Young Mens Christian Association of Valparaiso Indiana Inc

“The form 990 will be reviewed by the ceo, director of finance, cvo and treasurer prior to filing.”

“Governance committee ensures statements are completed annually and with all new board members. The committee reviews any conflicts reported and all members are required to inform the committee of any new potential conflicts of interest between annual statements.”

“The executive committee conducts a compensation evaluation on the ceo annually which involves an independent financial advisor and comparable data is obtained from the national ymca salary database. The ceo reviews comparable data for the other officers provided by the national ymca database on a periodic basis.”

“The organization does not make its governing documents, conflict of interest policy or financial statements available to the public.”

“Our mission: to be a charitable non-profit organization that improves the quality of life in our communities through programs and services that strengthen the spirit, mind, and body for all. Our cause: the y helps all people regardless of age, income or background develop the skills and relationships they need to be healthy, confident and connected to others. The valparaiso family ymca is a cause-driven charitable organization that brings people together - members, volunteers, and community leaders - to bring about meaningful change by developing the potential of kids, improving health and well-being, and giving back and supporting our neighborhoods. For 77 years, our non-profit organization has been giving people of all ages and backgrounds the tools and support they need to learn, grow and thrive. With two main centers and program locations within porter county, the valparaiso family ymca reaches over 36,000 lives 1 in every 2 people in the porter county area it serves by nurturing the potential of children and teens, improving the community's health and well-being and providing opportunities to serve others and support our neighbors. Through a range of quality outcome-based programs, services, partnerships and collaborations, the organization offers hope throughout porter county by inspiring youth, improving health, serving others, and creating community. The organization strives to model and teach the ymca's core character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Our vision statement: we are for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Our vision is to offer hope for life to people of all ages, faiths, races, backgrounds and abilities, regardless of their socioeconomic circumstance. Through a range of quality outcome-based programs, services, partnerships and collaborations we offer hope throughout porter county by inspiring youth, improving health, serving others and creating community. In all that we do, we strive to model and teach the ymca's core character values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to work toward reaching their full potential. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together. Thanks to our community's generous support of our annual campaign, our y remains available to all.”

“Our ymca programs, such as those described below, offer a range of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth. Child care: the valparaiso family ymca seeks to provide accessible, high quality, comprehensive care and education for a diverse community in a safe, nurturing environment. We believe a partnership of child, parent, and dedicated staff supports children in our care to become responsible, respectful and caring individuals. The partnership strives to nourish the children's physical, intellectual, emotional and social development by providing well-rounded, fun, creative and enriching programs and experiences. In 2023, over 800 children attended childcare programs and we subsidized a total of $141,409. During 2023, our childcare programs: *utilized a rich curriculum to help kids build a strong foundation for future academic and life success and instilled a love for learning in 150+ preschool and toddler children. This curriculum is a kindergarten readiness education. Currently 98% of our children enrolled are kindergarten ready. *emphasized building strong character values and social interaction skills while engaging in summer fun for summer camp participants. *provided academic, social and physical enrichment to children from 11 area schools, in before and after school children's programs. Engaged in fun, safe play in child watch while their parents were using the ymca for over 7,000 children per year. *continued stem (science, technology, engineering, and math) program in summer camp, before and after school and preschool. This learning initiative seeks to build youth analytical and problem-solving skills that prepare children for success in life and in stem careers. *hepa facility (health eating and physical activity) is part of curriculum as well as educational information for parents. Hepa encourages children to make healthy choices at the y and at home. Children also engage in 30-60 minutes of physical activity at the y. *integrate 40 developmental assets in children that helps them act in positive ways, make better decisions, bounce back from difficulties through development of coping skills, and engage in risky behaviors less. Other youth programs: as an important part of the valparaiso community, the valparaiso family ymca has supported our mission to more than 6,000 program youth participants through offering a variety of programs for every age and interest in the aquatics, sports and youth fitness areas. During 2023, our youth programs: encouraged active living and fostered confidence, character, and athletic skills in the lives of children by teaching: *youth sports *fitness for children and family fitness to family participants *helped to ensure the safety of children by teaching swimming and water skills in 2 pools. *recognizing a trend in greater youth sports/wellness participation and increased youth check ins at the y, we reduced the cost of the youth membership rate, making the y more easily accessible for youth, and growing the youth membership unit by 25%. Additionally, we opened a teen room and hosted a middle school after-hours event, designating space for teens to explore their independence in a safe environment. The y is a leading voice on health and well-being. We bring families closer together, encourage good health, and foster connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. This is particularly important as our nation struggles with an obesity crisis; families struggle with work/life balance; and individuals search for personal fulfillment. Our programs are accessible, affordable, and open to all faiths, backgrounds, abilities, and income levels. In 2023, we provided $472,755 in financial assistance to people who otherwise would have faced economic barriers to participation. Our ymca believes in giving back and supporting our neighbors. We have been listening and responding to our community's most critical social needs for 77 years. About 17,000 memb”