Social Responsibility

April 27 is a great day for kids to get a jump on summer at one of YMCA of the Suncoast’s branch locations. It’s national YMCA Healthy Kids Day, which means the whole family can enjoy fun and healthy playtime, sports, crafts, nutritious snacks and more. Healthy Kids Day is free to all and open to the community.  Events run from 9 am to 12 pm. Visit one of our YMCA of the Suncoast locations in Citrus, Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas counties. See you there!

During the months of February and March, YMCA of the Suncoast is working to raise awareness of our efforts to change the lives of people in our community. Our annual Community Support Campaign brings together volunteers, members, donors and staff to make an impact and raise funds that directly benefit our neighbors who need it most.

2013 is here, and so is the chance to take charge of the new year. Now is a great time to set goals for your mental, spiritual and physical health – and the Y can help! Whether you want to lift weights or your spirit, Y programs provide opportunities to get fit, build friendships, and give back to our community. Need more motivation? When you join the Y between January 1 and 13, 2013, your activation fee will be waived. Get ready to experience a stronger you -- Today, Tomorrow, FOR GOOD.

At Thanksgiving time, we often pause to reflect on all the good things in our lives. We may feel blessed for the love of family and friends, our prosperous work, or good health. But an attitude of gratitude practiced 365 days a year can be transforming; it enriches life, brings joy to ourselves and others, and may even improve our physical health.

Parents, get ready! It’s that time of year again. As a new school year approaches, now is the perfect time to plan for a painless transition. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Dr. Mark Smitherman is ahead of his time. A doctor of internal medicine for Morton Plant Mease, Dr. Smitherman is a long-time open water swimmer. This sport is growing in popularity and will be featured at the 2012 Olympic Games. Participants gather in outdoor bodies of water – oceans, lakes, rivers – and battle the elements in exciting and unpredictable races.

YMCA volunteers bring their expertise to almost all areas of the Y. Their roles are varied – they support community programs, greet members, watch over children and more. They’re united through their commitment to YMCA of the Suncoast.

When the bell rings at the end of the school day, children and teens need a safe and nurturing place to go when their parents are still at work or away from home. According to the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization, 15.1 million children nationwide are left unsupervised after 3 p.m., responsible for taking care of themselves. As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y offers quality afterschool programs that not only help youth learn, grow and thrive, but keep them safe and surrounded by caring adults.

On July 24, 7 staff members and volunteers from the YMCA of the Suncoast flew to the Dominican Republic to carry out a selection of community service projects.

The Y is the unparalleled cause for strengthening community because we are the community. We are a powerful association of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.  Be a part of our cause today.