community

Help Us Build Strong Kids

Currently, the YMCAs in the Downtown District oversee outreach programs at John E. Ford Elementary School and the New Life Education Center. Through the John E. Ford Elementary School, the YMCA touches the lives of nearly 200 children each year with one-on-one mentoring, group mentoring and tutoring. At the New Life Education Center, the YMCA provides free after school care in a safe and positive environment for more than 100 children. Both programs provide children with character development opportunities, a bicycle safety course, free Thanksgiving meals, and Christmas gifts.

As the YMCA saw a rising number of drowning incidents here in the “River City,” we decided to take action. We now provide free swim lessons to children staying at the Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, in addition to lessons provided to children through the Children’s Enrichment Workshop. Our long-term goals are to enable balanced health for every man, woman, and child across the First Coast and to support strong families by providing the resources to raise children to become productive adults. We intend to achieve these goals while ensuring that the Y is accessible to all, regardless of ability to pay. With contributions to this year’s Strong Kids Campaign, we would like to ensure that every child in Jacksonville learns life-saving swimming skills and water safety.

We already offer a number of programs that influence the lives of children and families each day, but we know we can do more. Help us continue to expand our efforts to provide for those in need in the Jacksonville area. Your contribution to the Strong Kids Campaign will make a difference in the lives of Jacksonville’s youth.

To learn more about our Strong Kids Campaign, or to make an online donation, click here.

Related Attachments:
Downtown District Strong Kids Brochure 2010.pdf