T H I S I S THIS IS
OUR PURPOSE IS DEEPER THAN A POOL Everyone knows the YMCA has a pool and a gym. But what they may not know is that we have a purpose that’s deeper than any pool. Everything we do, every program we facilitate, every partnership we form, every life we touch, is another step we take in addressing our community’s critical needs. It might be said that what we do outside our walls is the best kept secret around, but let it be a secret no more. We are changing lives through feeding programs, enrichment activities, social groups, volunteer opportunities, young adult programs, senior activities and community partnerships. As one of the nation’s largest, and oldest non-profit organizations, none of this would be possible without financial support from you and your neighbors. Together we can continue to learn, grow and thrive. The Y was built by and for our community. This is Y we do what we do.
Donate today, for a better us tomorrow.
Youth Development Beyond the classroom, the Y is here to help provide opportunities for youth to learn new skills, understand community, discover healthy options, develop new friendships, think critically, gain leadership skills and experience interacting with positive adult role models.
Healthy Living More than just working out, healthy living at the Y means a gathering place for those with like interests, a place for families to build stronger bonds and achieve balance, a built-in support system and a place to help prevent, delay or live better with chronic conditions.
Social Responsibility Outside of our walls, we are working side-by-side with our neighbors to create change. From building partnerships to address needs during the Teacher Walkout, to providing volunteer opportunities through member-led Togetherhood projects, to supporting Ys beyond our borders and advocating for our communities, we are creating positive social change. ÂŽ
FLOYD & SUSAN
JULIO
JAIDEN
WATCH JAIDEN’S STORY
“They bring out the best in him. They allow him to be himself and I appreciate that. He’s already a cool kid; they’re making him great.”
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MAKING COOL KIDS GREAT Five, four, three, two, one! After hanging backpacks on their hooks and washing dirty hands, after school activities can begin. From relay races in the gym, to games in the Adventure Center and healthy snacks outdoors, the Y after school program has something for every kid. For Jaiden, a vibrant nine-year old, with an infectious smile and wit beyond his years, the Y is a place where he can be himself and grow into a young man. He enjoys playing football with his friends and says he’s the “main man” on the field. But football isn’t the only thing he’s mastered at the Y. When Mr. Omari joined the Y staff, he asked the kids if they knew how to play chess. As you would suspect, they did not. Mr. Omari taught Jaiden and his friends how to play and created tournaments for them to continue to learn, not only the game, but sportsmanship, manners and strategic thinking. “I used to be rookie, now I’m an expert,” Jaiden exclaims!
In addition to being a safe place to build trusting relationships, to learn to play chess and to get help with his homework, the Y offers Jaiden’s mom peace of mind. “The Y is like a middle ground for us,” A’dria, Jaiden’s mom explains. “I’m not always able to take him to school or pick him up because of work, so it’s very helpful to have someone who can help.” “Without the Y, I don’t think our lives would have as much stability. The Y is dependable and contributes a lot to me.” A’dria takes time for herself in her favorite Bodypump class or working out in the fitness center. She speaks about the kind staff and how they are encouraging and can turn a bad day into a good one, just by simply being friendly. It’s clear to see that the Y is a big part of this family and in turn they are a big part of the Y family. Jaiden lights up the halls and A’dria loves that Jaiden can be Jaiden at the Y. “They bring out the best in him. They allow him to be himself and I appreciate that. He’s already a cool kid; they’re making him great.”
WATCH JULIO’S STORY
“The Y Achievers changed my life for the better. It helped me become more of myself. I wasn’t thinking about college, but the opportunities kept my mind open and it motivated me to study harder, to be someone in this life and to help out my community and my family.”
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CREATING LASTING CHANGE He has a quiet confidence and a shy demeanor, but don’t let that fool you. Julio is a young man on a mission, and the Y played a part in helping him find his path. When Julio was a junior in high school, his counselor told him about the Y Achievers program and how it could help him prepare for college and learn about different career possibilities. “I thought it sounded interesting, so I took a chance,” Julio explains. During his senior year at Santa Fe South High School, Julio built friendships with the other Y Achievers participants as they visited the Oklahoma City Thunder corporate offices, Kimray, the Oklahoma State Capitol and other businesses around the metro area. “The visits gave me an open mind about job opportunities. We learned about how the Thunder business runs and how the government works.” The Y Achievers program also takes high school seniors on college visits. “We visited classrooms, toured the campus, and met with students who told us about their experience and gave us tips on transitioning into college life.”
Having these experiences sparked something in Julio, making him want to do more and be more. Following graduation, he attended the University of Oklahoma, where he graduated with two BAs, one in Criminology and one in Spanish, in five years nonetheless. Before graduation, Julio enlisted in the Army, completed basic training and became a member of the military police. These choices were calculated. You see, Julio’s participation in Y Achievers helped him learn to set goals and create a path to reach them. He studied Criminology and Spanish and enlisted in the Army because he wants a career in law enforcement and to use his native language to assist those who don’t speak English. But his goals don’t end there. He says all of his choices coincided with each other because, “at the top of my list is to be a lawyer before I’m 30.” Julio, who is 25, is currently in the Army Reserves and recently started classes to obtain his Masters in Criminal Justice. “My next career goal is to be a police officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department.” In true Julio fashion, he reached his goal and was accepted into the OKC Police Academy this past summer.
YMCA CAMP CLASSEN More than just an overnight summer camp, Camp Classen is host to groups throughout the year, including Adventure Guides, Outdoor Education and family camp. At camp we put an emphasis on learning new skills, developing character and making friends. Campers become a community as they learn how to be more independent, and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities.
Nestled in the Arbuckle Mountains, Camp Classen has all the camp classics like camp fires, canoeing, archery, swimming, fishing, horseback riding and talent shows. If that wasn’t enough, we also have Gaga Ball, arts and crafts, volleyball and so much more.
Whether you’re a Pathfinder or a Trailblazer, or that’s yet to be determined, you belong at Camp Classen.
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CHANGING LIVES THROUGHOUT OKLAHOMA COMMUNITIES BRANCH LOCATION
CAMPAIGN FUNDS RAISED IN 2018
DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AWARDED IN 2018
BETHANY / ROCKWELL PLAZA / ROCKWELL CROSSING
$
72,586
$
522,421
CAMP CLASSEN
$
68,200
$
67,577
CHICKASHA AREA
$
76,394
$
94,012
EARLYWINE PARK
$
147,673
$
385,303
EDWARD L. GAYLORD DOWNTOWN / MAIN STREET/ MIDTOWN
$
83,661
$
476,429
GUTHRIE
$
42,647
$
122,760
HEALTHY LIVING CENTER - INTEGRIS
$
16,650
$
35,899
MIDWEST CITY
$
76,652
$
373,191
MITCH PARK / RANKIN
$
233,572
$
514,089
NORTH SIDE
$
134,503
$
343,670
STILLWATER
$
81,183
$
102,475
TOTALS
$1,033,721
$3,037,826
In 2018, $1,372,244 was raised to actively support community needs. The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City awarded $3,405,793 in program support and individual financial assistance.
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YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK
3%
1%
5%
COMMUNITY & INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
YOUTH & FAMILY ACTIVITIES
TEEN PROGRAMS
16%
2%
3%
CHILDCARE PROGRAMS
MILITARY PROGRAMS
SENIOR PROGRAMS
13%
57%
RESIDENT AND DAY CAMP
MEMBERSHIP FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHY GIVE?
HOW TO GIVE
Every dollar donated to the Y has a lasting impact on the people in the communities we serve. When you donate to your local Y, you’re donating for a better us.
You can give by check, credit card, or cash through your local branch or online at ymcaokc.org/give. You can also make a pledge now, and be invoiced at a later date.
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$ 120
YOUR GIFT OF $10 A MONTH provides 39 meals for hungry children.
$ 360
YOUR GIFT OF $30 A MONTH gives 98 military members a safe,
$ 720
YOUR GIFT OF $60 A MONTH provides a full scholarship for a child
$1040
YOUR GIFT OF $86 A MONTH ensures that one child has a safe place
$2500
YOUR GIFT OF $208 A MONTH gives 50 high schoolers the opportunity to explore career and college options they may have never imagined.
comfortable area to rest while waiting to be deployed.
in need to experience summer resident camp.
to go afterschool for three months.
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YMCA OF GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY LOCATIONS YMCA ASSOCIATION OFFICE 405 297 7710
BETHANY YMCA 405 789 0231
CHICKASHA AREA YMCA 405 224 2281
EARLYWINE PARK YMCA 405 378 0420
EDWARD L. GAYLORD DOWNTOWN YMCA 405 297 7700
GUTHRIE YMCA 405 282 8206
MAIN STREET YMCA 405 702 9003
MIDTOWN YMCA 405 232 9622
MIDWEST CITY YMCA 405 733 9622
MITCH PARK YMCA 405 330 4016
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT.
NORTH SIDE YMCA 405 751 6363
RANKIN YMCA 405 348 9622
ROCKWELL CROSSING YMCA 405 728 9622
ROCKWELL PLAZA YMCA 405 621 5858
STILLWATER YMCA 405 372 5833
YMCA CAMP CLASSEN 580 369 2272
YMCA GREENBRIAR PROGRAM CENTER 405 691 8101
YMCA HEALTHY LIVING CENTER – INTEGRIS 405 942 9622
YMCA LINCOLN PARK SENIOR CENTER 405 427 0862
YMCA MILITARY WELCOME CENTER 405 680 9781
United Way of Central Oklahoma Community Partner
YMCAOKC.ORG
YMCAOKC.ORG