and families. The Y is a force for good in Pima County. We build strength in our community through innovative collaborations.

Improving Tucson’s health and well-being is a top priority. We are leading the effort to prevent chronic disease and childhood obesity. The CDC states that Pima County has over 58,800 adults with diabetes. Our Diabetes Prevention Program helps adults at risk of becoming diabetic adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. The Y keeps kids healthy too. Our Child Care programs follow Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards, ensuring children have nutritious foods and enough play time to keep their bodies fit. 

Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children. Last year, our All Kids Swim program and swimming lessons taught over 5,000 children to swim. Children gain confidence, master new skills and learn life saving lessons that last a lifetime.

Local refugee children also participate in Y programs, utilize Y facilities, and attend Y Camps. According to the International Rescue Committee, over 11,000 refugees now call Tucson their home. The Y partners with Doolen Middle School to provide assistance and programs to refugee students and their families. These programs create support systems and provide assets to refugees.

At the Y, people of all ages learn new skills, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and give back to those in need. Your participation allows the Y to provide experiences for children and families who struggle to afford the character building opportunities that allow them to learn, grow and thrive.

 ALWAYS HERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY

• More than 60,500 Tucsonans are YMCA members

• Nearly 42% or 25,285 members are youth

• One in 5 Pima County residents is touched by a YMCA program

• 100% of your gift provides scholarships and program support for kids and families in need

• Over 1,600 YMCA volunteers provided 31,600 volunteer hours, valued at $689,000

• The Y is continuously ranked  #1 on the “Nonprofit Times Top 100” list

 

Thanks to our generous donors:

• 14.7% of revenue - $1.8 million - came from contributions and public support

• $653,000 provided over 8,400 people with direct financial assistance

 

OUR CAUSE

“Tucson was as the sixth-poorest large metro area in 2011, with a poverty rate of 20.4 percent.” – Inside Tucson Business, September 25, 2012

Strengthening the foundation of our community is our cause. The YMCA works to improve the quality of life not just for our members but for the community as a whole. The Y partners with other nonprofit organizations, corporations and government agencies to meet the critical needs of greater Tucson.

At the Y, we focus on three key areas, nurturing the potential of kids, helping people live healthier lives, and supporting our neighbors. Each of these areas is fundamental to strengthening the community. And that’s why we’re here, just as we have been for nearly 100 years.

When you give to our Strong Kids Campaign, you help others in our community. Every day we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. When you give to the Y, your gift has a meaningful, enduring impact right here in Tucson.

Thanks to our generous donors, we pledge to never turn a child away due to an inability to pay. We recognize that for communities to succeed, everyone must have the opportunity to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.