Patron of Youth
SO EVERY CHILD HAS A PLACE TO BELONG
Early adolescence is a critical time in a young person’s life when there is the increasing likelihood of unhealthy behaviors – substance abuse, peer pressure, bullying, depression, delinquency, teen pregnancy, school dropout, and violence. It is also during the early teen years that kids begin to distance themselves from family and positive support systems. Most juvenile crimes and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, tobacco and sex occur between the hours of 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. At the Hot Springs Family YMCA we create a place where kids know what it feels like for someone to be “happy to see them”, “miss them when they are gone”, and notice when something has changed. We, together, can safeguard our children through extraordinary opportunities for social interaction and positive engaging activities.
Every child needs a safe place to go for fun and learning and the Y is that place!
SO EVERY CHILD CAN LEARN TO SWIM
Ten people perish each day in the United States due to drowning. For children, 14 and under, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death. Each year, 5,000 children are hospitalized due to near-drowning. Not all families can afford swim lessons, and not all families understand the importance of water safety.
Being surrounded by so much water in Garland County makes swim instruction for children an essential part of growing up. Together, we can make sure no child is left without this vital skill.
Every Child needs a place to be safe in the water. The Y is that place.
SO EVERY CHILD IS STRONG AND HEALTHY
In The last 20 years, twice as many children are overweight and more likely to become overweight or obese adults. Currently, we are raising the first generation in modern times who will not outlive their parents due to preventable disease. The less time being active, and the more time with TV, internet and video games, the greater the health risks.