This summer, the YMCA is celebrating its 175th Anniversary worldwide. What started as a bible study with a handful of young men in London, England in1844, has grown to become one of the largest global non-profit organizations serving more than 45 million people across 119 countries through a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Similarly, our own Osceola County YMCA Family Center started with humble beginnings in the early 1970s. Back then, the Y was not much more than a small meeting room and swimming pool. Since that time, our community has changed dramatically and so has the Osceola County Y. In order to meet the evolving needs of residents, they added a host of new amenities, programs and services such as Youth and Adult Swim lessons, Youth and Adult Sports programs, Personal Training, and Group Exercise classes; including Zumba, Kickboxing and Spinning! This was all thanks to the donations and support of our business and government leaders, members, volunteers, donors and staff.
Today, the Osceola County Y serves over 1,250 residents per year across all ages and abilities, both inside the facility and throughout the community. As the Y has grown, the one thing that has remained constant is the Y’s commitment to its mission – to improve the lives of all in Central Florida by connecting individuals, families and communities with opportunities based on Christian values to strengthen spirt, mind and body.
Here are just some of the ways the Osceola County Y is currently advancing its mission and helping strengthen our community:
- Teaching over400 kids to swim
- Providing a safe place to learn and grow in after school programs at 5 Osceola County Middle Schools
- Offering onsite child development so parents can work out and enjoy the Y without worry
- Helping seniors stay active and healthy with special Silver Sneakers classes and activities
- Packing approximately 55 meals inside the Y’s food pantry each week to help feed local children in transition
- Hosting the Renovation Life Church for services on Sunday, as well as additional spiritual activities and services for youth and adults throughout the week
- Youth sports programs; including Basketball, Soccer, Tumbling and Volleyball
- Hosting community events for all residents so families and participants can congregate and enjoy fellowship
- Provide financial assistance for Membership for people in need
- Teen programs
With so many different services and offerings, there is something for every resident and every interest. What’s most important is that the Y is a place of belonging, where all are welcome.
As we look forward to the next 175 years, the YMCA and the Osceola Y are excited to continue meeting the needs of our neighbors and building strong families, strong kids and a strong community for generations to come.
To learn moreabout the Osceola County YMCA, including ways to get involved, please visitymcacf.org or contact the Executive Director, Sergio Salazar, at ssalazar@cfymca.org.
Christina was raised in St. Cloud and holds degrees from the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida. She joined the Chamber in April 2015. As Director of Administration, she manages the Area Council’s events, sub-committee meetings, projects, and board engagements.
