at the y, we strengthen community
In 2023, our mission impact was $928,089.
That's the total value of what we gave back to the two-county area in programs and services - membership, program fees, facility use, subsidies, community education and outreach.
Make Your Community Stronger for EVERYONE
Every day, we work with our members, volunteers and neighbors to bring lasting and meaningful change to Northwest Florida. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive through programs that connect them with others and promote a healthy lifestyle.
1 of 4 Children
lives below the poverty level in Escambia County
20% of Families
in YMCA out-of-school programs receive financial assistance
One of the toughest decisions parents must make is deciding who will care for their children while they’re at work. Our out-of-school time is filled with activities to stimulate young minds, promote active play and help develop interpersonal skills and values. Our programs provide kids a healthy snack, homework help, academic enrichment, structured physical activity, creative play, and a chance to have fun.
In response to data showing the number of local elementary school children who aren't reading on grade level, we now offerYReads, a literacy and mentoring program that serves K-4th graders, at 4 schools in Escambia County:
- Ferry Pass Elementary
- Global Learning Academy
- Sherwood Elementary
- West Pensacola Elementary
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle, to connect with others in community, and to build strength of character while building strength in body. Our goal is to say yes to every person who needs the Y membership experience, regardless of their ability to pay.
12%
of our 18,000 Y members receive financial assistance
2nd poorest
Escambia county is the 2nd poorest county in florida
All of our community's residents deserve the opportunity for regular physical activity in a safe, supportive environment like the Y. By making membership accessible for everyone, we support individuals and families in their health and wellness journeys.
Even during times of crisis - no, especially during those times - the Y remains a place where everyone is welcome, supported and safe. Throughout these recent stressful years, we have been steadfast in supporting members in their physical and mental health.
Our goal is to provide Y Assistance for up to 15% of our membership, based on need.
we believe
in opportunities for all
153
on-the-job training hours offered to participants in the PALS program in 2022
all abilities
welcome in our programs
With its mild climate and affordable cost of living, our community is a haven for retirees and snowbirds who choose to make Northwest Florida their home. For these active older adults, most private gyms and traditional programs don't offer the guidance they need to feel confident and safe.
The Y fills that gap, offering wellness coaching, programs designed for older participants, and a welcoming atmosphere where active older adults can be physically active and socially connected - something that became even more important during the isolation and quarantine of the pandemic era.
14%
of our members are 60 and older
8,000
individuals are retiring every day
20%
of Americans will be 65 or older by 2030
The children are our future, the song goes. At the Y, we believe in building a strong foundation for that future through programs such as swim lessons and recreational sports. These programs teach skills, but they also build confidence and offer a chance to experience teamwork and practice character.
Ages 1-4
Florida leads the nation in drownings for this age group
1,712
youth became safe in the water with Y swim lessons
18%
Escambia County students classified as obese
1,311 youth
learned sportsmanship & confidence through sports
we are stronger together
2020 reinforced our collaborative spirit, as we partnered with others for the good of all.
delivering meals & smiles
When Council on Aging faced a shortage of delivery drivers for Meals on Wheels, we put our IMPACT100 vans to work to deliver hot meals - and friendly smiles - to seniors in our neighborhoods. In three months, our staff delivered 1,165 meals.
giving the gift of life
Amid a pandemic, people get nervous about a lot of things - and donating blood was no exception. But our members and staff wanted to help. So we hosted eight blood drives to help OneBlood keep up their local supply.
supporting recovery
In mid-September, Hurricane Sally barreled into Northwest Florida, battering an already weary community. To support recovery efforts, we housed 299 Gulf Power linemen restoring power and order to our streets in the aftermath of the storm.