Tag: CommunityImpactSticky

2015 Operation Christmas Child Gift-Filled Shoe Box Drive

By October 21, 2015
October 21, 2015
TIME IS RUNNING OUT!  NOV. 22 IS THE LAST DAY TO DONATE A SMALL GIFT AND MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD For the 19th consecutive year, the YMCA of Central Florida has joined forces with the Samaritan’s Purse in support of Operation Christmas Child, an annual gift-filled shoe box drive for children in need. Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, collecting… [...]
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Dominique Wilkins Shares His Testimony of Living with Type 2 Diabetes

By July 02, 2015
July 02, 2015
Dominique Wilkins, an NBA Hall of Fame member, former Atlanta Hawks star and Dr. P. Phillips Y member shared his inspiring journey of living with Type 2 Diabetes with members of the community on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA. A year after Dominique Wilkins retired from playing professional basketball, he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Wilkins said, "I trained for years, but… [...]
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Novo Nordisk Presents: Getting to Know Dominique Wilkins | June 30, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.| Dr. P. Phillips YMCA

By June 23, 2015
June 23, 2015
We invite you to meet Dominique Wilkins, an NBA Hall of Fame member, former Atlanta Hawks star and Dr. P. Phillips Y member, who will share his journey of living with Type 2 Diabetes with members of the community on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA. In his presentation, Dominique  will highlight three key components of a successful diabetes management plan: a balanced… [...]
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Y+U:ANNUAL MEETING HONORS TOP 2014 DONORS, VOLUNTEERS & ADVOCATES

By June 18, 2015
June 18, 2015
More than 300 guests and community leaders attended the YMCA of Central Florida’s Annual Meeting, which recognized the leading partners, volunteers, donors and staff who helped advance the Y’s cause in 2014. The event was held at the Dr. P. Phillips Performing Arts Center on June 16. During the program, three Y volunteers received a special recognition. Leonard Williams Sr., CEO of Wayne Densch Inc. and Wayne Densch Charities, received the… [...]
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Sodexo and YMCA of Central Florida Partner to Create a New Evidenced-Based Approach to Employee Wellness

By June 04, 2015
June 04, 2015
Communities for Health, a Healthier Workforce Initiative for Working Families Begins as Pilot in Orlando and aims to combat preventable chronic illnesses ORLANDO - June 4, 2015 – Today, Sodexo, Inc. and the YMCA of Central Florida announced a healthier workforce initiative designed in partnership by the two organizations to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. Communities for Health, a 3-year pilot program with the YMCA… [...]
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YMCA of Central Florida Announced the Launch of a $1.7 Million HealthierLifeRx Initiative

By June 01, 2015
June 01, 2015
On May 29, 2015, the YMCA of Central Florida officially launched the YMCA's HealthierLifeRX,  a three-year pilot program funded through a $1.7 million grant from United Health Foundation.  It is part of the Foundation’s “Helping Build Healthier Communities” program that is providing critical resources to nonprofits and community-based organizations to improve people’s health. HealthierLifeRX aligns with the Y’s strategic focus to empower the community through healthy living.  In partnership with the medical… [...]
Category: At The Y
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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… [...]
Category: Y Inspired
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Nutrition Corner: Seeds, Seeds Everywhere!

By May 04, 2015
May 04, 2015
NUTRITION CORNER WITH GARY APPLESIES, DIRECTOR OF HEALTHY EATING I love seeds. Do you? As I was preparing my breakfast this morning, I sprinkled a teaspoon of hemp and chia seeds to my Greek yogurt and strawberries. Yum! Not only did the seeds add a nice, nutty flavor and texture, but they are little powerhouses in the nutrition department. That made me started thinking about how many varieties there are… [...]
Category: At The Y
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SPLASH WEEK | 20 Locations – One Goal: To Save Lives

By March 02, 2015
March 02, 2015
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in Florida among children ages 1-14. At the Y, we know that learning to swim is a lesson of a lifetime and in Florida, all people need to live safely around water. For more than 100 years, we have been empowering youth with the water safety skills they need to be safe in and around water – and most importantly, we have fun too!… [...]
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Heart Healthy Food Recipes

By February 05, 2015
February 05, 2015
You may have heard that eating certain foods can increase your risk for heart-related conditions. Did you also know that eating certain foods can decrease your risk for being affected by heart-related conditions? Whether you have been eating unhealthy for years or you simply want to fine-tune your diet, here are 7 heart-healthy nutrition tips. Eat more low fat protein sources Reduce your sodium intake Eat more fruits and Vegetables Control portion… [...]
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YMCA Sponsors Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival

By September 24, 2014
September 24, 2014
The YMCA of Central Florida is a proud sponsor of the 7th Annual Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival on October 18, 2014 at the Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake. Dragon Boat racing is the world's fastest growing water sport. A team consists of 20 paddlers sitting two abreast, plus a Cox who steers the dragon boat from the rear and a drummer who sits at the front. The team… [...]
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YMCA Partners with Florida Hospital and NBA FIT to Host Youth Basketball Clinic

By June 02, 2014
June 02, 2014
The YMCA of Central Florida partnered with NBA FIT, Florida Hospital for Children and the American College of Sports Medicine to host a basketball fitness and nutrition clinic at the South Orlando YMCA on Wednesday, May 28, 2014. During the event, NBA FIT instructors led more than 150 Central Florida children through basketball fitness drills, and obstacle courses by NBA FIT staff. Florida Hospital for Children’s Healthy 100 Kids program… [...]
Category: Healthy Living
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YMCA Kicks off the Summer Season with Water Safety Program

By May 28, 2014
May 28, 2014
The YMCA of Central Florida kicked off the summer season on Saturday, May 17, with a Splash Bash Celebration, where more than 160 minority youth received free swim lessons. The celebration, promoting water safety and water survival techniques, was held at four YMCA locations, which included the Wayne Densch YMCA, South Orlando YMCA, Blanchard Park YMCA and the Osceola YMCA. According to the USA Swimming Foundation, about 70 percent of African-American… [...]
Category: Blanchard Park
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YMCA ANNUAL MEETING : THE BEST IS YET TO COME

By May 14, 2014
May 14, 2014
More than 400 guests and community leaders attended the YMCA of Central Florida’s Annual Meeting, which recognized the leading 2013 partners, volunteers, donors and staff who helped advance the Y’s cause to strengthen the foundation of our community. The event was held at the Garden Theatre in Winter Garden, FL on May 7, 2014. During the program, four Y volunteers received a special recognition. Lou Carrion received the annual John W. Sterchi… [...]
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STRENGTHENING THE SPIRIT OF OUR COMMUNITY

By April 23, 2014
April 23, 2014
More than 1,000 local leaders were present at the 20th Annual Celebration of Prayer Breakfast held at First Baptist Church of Orlando on Thursday, April 17, 2014. Major Dan Rooney (USAF Ret.), a patriot, founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation and man of faith delivered a message on volition. According to Rooney, “Volition is the power of choice. Every day you wake up, you have a choice. You can… [...]
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YMCA of Central Florida Annual Meeting
Taking Action & Honoring Leaders

By May 23, 2013
May 23, 2013
More than 400 guests and community leaders recently gathered for the YMCA of Central Florida’s Annual Meeting, which recognized leading 2012 local and global partners, volunteers, donors and staff who helped advance the Y’s cause to strengthen the foundation of our community.   Held Thursday, May 16 at the Lake Nona YMCA/Northlake Park Community School, the meeting also included the election of the Y’s new Metro board chair, Glen Davis,… [...]
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YMCA Celebration of Prayer to Feature – U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black

By February 26, 2013
February 26, 2013
[caption id="attachment_24861" align="alignright" width="150" caption="U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black"][/caption] The YMCA of Central Florida is bringing U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black to Orlando on Thursday, March 28 to share an inspirational message of faith and unity during the Y’s 19th Annual Celebration of Prayer Breakfast.   Attended each year by more than 1,000 community leaders, the event is the largest of its kind held locally during Holy Week.… [...]
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22nd Annual Arthur ‘Pappy’ Kennedy Prayer Breakfast

By January 21, 2013
January 21, 2013
Uniting as a community to REMEMBER. CELEBRATE. and ACT. Each year the Y of Central Florida brings hundreds of community and business leaders together to celebrate the lives and legacies of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, Orlando’s first African-American elected official.  The reason is simple: it supports our legacy as a Christian organization and brings our diverse community together in prayer just as… [...]
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Ensuring a Brigther Future for Marion County

By September 17, 2012
September 17, 2012
At the Y, we want to build an even stronger community in Marion County. With a thriving presence already in this local community, we aim to renovate the Y and make it a vital part of the Ocala community.   Now is the time to stand together and advance the cause in Marion County. We created a $4 million Capital Campaign steering committee, chaired by Steve Wingo, who is keeping… [...]
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Our difference: Addressing Childhood Obesity

By July 11, 2012
July 11, 2012
A visit from Michelle Obama   At about 3:30 pm on Tuesday, July 10 2012 two White House secret service representatives approached our Blanchard Park YMCA Camp coordinator and requested a private meeting with her. They said, “We want to let you know Michelle Obama is on her way to this Y location to spend time with the kids in your Summer Camp program”.   It turns out, the White… [...]
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YMCA Aquatic Center Hosts International Competition

By June 07, 2012
June 07, 2012
At the Y, developing the minds of our youth is just as important as coaching them in basketball or teaching them how to swim.  That’s why we are hosting the 11th Annual MATE International ROV Competition in our own YMCA Aquatic Center during June 21 - 23. We are working together, because the MATE Center and the Y have similar goals with respect to education programs. No other YMCA has hosted… [...]
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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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Strengthening Osceola

By March 29, 2012
March 29, 2012
Renovation Update: Phase 2 Complete More people in Osceola County are creating healthy relationships, teens are getting off the streets and people are living healthier lives. Our impact is being felt deeper and wider because we are able to welcome more of our neighbors in our Osceola Y, including our Latin community. Just recently, our Director of Wellness Mariana Gonzalez was on Revista “InfoMas”, a program of Bright House Networks.… [...]
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Prayer Brings People Together

By March 06, 2012
March 06, 2012
At the Y, we are determined to stand by our mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.  That’s why we bring the community together so that we can bring about lasting and personal change. United, we advance our mission to improve all lives in Central Florida.   Join us as we bring the Brevard community together for our 8th… [...]
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Basketball Builds Stronger Communities

By February 23, 2012
February 23, 2012
At the Y, we believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Our basketball programs  provide thousands of youth today with values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors and better health. Lives are changed in our gyms and fields that impact our communities and our world. Basketball and the Y have a unique relationship. As Central Florida steps into… [...]
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World’s Largest Cardio Class

By February 21, 2012
February 21, 2012
February 25, 10:00 a.m. - The Y of Central Florida is bringing the community together to celebrate American Heart Month by hosting the World’s Largest Cardio Class in Central Florida. All Y Family Centers will simultaneously host a free group fitness class featuring a mash-up of popular cardiovascular exercise programs including Zumba, step aerobics and boot camp. We invite you to join us as the Y brings the community together… [...]
Category: At The Y
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Improving Lives of our Osceola Community

By January 11, 2012
January 11, 2012
Renovation Update: Phase 2 Something new and exciting is happening in Osceola County where so many families have been hurting.  Since September, our employees and volunteers have been working around the clock to bring the community an improved Y.  Now, our doors are open revealing an enhanced Osceola Y.  So far, the improvements are making this community healthier and getting children and teens off the streets, thanks to Dr. Phillips… [...]
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Improving the Lives of our Osceola Community

By January 03, 2012
January 03, 2012
Renovation Update    Why do we need to renovate the Osceola Y? Being the leading county in the state of Florida for foreclosures and one of the hardest hit by the recession, Osceola County is a county in need.  At the Y, we want to help people live better lives. Our renovation will allow us to provide more of the programs, services and initiatives that make healthier communities, get children and teens off… [...]
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Osceola Y Groundbreaking

By November 22, 2011
November 22, 2011
Osceola needs a great Y and thanks to Dr. Phillips Charities and Mary Jane Arrington, the Y broke ground November 3 to reinvent the Y to better serve the men, women and children of Osceola County. Arrington led our Osceola County Y Capital Campaign and raised $250,000 and Dr. Phillips Charities contributed a matching $1.5 million toward our Osceola Y. Read about the event written by Around Osceola.   [...]
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Festival of Trees

By November 15, 2011
November 15, 2011
Creating Meaningful Impact   The Orlando Museum of Art Festival of Trees has a special meaning to the Y of Central Florida. It is the yearly event where we bring our community of donors together to celebrate their unparalleled support for our cause and give thanks for their generous gifts that create meaningful impact in the lives of many neighbors in need across our Central Florida community.   This year’s… [...]
Category: At The Y
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THE COACH APPROACH®

By October 10, 2011
October 10, 2011
Start Small. Aim High. 97% of Americans struggle to complete regular exercise each week, even though we know how important it is for our health and well-being. Ask yourself the following 2 questions:  Do I exercise 2-3 days a week?  Have I done this consistently (every week) for 6 months or more? What Your Answer Means. If you answered no to either or both questions, we would like to invite you… [...]
Category: Healthy Living
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GET MOVING

By July 20, 2011
July 20, 2011
AIM FOR BETTER HEALTH. SIGN UP TODAY.   Get Moving is about improving the health and well-being of our communities. By taking 10,000 steps a day or enrolling in 30-Day personalized program you will not only take steps to a better you, but also to a healthier Central Florida community.   By taking part in our 30-Day Health Challenge you can: Prevent future disease by taking initial steps to get… [...]
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Safe Start

By May 19, 2011
May 19, 2011
Safe Start's influence is spreading across Central Florida. Tyler Mckenzie from z88.3 shares how the Safe Start program has touched her family's life.</p? As a parent I am always looking for ways to protect and guide my children. The YMCA Safe Start program has been an incredible tool in helping me to accomplish that when it comes to water safety. My 4 year old Emma Grace started lessons when she… [...]
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Community Investing

By December 28, 2010
December 28, 2010
In 2010, the YMCA of Central Florida invested $4.2 million to support operations of 10 family centers in communities traditionally considered underserved. These Ys are South Orlando, South Lake, Wayne Densch, Tangelo Park, Osceola, Blanchard Park, Titusville, Suntree and the Teen Achievers Program in middle and high schools across six counties. You might be surprised how much you can do to make a difference right here in your community. Learn… [...]
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