By David Ozmore, CEO of YMCA of Greater High Point
Every day, the YMCA of High Point serves as a gathering place for the community.
Kids flock to the Y after school to play and do homework. Seniors connect with one another through exercise classes and group activities. Teens learn valuable lessons in Leadership as they grow. Thousands of kids develop a lifetime of memories through Summer Camp programs. To ensure that the Y can continue to provide High Point, Archdale, Trinity and the surrounding community residents with life changing experiences, the YMCA of Greater High Point has launched its annual “Friends of Youth” community support campaign.
As one of the country’s leading nonprofit organizations, the YMCA is committed to strengthening community. This year’s goal is to raise $160,000 in financial gifts to the Y, ensuring that everyone will have the financial resources to attend these programs, regardless of their ability to pay.
“Through our Friends of Youth campaign, we want to educate people that we are more than a place to go to exercise or swim, but an organization that does vital work thanks to the support of the community,” said Chris Whitesell, Campaign Co-Chair for this year’s campaign. The Y is changing lives through this program.”
Last year, over $130,000 in financial support made it possible for kids to have a safe place to learn and build confidence after school; for families to reconnect and grow together; and people of all ages, incomes and background learn, grow and thrive. 100% of the contributions to the Friends of Youth campaign are used in the direct delivery of vital programs and services that the Y offers.
This year, the YMCA is expanding its Outreach Services to initiatives that reach more kids and families. For example, the Carl Chavis YMCA will offer college scholarships to deserving high school graduates that complete the YMCA Minority Achievers program. Another new program this fall will partner the YMCA with Oak Hill Elementary School where all 2nd graders will be given a 6 week Learn to Swim experience at the Hartley Drive YMCA.
“Through our YMCA facilities in High Point, Archdale/Trinity, and our first class camping facilities at Camp Cheerio and Cheerio Adventure Camp, we reach thousands of children, adults and seniors, said David Ozmore, YMCA President/CEO. But, there are so many more that want to have this life changing experience and finances can be a barrier. The Friends of Youth Campaign removes that financial barrier.”
To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please contact David Ozmore, President/CEO at 336-869-0151 or dozmore@hpymca.org, or visit hpymca.org for more information.
About the High Point YMCA: Established in 1923, the YMCA of High Point, Inc. is a cause-driven organization of four YMCA branches serving the greater High Point community and the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. The Y operates three facility branches: Carl Chavis YMCA, Hartley Drive YMCA, and the Carl and Linda Grubb YMCA. Additionally, the YMCA operates Camp Cheerio and Cheerio Adventure Camp in the mountains.
The YMCA of High Point serves over 18,000 individuals and provides over $300,000 in financial assistance to low-income families for child care, YMCA memberships, day camps, youth sports, teen leadership initiatives, Literacy programs, after-school programs, and partners with numerous other non-profit organizations.
Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Sponsored by YMCA of Greater High Point
