OUR FOCUS

The Y is a cause-driven organization and we are all about helping others.  We focus our work in three key areas, because nurturing the potential of kids, helping people of all ages live healthier lives and supporting our neighbors are all fundamental in strengthening our communities.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - Giving Back and Providing Support to Our Neighbors

When we work as one, we move people and communities forward.  That's why we are committed to providing support to our neighbors and opportunities for kids, teens, adults and families to give, to join in, or to advocate in the name of stronger communities. 

Social Services - Food Programs

Whether in the summer or during the after school hours we're right there with our year-round food programs.  The Y believes that children deserve every opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, and the meals we serve help more children get the nutrition they need for good health.

Global Services

At the Y, building a strong global community begins at home.  Y's in the U.S. help young people develop cultural competencies, diverse populations connect to the community and individuals around the world gain access to life-changing resources and support.  As an interconnected global network, the Y has the resources and solutions to build bridges and make our changing communities stronger-both at home and abroad.

YMCAs exist in over 120 different countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Latin America & the Caribbean.  Our Y supports Y World Service work in these countries through our annual contribution.

Volunteerism & Giving Helps Others

The generosity of others is at the core of the Y's existence as a nonprofit.  It is only through the support of our hundreds of volunteers and public and private donors that we are able to support and give back to the communities we engage.

Advocacy

We are an advocate for our communities, locally and statewide. The Y is involved in addressing Summer Learning Loss and Grade-Level Reading through our YREADS Program, addressing the issue of accidental drowning in Polk County through the Kindergarten Learn To Swim program funded by the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland and in collaboration with Polk County Schools, and actively involved in efforts to educate and reduce the obesity rates of our citizens.