YOUTH DEVELOPMENT:

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That is why, through the Y, thousands of youth today are cultivating the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievements.

  • Specifically, Michigan YMCAs support early youth development programs, which includes after-school programs, literacy, and active play.
    • The Y supports out-of-school time and summer learning enrichment programs that help to address achievement gaps and boost in-school success, develop 21st century jobs, prepare kids for college and careers, and support mental health and emotional well-being.
    • The Y supports preventing obesity by utilizing the coordinated school health model, which supports physical, mental, and nutritional services for school children.
    • The Y supports healthy children and encourages improving nutritional standards, increasing required physical activity, and limiting screen time in early childcare settings and after school programs.
    • The Y supports changes within the 2016 State Budget that increased child care reimbursement rates and provided for a minimum eligibility period of one year.  This change will allow Y childcare programs to have greater population stability and to provide services for more families.

HEALTHY LIVING:

In communities across the state, the Y is a leading voice for health and well-being.  With a mission centered on balance, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests.  As a result, thousands of youth, adults, and families are receiving the support, guidance, and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind, and body.

Specifically, Michigan YMCAs support efforts and legislation to fight obesity, encourage physical activity for people of all ages, and address prevention as a means to help curb chronic diseases.

  • ​Michigan YMCAs support efforts to address water safety and drowning prevention and to deliver proven programs, supporting the state drowning surveillance efforts, and support the implementation of water safety programs in schools and communities.
  • Michigan YMCAs support efforts to address water safety and drowning prevention and to deliver proven programs, supporting the state drowning surveillance efforts, and support the implementation of water safety programs in schools and communities
  • The Y supports using local initiatives and coalitions to address the issues related to curbing chronic diseases in our communities.
  • The Y supports prevention and health education programs coordinated with healthcare service providers to help reduce chronic diseases and achieve a healthy weight for Michigan residents.
  • The Y supports legislation to increase protection for the vulnerable users on our streets and roadways.
  • Michigan YMCAs support improving access to fresh and nutritious foods for Michigan families.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT:

The Y has been listening and responding to our communities’ most critical needs for 160 years. Whether developing skills or emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse populations, or building healthier communities, the Y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. The staff and volunteers are serving Michigan communities to empower everyone to be healthy, confident, connected, and secure.

  • YMCA and local schools across Michigan support Michigan Youth in Government Grant Program that allows access for youth to experience a model legislative program that gives youth hands-on experience with writing bills, practicing parliamentary procedure, and reaching policy.
  • Michigan YMCAs support tax exemption for non-profit entities that provide community benefit.
  • The YMCA supports efforts to provide childcare professionals with state funding benefits as part of the child development and care program. 
  • Serving as a vital "third place" for individuals in communities across Michigan, YMCAs support any effort to providing funding for programs aimed at combating social isolation among older adults and promoting meaningful connections within communities.