WHAT WE STAND FOR
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. That's why
we're committed to inspiring children and teens to realize their full potential by learning values
and positive behaviors and exploring their unique talents and interests.
A COMMITMENT TO OUR KIDS
As part of our Hope for Life vision, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee has renewed its commitment to
improving in the lives of young people. In particular, we've dedicated ourselves to reaching out
to youth in underserved communities, especially those who may be most challenged educationally
and socio-economically.
KEY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES
Foster a sense of belonging
Starting in 2012, all YMCA youth programs will implement small group time and take other
steps to nurture a sense of belonging. In addition, we're developing an online database to
help us track the progress our youth our making.
Cultivate positive youth/adult relationships
As a leader in out-of-school-time programming, the Y plays a vital role in connecting youth
in our community to caring adult mentors and positive role models. That's why we're working
hard to connect more young people to mentors who can teach them the critical character values
and healthy decision-making skills they need to reach their potential.
Teach our kids to swim
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of preventable deaths among young people. At the Y,
we're working to reverse these trends through our innovative Learn to Swim program. We're also
building a $1 million endowment to ensure that every child can be safe in the water regardless
of their family's ability to pay.
Improve literacy skills
To ensure our community's youth will have the skills they need to be life-, college- and
workforce-ready, we've implemented a new literacy initiative to connect every child who
participates in a Y program to resources they need to read at grade level.
Expand arts enrichment programming
At a time when many schools are cutting back on their creative arts curriculum, the Y
is working to develop more youth arts programming throughout Middle Tennessee and
southern Kentucky.
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