Many
Healthy Returns
A.R. KAUFMAN FAMILY YMCA
A Vision for Community Health and Wellness
Many
Healthy Returns
Fitness for Older Adults
Building a healthy, supportive and vibrant community is something that the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA has been doing for more than 100 years. We are open and accessible to all regardless of financial circumstances, cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, age or gender. We embrace a holistic approach to health and wellness that encompasses Spirit, Mind and Body. All of our values-based programs and services are focused on achieving this balance. We foster a sense of belonging and provide opportunities to give back as a means of creating an inclusive, supportive community for all.
Family swimming
We focus on the key areas that keep people healthy and remove the financial barriers to good health. In 2009, we provided 4,758 children, youth, adults and families with $775,061 in subsidy assistance that made it possible for them to participate in YMCA programs and activities. We collaborate with stakeholders in the public, private and non-profit sectors to bridge service gaps in our community. In 2009, the KW YMCA’s core programs and services had an overall reach of more than 100,000 people at more than 30 program sites. We recognize the importance of social determinants such as income and social status, access to education, social support networks and healthy childhood development affecting one’s overall health. We work extensively to connect our community with the programs offered at the YMCA that provide positive impacts in one’s life in order to provide many healthy returns.
Family time in the Family Fitness Zone
The Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA is embarking on a new chapter in its history, the healthy revival of the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA. With your help, we can make breakthroughs in disease prevention and active living, ensuring the health and well-being of a whole new generation in our community.
A Look
At Our Past
Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA on Queen Street
Addressing the needs of people in our community through spirit, mind and body has been the cornerstone of the Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA since it was founded in 1895. Each generation has shaped the growth and vitality of our Association as it has responded to our community’s changing needs and concerns. From its opening in 1922, the YMCA at 57 Queen Street North served as the flagship YMCA facility in Kitchener-Waterloo until 1982. At that time, a new facility was built. Known as the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA, the facility was one of the first YMCAs deliberately designed to serve the program needs of families. This unique focus made the YMCA a destination of choice for people of all ages seeking social interaction and multiple activity participation. Membership grew rapidly, and soon, space was at a premium.
YMCA gym at Queen Street
In 1986, an Arts and Crafts room was added to the Children’s Services Program Wing and the weight room was expanded. A 1,200 sq. ft. expansion followed in 1998. A conditioning room and express training circuit were added to the Kaufman facility in 2003/2004. Today, we are embarking on a new stage of growth and we need your help.
Swim team at Queen Street
YMCA pool at Queen Street
Construction of A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA
A Look
At Who We Are The A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA has been a “home away from home� for thousands of youth, adults and families in our community who have relied on the Y for a place to play, be active and grow. In many ways the heart of our Association, the Kaufman Family YMCA is a dynamic hub of activity that connects and engages the Kitchener-Waterloo community in keeping with our Mission, Vision and Values. Who We Serve A.R. Kaufman has an average monthly membership of 7,847 people. We currently provide 32% of our members with financially subsidized memberships so that more people in our community have access to our programs.
Our
Mission The YMCA is a charitable organization that strengthens our community by providing opportunities for personal growth and active involvement for all children, adults and families.
Our
Vision A leader in building a strong, healthy community through innovation and collaboration.
Children are a prime focus with more than 50% of our core participants under the age of 18 and public research demonstrating that the YMCA programs have a positive impact upon low income children, youth and families – dramatically enhancing their health and overall well-being. 14% of the full-fee members at the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA are age 55 or older. As the leading provider of immigrant settlement services in KitchenerWaterloo, we assist thousands of newcomers each year to ease the transition to a new life in our community.
Our
Values Acceptance Welcoming and open to all Caring Acting with compassion and concern for the well being of others Health Developing people in spirit, mind and body Respect Treating all people with dignity Responsibility Accountable for oneself, others, our environment and the world we live in
Working out in the conditioning room
A Look
At Our Future
Active swim programs for Older Adults
Young and old, newcomer and long-term resident, fitness enthusiast and rehabilitation patient, the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA is open to all. We offer a wide range of innovation programs designed to enhance the health of our community. Basing our programs on current health research outlined by the Public Health Agency allows us to maximize our community impacts. However, despite our success, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels for we are at the precipice of a serious health care crisis. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, our children may be the first generation of kids who may not live as long as their parents. Today, 1 in 4 Canadian children are overweight or obese putting them at risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Young newcomer friends
A record number of baby boomers are entering their high-risk health years. By 2020, the population of seniors is expected to increase by more than 30%. Growing ethnic populations with special risk factors will contribute to the increased pervasiveness of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The time to act is now‌‌ many healthy returns for years to come.
A family spending time together
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA
Working Towards Many
Healthy Returns We are striving for a future in which every member of our community can maximize his or her ability to live and enjoy life. Many people in our community do not enjoy good health, and many more are at risk of developing serious health conditions in the prime of life. We also know that many people in our community are grappling with socioeconomic barriers to good health. Experience has shown that the YMCA can make a very real difference in the lives of children, adults and families in our community by helping to prevent disease and promote active, healthy living. To achieve our vision for the future, an investment of $1.8 million is required to expand and enhance the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA, the flagship of our Association. Our Healthy Returns include: A 6,000 sq. ft. expansion of the facility’s second floor to increase capacity for a new and innovative range of specialized programming for participants with increased health risks and challenges; A new elevator to the second floor to provide access to the track and the second floor addition for those who have mobility challenges; Indoor track resurfacing to reduce bone and joint injuries by providing needed cushioning and resiliency; Energy conservation measures to ensure that the facility is environmentally friendly, healthy and green. Promoting sustainable development and responsible environmental activity helps to support a strong and healthy community. Renewed front entrance/lobby to extend the life of the area and use of the overall facility. Project Summary: Total Cost $1.8 million Federal RInC Funding $600,000 Provincial RInC Funding $600,000 KW YMCA Contribution $600,000‌ Healthy Returns Campaign Goal $300,000 Together with the financial support of our partners, members, volunteers and our community, we can move forward with new strategies and initiatives designed to ensure healthy returns for many years to come.
Proposed addition to second floor
Kathy Wilson, Vice President Financial Development YMCA of Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo 460 Frederick Street, Suite 203 Kitchener, ON N2H 2P5 Tel: 519-584-7479 ext. 216 Email: kwilson@ckwymca.ca
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