WE ARE THE DIFFERENCE MAKERS.
THANK YOU FOR BEING ONE OF THEM.

Ed & Ruth Lehman YMCA 2009 Year End Report to Contributors and Partners

Message from the Board Chair
Dear Friends,

Since taking the leadership role on the YMCA Board of Directors, I have been impressed by the number and mix of people benefitting from the Y’s wide array of programs and services. For example, programs like Youth Sports for All help hundreds of low-income children learn teamwork, sportsmanship and stay active.

YMCA After School welcomes children from every type of neighborhood and family into a safe, values oriented program during the time of day when they are most at risk.

Our Preschool programs help moms and dads cope with job losses and economic hardship while ensuring their children received the skills they need to succeed in kindergarten, and beyond.

More than 100 people in the early stages of chronic disease were referred by Salud Clinic. They then came to the YMCA for instruction in self-management and physical activity. Almost all reported increased health and the knowledge to sustain a new outlook on life as a result.

Now, more than ever, the YMCA is playing a critical role in supporting our community’s overall health and success. Your contributions have allowed the Y to continue to make these efforts. We could not do this work without you.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to say thank you for your generosity and invite your continued support.

Together, “We are the difference makers.”

Kevin Block
Senior Manager
Xilinx

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2009

$183,053 in financial assistance was provided to children, teens and adults in the St. Vrain Valley, and southwest Weld county.
 

Total number of people served in 2009: 10,700

People receiving YMCA financial assistance: 2,653 or approximately 1 in 4 of those we serve.

Children served with YMCA programs: 3990

617 local volunteers.

Hours of service contributed: 7200

Seniors served: 1900

Number of active members: 7720

WE ARE NOT JUST PLAYING GAMES.

Afterschool and Camp: Nearly 100 children received scholarships to attend camp and YMCA Afterschool. Kids like Dustin and Derrick, both 11 years old and new foster brothers. Afterschool was part of the glue holding their new family together. Then there were brothers Mario and Rodrigo. Their father won custody when the mother lost her battle with drugs and alcohol. The boys resisted coming to Afterschool, but Dad insisted and for the first time in their lives, they had rules. When they began misbehaving, Dad was at the end of his rope. But YMCA staff knew they had good boys in a difficult situation – and worked with the boys to live by core values. Over the course of the year, both became good Afterschool members.

WE ARE NOT AFRAID TO JUMP IN.

YMCA Full Day Childcare: Young children learned the social and academic skills they needed while their parents focused on making a living. Kids like Heather whose mother was laid off from her job in January. A YMCA scholarship made sure that Heather could continue in preschool without interruption.

WE ARE NOT STANDING ON THE SIDELINES.

Youth Sports: Three sports seasons at four Title I schools equaled a life changing experience for 365 low income boys and girls this year. Now in its fourth year, “Youth Sports for All” seeks to involve children and parents where they are most comfortable – on their own school playgrounds. As a result, low-income working families took advantage of a wholesome, safe place for their children to learn teamwork, fair play and sportsmanship.

WE ARE NOT RUNNING AWAY FROM ANYTHING.

Membership in the Y: More than 350 people whose families were living at the InnBetween received scholarships. Time together at the YMCA allowed families to enjoy free time together and take steps towards a healthier life.

WE ARE NOT THE ROOKIE TEAM.

Preschool: Many of the children receiving assistance were from households where Spanish is the first language. Their parents were united in their approval of the half-day program, and welcome the intense focus on English language skills. Our Preschool at First Lutheran Church has served children and families for more than 20 years.

THERE’S STILL TIME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE COLORADO CHILDCARE CONTRIBUTION CREDIT.

This is a wonderful opportunity which won’t last much longer. This credit is scheduled to end on Decmber 31, 2010 unless reinstated by the Colorado State Legislature.

Your gift to the YMCA Building Strong Kids Scholarship Campaign qualifies you for a 50% tax credit on your Colorado income tax and the standard federal deduction.
 

The net cost of a $100 contribution to the taxpayer is only $17.37, assuming a 28% federal tax and 4.63% state tax rates.

For $500, the net cost is only $86.85.

Please consider making a gift to the YMCA today. For more information, please consult your tax advisor.