Welcome to the first edition of the President’s Newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to enhance communication throughout the organization and keep you informed of the vibrancy of the YMCA of Broward County. Throughout the year, you will continue to receive correspondence from my office: newsletters, program information, event invitations, volunteer and staff recognition and special profiles. I encourage you to read the information and get more involved in your YMCA.

As many of you know, 2008 started with a bang with the opening of our new Parkland YMCA on January 26th. This new 24,000 sf facility is a result of a partnership between the City of Parkland and the YMCA of Broward County. This collaboration began as an informal conversation last July, resulting in an official partnership agreement in October, and the opening of the center in January.

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Last summer, a group of key volunteers and staff met to develop a five (5) year strategic plan for the organization. This strategic plan defines the direction and priorities for the YMCA of Broward County over the next few years. These priorities include:

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Drowning is the leading cause of death in children under the age of 5 in South Florida. It is the goal of the YMCA of Broward County to be a leader in the community to provide swim lessons and water safety instruction to children. Thanks to Broward County Commissioners and a Swim Central Grant of $850,000, the Greater Hollywood YMCA Family Center recently opened a new outdoor swimming pool.

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Katie Leach has agreed to serve as a member on the Association Metro Board. Katie is a Ft.Lauderdale resident, active in the Junior League, passionate about children, and is excited to serve on the Y board. Katie is married to her husband Jason; and has 2 children, daughter Lizzy who is 5 years old; and son Colin who is 4 years old.

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GIVING BACK TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
Y-PARTNERS SCHOLARSHIP CAMPAIGN PROGRAM

It is the mission of the YMCA that no one will be turned away from participating in programs because of their inability to pay. In 2007, the YMCA of Broward County provided over $500,000 in scholarship assistance to those children and families in need.

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The YMCA of Broward County is committed to improving the health and wellness of all children and families. Living a healthy lifestyle to prevent stress, cardiovascular disease, cancer, etc in adults, as well as, providing active programs for children to reduce childhood obesity and increase physical activity in children is a primary goal of the Y. As part of a national YMCA program initiative, the YMCA of Broward

County will host Healthy Kids Day, Put Play in Your Day, on April 12 from 10am-2pm at our local YMCA’s. At 12:00 noon that day, children and families will be asked to stop what they are doing and “blow the whistle” on childhood obesity. Be sure to stop by the Y and partake in all of the activities planned.

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There are over 2500 YMCA’s in the United States. Our national office, YMCA of the USA is located in Chicago. Neil Nicole is our CEO. Neil is the former CEO of the Seattle YMCA.

YMCA of Broward County Facts:

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