Category: Y Inspired

Father’s Day is a Reminder of the Important Role Dads Play in Children’s Lives

By June 11, 2018
June 11, 2018
Over 100 years ago, while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon, Sonora Louis Smart Dodd wondered why there was no similar holiday for fathers. One of six children, Dodd’s father was a single father and she felt he and others deserved to be honored. After securing support from ministers in Spokane, Wash., her idea came to fruition with the first Father's Day celebration at the Spokane YMCA on June 19,… [...]
Category: At The Y

The Y’s History of Building a Better Us

By May 31, 2018
May 31, 2018
On June 6, the YMCA marks 174 years as more than a place, it is a nonprofit organization that offers programs and services designed to foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Here are five past notable events and achievements that demonstrate the Y’s commitment to the communities it serves: American Institutions: Celebrations such as Father’s Day, and organizations like the Peace Corps, all have their roots at the… [...]
Category: At The Y

Tips for Safe Trick-or-Treating

By October 18, 2016
October 18, 2016
Halloween is so much fun because it’s not like other nights during the year. Here are a few tips to have fun and stay safe for parents and children: After dark kids need to be able to see and be seen while watching out for cars and other traffic. Using a light colored costume will allow your child to be seen much easier. Adding reflective tape to your child’s costume is… [...]
Category: Healthy Living

YMCA Chef Rallies Culinary Community to Provide 5,000+ Meals Following Pulse Shootings

By June 21, 2016
June 21, 2016
In times of celebration and sorrow, food brings people together and offers comfort. So when Orlando was rocked by the largest mass shooting in U.S. history, Gary Appelsies, YMCA Director of Healthy Eating, knew what to do. By creating the Facebook group, “Culinary Cares: In Support of Pulse Orlando,” Appelsies rallied local chefs, caterers, restaurateurs and others to deliver more than 5,000 meals – and comfort – to where it… [...]
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Why I Give to The Y: A Donor’s Story

By May 07, 2015
May 07, 2015
A Message from Mike Manuel, 2015 Annual Scholarship Campaign Chair This year, I am honored to serve the Y as the 2015 Annual Scholarship Campaign Chair. The Annual Campaign is so important to me because it impacts the lives of so many residents who call Central Florida home. I give to the Y because I want all children to learn, grow and thrive in a safe environment. Not only does… [...]
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Less Judging, More Listening

By May 04, 2015
May 04, 2015
Kalese, her mom and two sisters were homeless in 2013, struggling to eat, find shelter, stay in school – all the things that most people take for granted. And the phrase that Kalese uses over and over again to describe the most difficult part of that unimaginably challenging period in their lives is, “everyone just judged us.” As the Justices struggled to survive and stay safe day to day, they also struggled to remain hopeful. They… [...]
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Why I Give to the Y: A Donor’s Story

By April 28, 2015
April 28, 2015
When Pam and Rogers Kirven met four years ago at the Y, they were both going through major transitions in their lives. Pam was going through a divorce, and Rogers had lost his wife of 35 years to cancer a year earlier. And while both of them were dealing with overwhelming personal losses, they received critical emotional support from their Y connection, and in Pam’s case, financial support through the… [...]
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Healthy Kids Day April 25: Keeping Young Minds & Bodies Active

By March 30, 2015
March 30, 2015
With nearly 1-in-3 Florida kids overweight or obese – and a majority reading below grade level, the Y’s Healthy Kids Day is a great way for families to get up, get active and start developing healthier routines at home. Scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at each of our 27 Y family centers, the event is being co-sponsored by our great partner, Orlando Health.… [...]
Category: Community Impact

YMCA Partners with Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children to Promote Safe Start Infant Water Survival Program

By September 02, 2014
September 02, 2014
Drowning is the No. 1 killer of children under age 5 in Florida. It only takes a few minutes for a child to drown or sustain serious, life-altering injuries. Children, as young as 6 months of age, can learn to save themselves in a drowning situation by using the self-rescue techniques taught in the YMCA of Central Florida’s Safe Start program. Unlike other swimming programs, Safe Start combines safe swimming… [...]
Category: Community Impact
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Strengthening a Great Mom and Her Family

By December 11, 2013
December 11, 2013
With the Y of Central Florida’s 2013-14 Annual Support Campaign gearing up, we’ve set a goal to raise $3.2 million to help improve the lives of more than 90,000 children, families and seniors who need us the most. People like Y scholarship recipients Stacy-Ann Nembhard and her young sons Tristan and Jarid, who visit the Wayne Densch YMCA in Pine Hills several times per week. As a single mom, Stacy-Ann… [...]
Category: Social Responsibility
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FIRST RESPONDERS HEROES PROGRAM

By September 05, 2013
September 05, 2013
From September 1 through 15, the Crosby YMCA Wellness Center will be honoring the region’s first responders by offering no barriers to join the Y Family. For all police department, sheriff’s department, fire department, prison and EMT employees, the standard joiner’s fee will be waived, and first responders will be able to sign up their families for the individual membership rate. Also, on September 11, the Crosby Y will host… [...]
Category: Community Impact

How the Y Fosters Learning from Cradle to College

By August 07, 2013
August 07, 2013
YMCA Early Childhood Development Centers Operated at Walt Disney World Resort, these two centers give children, birth to age three, the consistent, nurturing care they need for the best possible social and cognitive development.Y teachers guide children through important early developmental stages. They also provide the consistent, positive relationships which children need to develop trust in themselves and others.   YMCA Elementary and Middle Afterschool Programs In partnership with Orange… [...]
Category: Community Impact

Honoring Our Volunteers of the Year

By May 22, 2013
May 22, 2013
At the heart of every Y family center, there are a select volunteers who give incredible amounts of time and energy to advance the Y’s cause. During the Y of Central Florida's annual meeting, we recently honored Rhoda Fisher, of the Titusville Y, and Tim Haberkamp, of the Wayne Densch Y, with the 2012 Ronnie Walker Unsung Hero Award. It recognizes volunteers of 10 years or more who truly exemplify the spirit of Y servant leadership. The award was named for Ronnie… [...]
Category: Community Impact

CHANGING LIVES. INSPIRING FUTURES.

By April 18, 2013
April 18, 2013
One of the things that set the Y apart from many other local nonprofits is our promise to never turn people away due their inability to pay. It’s part of our mission and deep belief that for many local kids and families, the Y is simply their best, most direct connection to a better life.   It’s why we offer Y scholarships to more than 35,000 kids, families and seniors… [...]
Category: Community Impact

STRENGTHENING FAMILY BONDS

By February 20, 2013
February 20, 2013
All parents want the best for their children. Close bonds, good friends, strong values and sense of belonging. But sometimes unexpected things happen that can truly turn a family’s life upside down. Such was the case five years ago for Osceola YMCA members Eric and Janelle Jenkins. As the parents of two beautiful little boys with a third on the way, things seemed nearly perfect. But when Eli was born… [...]
Category: Osceola County

Relieving Back to School Stress

By August 24, 2012
August 24, 2012
School is back in session – exciting for some and overwhelming for others. Family stress can mount up with thoughts of school supplies, getting the ‘right’ clothes, avoiding unhealthy snacks and planning around hectic work and school schedules.   At the Y, we are committed to come alongside parents and guardians to make this school year a time when kids realize their potential and discover who they are and what… [...]
Category: Healthy Living
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UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHAMPION

By July 20, 2012
July 20, 2012
YMCA OLYMPIC CHALLENGE Amazing things happen when our limits are stretched. As the Olympic Games get started, we want our members to have fun as a team and clear personal hurdles with our 6-week YMCA Olympic Challenge. Whether its swimming laps or taking a yoga class that intimidates you, we want you to be adventurous and try something new. ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL Finish 12 activities and win GOLD. Finish 9… [...]
Category: Healthy Living
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Howie’s Story

By July 11, 2012
July 11, 2012
Howie Apple is an inspiration to many. As an aging athlete he wanted to stay as active as he could, then he got the news that he had Parkinson’s Disease. Over the last several years, the Crosby YMCA Wellness Center has become central to the quality of his life.   Howie always enjoyed an active lifestyle. He was a tennis player and skier in Cleveland, and later took up running… [...]
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Keeping Kids’ Minds & Bodies Active this Summer

By June 06, 2012
June 06, 2012
Most adults remember their childhood summers as a time when kids and families were active and outdoors, spending time swimming, reading, hiking, and taking family vacations. Maybe they remember eating healthy fruits like watermelon and vegetables like corn-on-the-cob. But for most Americans this reality is far from this picture.   As school doors close during the summer, many children face safety concerns, laziness, learning loss, risk for obesity, and food… [...]
Category: Healthy Living
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Keep Kids Active, Reduce Family Stress

By May 03, 2012
May 03, 2012
At a time when Central Florida families face mounting challenges and stress posed by a tumultuous economy, the Y is continuing to be a beacon of hope that provides options for parents and kids to live happier and healthier lives. Managing stress through activities has never been more necessary, especially for our kids. The American Psychological Association reports that 46 percent of Americans feel significant worry when it comes to… [...]
Category: Healthy Living
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Taking Action to Prevent Diabetes

By March 28, 2012
March 28, 2012
At the Y, we know that healthier communities are stronger communities. That’s why we are working hard to ensure that you to learn your risk for type 2 diabetes and take action to prevent it.                                   WHAT'S HAPPENING IN AMERICA   Unhealthy eating and declining physical activity has led to an explosion of type 2 diabetes.  Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes and a staggering 79 million people have prediabetes,… [...]
Category: Healthy Living
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Heart Healthy Tips

By February 06, 2012
February 06, 2012
5 tips to help prevent heart disease   February is American Heart Month, and the Y is in the business of preventing the leading cause of death – heart disease.  Protect your heart with these 5 medication-free steps.   1. No smoking   Smoking or using tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. Chemicals in tobacco can damage your heart and blood vessels, leading… [...]
Category: Healthy Living
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Nutrition or Exercise

By January 02, 2012
January 02, 2012
We all know that nutrition and exercise are important for our well-being and help us lose weight, but should you focus on one more than the other this New Year?   Nutrition   Research shows that cutting calories through dietary changes seems to promote weight loss more effectively than exercise and physical activity. Most people find it hard to eliminate the amount of calories through exercise that can just be… [...]
Category: Healthy Living
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New Year’s Healthy Living Tips

By January 02, 2012
January 02, 2012
What will you do this year to be healthier? You may be making bold resolutions on January 1 to eat right and exercise. Here, at the Y of Central Florida, we encourage you to think small and reach your goal – one focused step at a time. Why not start out with these few healthy living tips?   New Year’s Healthy Living Tip No. 1: Eat Sensibly   Look for… [...]
Category: Healthy Living
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3 Levels, One Commitment

By December 30, 2011
December 30, 2011
Helping you achieve your health and wellness goals   At the Y of Central Florida, we are committed to improving the health and well-being of our residents. This commitment goes beyond asking you to simply join a fitness facility to exercise. Rather, it connects you to a health movement that looks to create a profound impact on disease prevention and adherence to a healthy lifestyle, all to better the overall health… [...]
Category: Healthy Living
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Coach Matt and Abraham’s Story

By December 30, 2011
December 30, 2011
We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Because of the Y, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, and can explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their potential. That makes for confident kids today and contributing and engaged adults tomorrow. That’s why we hire the best coaches and child development staff to develop tomorrow’s leaders.   Abraham was… [...]
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Operation Christmas Child – Send Off

By November 22, 2011
November 22, 2011
At the Y, one of our areas of focus is social responsibility which means we mobilize local communities to effect lasting, meaningful change. That is why we partnered with Operation Christmas Child to send off shoeboxes that will go all over the world directly into the hands of children in need. Operation Christmas Child allows children to experience opening a Christmas present for the first time in their lives. It’s… [...]
Category: The Power of Giving
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Lillian’s Story

By September 13, 2011
September 13, 2011
Lillian Christian was told during a routine blood test that her sugar level was too high. She is now one of  57 million people in the US who have prediabetes. Studies show that many people with prediabetes develop type 2 diabetes in 10 years, but it can be prevented or delayed by up to 58 percent through changes in lifestyle. “I was flabbergasted by the news that I had prediabetes, but thankful… [...]
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Alex’s Story

By April 19, 2011
April 19, 2011
Alex Tran, age 17, qualified this year for the YMCA National Swimming Championship by going 2 seconds faster than the qualifying time in the 200 yard breaststroke. Four years ago he could barely swim. His mom, Rosanna Tran, remembers Alex as, “Shy, always stuck in front of a computer, and almost overweight.” Now, he swims for the YCF Swimming team at the YMCA Aquatic Center. Alex didn't transform into an… [...]
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Yvonne’s Story

By December 28, 2010
December 28, 2010
Yvonne Boots’ story is an inspiring one. She had a challenging pregnancy with insulin-dependent diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, which fatigued her and made getting back in a shape even more difficult than she imagined. Determined to change the way she felt and to get re-involved with her local Y (The Oviedo YMCA), Yvonne approached the then brand new center to take up teaching classes, something she had previously done and… [...]
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COME TO THE Y

By December 22, 2010
December 22, 2010
Whether you've been a member of the Y for years or you're new and looking for more information, we warmly welcome you. Click here to get a Free Day Pass. [...]
Category: Y Inspired
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