YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

PROJECT PURPOSE

The YMCA has a rich history of service throughout our state and communities and is one of the few remaining places where people from all walks of life come together to strengthen community and improve quality of life for all. The purpose of these projects would be to create a community hub of hope and health focused on: Youth Development providing enrichment, achievement and skill development through early childhood and out of school time child care, water safety, youth sports, teen leadership, college and career exploration and employment; Healthy Living providing exercise and education through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body, addressing chronic disease, obesity; Social Responsibility providing outreach addressing food insecurity, financial assistance, volunteerism. These projects would leverage private and local co-investment opportunities through strategic government funding and would also elevate social service programming for vulnerable populations. Funding would allow four modern YMCAs to be constructed using ARPA funds combined with local municipal dollars and private funding, including philanthropy, to greatly increase access to vital programs and service for all, but especially vulnerable populations. Transportation upgrades to increase access to afterschool programming and a facility renovation to gain ADA compliance are also part of the project.

EVIDENCE

The YMCA has been a source of health and wellness across the state of Oklahoma since 1889. Based on a variety of studies we know that a balanced approach to wellness includes the spirit, mind and body. By approaching program outcomes through those lenses the Y has become a trusted partner for hospitals, school systems, state agencies and other non-profits to deliver exceptional outcomes. The YMCA of Greater OKC can be a strategic partner in the State of Oklahoma's Top 10 vision for health outcomes, mental health, economic growth, food security, and youth development.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

At the Y, nobody is turned away due to an inability to pay. Low-income families with children will benefit greatly from the projects. Families on subsidized access to YMCAs grew during the pandemic and new facility completion would allow for expansion of serving families from all socio-economic backgrounds. We have a simple sliding fee scale based on number in the household and income to determine financial assistance and provided over $2.4 million in financial assistance last year. Senior adults also became extraordinarily vulnerable during the pandemic due to lack of food access, physical activity and social isolation. Facility projects would allow greater access and improved proximities to serve senior adults. Lastly, parents without affordable, quality childcare grew to an all-time high during the pandemic. Both facility and transportation additions will allow more families to be reached. In these specific communities (the Village/North Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Stillwater and Chickasha), these projects are in or near opportunity zones, pockets of poverty and areas where socio-economic barriers could prevent access, but the YMCA has demonstrated history and impact of serving in these areas.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Multiple processes already in place for project measurement include YOKC Annual Report, YUSA statistical and outcome reporting, Oklahoma Alliance Community Benefit report and IRS 990. Performance will be measured in total number served, total number on sliding scale assistance, total number of meals served and other program specific outcomes.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma