Supporting Our Community
The YMCA believes our communities are strongest when everyone is included and has the opportunity to reach their full potential. We welcome and connect people of all generations, backgrounds and perspectives, and we're committed to addressing issues that people face to create positive change.
We work to provide kids, families and communities with the resources and opportunities they need to learn, grow and thrive. That's why we offer a range of programs and services to meet the unique needs of each community we serve.
SWIM TO WORK
The YMCA of Central Virginia, Iron Lives and Lynchburg City Schools have joined forces to launch "Swim to Work," a six-week work readiness and training program that aims to take high school students (ages 16 and up) through the process of becoming certified lifeguards.
TEEN CENTER
The Downtown YMCA Teen Center provides a safe place for teens to connect with their peers, and a place for them to belong. Our staff builds positive relationships with teens through games, special events, and programs created by teens and YMCA staff.
The Y's Teen Center is open to all teens in our community; membership to the Y is not required.
GIVE BACK DO GOOD
Give Back Do Good, a YMCA of Central Virginia outreach initiative identifies and fills a different critical community need each month. Using our resources & reach we assist our fellow nonprofits & partners in achieving their goals of helping and providing for others.
COMMUNITY HEALTH
Our community health initiatives help address ongoing chronic health issues that many in our community face, such as diabetes prevention, cancer survivor rehabilitation, and living with Parkinson's disease.
Donor-supported financial assistance is available for many of our community health programs. At the Y, nobody is turned away due to the inability to pay.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATORS
We are committed to strategic engagement with collaborators and donors who share our commitment to empowering kids and adults, and advancing equity for all.
- We are respected and well-known
- We are welcoming to all
- We are a leader in the non-profit world
If you'd like to help create a stronger community, consider working alongside us.
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION EDUCATION
Five Days of Action is a week-long campaign designed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse.
At the Y, we believe ALL children deserve the opportunity to discover who they are, and what they can achieve. Every day, we are proud and respectful of the trust parents and communities around the country place in the Y.
The Know. See. Respond. campaign ties in three impact areas – preventing child sexual abuse at summer camp, in youth sports, and on the internet.
Each year during Five Days of Action, your YMCA hosts free events, lunch and learns, and shares tools and resources for caregivers and those in the community that work with youth to keep our kids safe, and away from predators.