Building a Healthier Central Florida

By Kevin Bolding

The YMCA of Central Florida is not merely a fitness center; we are a thriving community where health takes center stage. Our mission is crystal clear: to enhance the lives of all Central Floridians by creating connections between individuals, families and communities. Rooted in Christian values, we aspire to strengthen the body, mind and spirit. Here, we’re more than just a gym; we’re a catalyst for building a healthy community for all.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve focused our efforts on strengthening community health, both physically and intellectually. Our youth sports program has emerged as a powerful tool in this endeavor, engaging nearly 10,000 children aged 3-17 across Central Florida. Our programs nurture important life skills from basketball to volleyball, flag football to soccer. In addition, the programs nurture healthy habits such as teamwork, self-discipline, confidence, leadership and resilience. Thanks to our donors, we can also provide access to sports for families in need to help all of our young athletes build and maintain a healthy lifestyle. We are also piloting an e-sports program to engage kids who enjoy competing online. With diverse sports options offered throughout the year, there’s a place for everyone, regardless of the season or interest.

With Florida consistently rank- ing in the top five states for childhood drowning, the Y recognizes the vital importance of addressing this pressing need in our community, and we’ve taken action through our swim lesson programs. The Y provides free lessons for children and adults across Central Florida that teach life-saving drowning prevention skills to over 11,000 neighbors. Additionally, this year we have taught over 300 children with diverse abilities and special needs to ensure they also learn this life-saving skill through our adaptive aquatics program. We also continue to seek community partnerships and support to expand our impact. One example is the Safety Around Water program in partnership with Lakemont Elementary School in Winter Park, where the Y provides swim lessons to kindergarten, first, and fourth-grade students. For our avid swimmers and water enthusiasts, swimming and aqua-fitness classes at the Y provide many wellness benefits that are a staple for those seeking low-impact, fun, total-body fitness activities.

Understanding the urgency of shaping a bright future for teenagers aged 16-19 within our community, the Y provides various resources that pave the way for success. Over 150 teens attended our College and Career Fair, which offers resume workshops, career opportunities and educational guidance. There were also a variety of employers present for the teens to apply for year-round and summer positions. More than 120 teenagers actively participate in our

Leadership Development Programs, available at the South Orlando and Wayne Densch YMCA family centers. These resources offer teens a platform to hone their professional skills outside the classroom and explore their future career aspirations.

We take pride in being a part of Central Florida’s vibrant community. As a mission-driven nonprofit, when you support the Y, you contribute to more than just a gym; you enable us to provide essential life-changing and even life-saving skills that build a stronger, healthier and more closelyknit community. At the YMCA of Central Florida, community health is not just a goal—it’s our unwavering commitment, and together, we can continue to create a brighter, healthier and more connected future for all. To learn more or to donate to the Y, visit www.ymcacf.org

Kevin Bolding is president and CEO of YMCA of Central Florida