The need: Kids need to be healthy, strong and part of a sharing community.

The reality: Many kids in our community are sitting home by themselves after school. These are the hours when kids are most at risk for destructive, even criminal, behaviors.

YMCA After School offers 150 kids a safe nurturing place to be after school is out. 75 of those kids receive YMCA scholarships to attend. With the community’s help, we can offer even more slots to belong.
 

The need: 400 low income, local kids want to play basketball or soccer and belong to a team.
The reality: The fees for one sport season exceed the means for most of the families. So the kids simply don’t play. As a result they miss out on the valuable lessons in life: teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.
 

YMCA Youth Sports for All offers organized teams at four of Longmont’s Title I schools. And 100% of the children receive financial assistance to play. Sliding scale assistance is part of our commitment to help kids get on the field.

The need: Hundreds of low income families struggle to earn a living and rely on relatives, neighbors and older siblings to care for their preschool age kids. State assistance has been cut back radically, making it much tougher for these families to afford a quality program.

The reality: The preschoolers are behind before they even begin Kindergarten. Educators frankly admit: it’s difficult for these children to catch up.

YMCA Full Day and Half Day Preschools provide the financial assistance these families must have for ongoing childcare.

Y Preschools teach the school district’s approved curriculum. They also provide an environment where the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are modeled and expected from all children. As a result, most children are “ready-to-start” Kindergarten.

The need: This generation of children may face a shorter, expected life span than their parents. In fact, childhood obesity or excess weight threatens the healthy future of many children in our community.
 

The reality: Parents and children need support to make healthy lifestyle changes, to be more physically active and to eat healthier foods.

Your YMCA is committed to building communities where all kids learn, grow and thrive. That’s why we offer programs for Family Wellness – not solely adult fitness. With the community’s help, we can continue to provide financial assistance to families. Because when you get everyone moving, everyone benefits.
 

In 2009, YMCA scholarships helped nearly 700 families with YMCA scholarships. Through the generosity of this community, we distributed more than $183,000 in assistance.

In 2010, we need to do more, much more. You are the difference maker.

Please make your gift today. donate online
Or mail your gift to:
The Ed & Ruth Lehman YMCA,
950 Lashley Street, Longmont, CO, 80504, attn: Development Office.