Freedom Valley YMCA

Filing Period

Sep 1, 2011 to Aug 31, 2012

Signed

Apr 8, 2013

Return Version

2011v1.2

Gross Receipts

$24,951,771

Major Activities

Activity 2

Physical Fitness and Family Strengthening Programs: Well-being means a healthy spirit, mind, and body. YMCA health enhancement programs are medically based programs that stress the value of prevention through promoting regular and healthy habits, including nutrition, stress management, and health education. YMCA programs are made available at a fee that a major segment of the community can afford, with financial assistance available for those who cannot afford the full fee. Freedom Valley YMCA's programs and facilities are designed to impact the wellness of the community and include free (when and where possible) nutrition and wellness seminars, blood pressure screening, cholesterol tests and fitness evaluations. Physical education emphasis is on the family with a full complement of programs for individuals age 6 months to senior citizen. Many participants are given the opportunity to participate at minimal charge through financial assistance. The Y looks to other community agencies for referrals to provide much needed health and physical education programs. We offer over nearly 100 free youth, tween, adult and active older adults fitness classes to our members. Over 17,000 adults participated in free physical classes, and over 4,000 youth enrolled in free youth programs.

Activity 3

Aquatic Programs: YMCA Aquatic programs are part of the Y's overall goal of building health spirit, mind, and body. In addition to providing specific swimming and water safety skills, good health is promoted through regular exercise. Teamwork, self confidence, and leadership are also emphasized. Programs are offered at fees affordable to the community at large, with financial assistance to those who cannot afford the full fee. With 2 indoor and 3 outdoor swimming pools at the Phoenixville Branch, 2 indoor pools and outdoor swimming complex located at the Spring Valley Branch, and 2 indoor pools at the Pottstown Branch, Freedom Valley YMCA provides water education instruction for infants through senior citizens.Thousand of children and adults progress through infant, progressive, and adult instructional classes. Many participants find the warm water perfect for hydro-therapeutic exercises. The Y boasts the only pools of this kind in the area and provides countless hours of therapeutic exercises for individuals and groups with special needs. The specially designed indoor pools provide an access ramp allowing easy ingress and egress to the water. Also, specialized aquatic wheelchairs are provided for easy transfer of special needs participants. Spring Valley Branch offers programs for special needs youth. This program called Y-Knots, is a swim team for children with special needs. These children learn to swim and compete in a fun, loving environment. Volunteers play a big role in the success of the program. Community agencies and schools use the Y pools at greatly reduced or no fee. Last year we provided aquatic programs to over 22,000 people infants through seniors. More than 15,000 children took swim classes at the Y, and over 6,000 adults participated in our aquatic exercise program. This included many participants in arthritic class, which increases joint flexibility and helps relieve pain for a welcome alternative for people who are usually unable to participant in regular exercise classes. Approximately 800 youth participated on our competitive swim teams. We also offer lifeguarding courses. Upon successful completion, the student will receive YMCA Lifeguarding, Standard First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer, and AED certifications. This prepares many youth for year-round employment opportunities throughout the community. Subsidies are provided to children, adults, and senior citizens. Additional scholarships are given to special needs individuals and groups for therapeutic purposes. We continue to focus on the national YMCA program thrust which promotes character development. This program is based on 4 character values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. Learning strategies are developed and implemented by our teachers, instructors, and leaders that encourage participants to exemplify these four important character values.

Filer

EIN

23-1401544