As the largest provider of childcare, pre-school and afterschool programs in Kansas, the Y believes that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why, through the Y, thousands of Kansas children today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement.
In communities throughout Kansas, the Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. The Y is a place that brings families closer together, supports seniors staying strong, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, healthy eating, fun and shared interests. As a result, 525,000 children, adults and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body.
- We are FOR chronic disease prevention programs that promote quality of life for all, while also lessening the burden on our state budget of the skyrocketing costs associated with diabetes, heart disease, cancer and arthritis– all of which can be positively affected with evidence-based prevention and management strategies.
- We are FOR programs that combat childhood obesity, which today threatens the current and future health of at least 1 in 3 Kansas youth. Overweight children are likely to become overweight adults, leading to a lifetime of health challenges. Programs that encourage regular active play and healthy eating are key to reversing this trend.
The Y has been listening and responding to our communities’ most critical social needs for nearly 160 years. Whether developing skills through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse demographic populations through global service, or preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities, the Y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. YMCA volunteers, donors, leaders and partners throughout the state are empowering Kansans to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.
- We are FOR policies that support our mission and protect our charitable, tax-exempt status. The Y is a cause driven organization that provides accessible and affordable services to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. Implementing taxes and fees on nonprofits limits the Y’s ability to provide services to those that need us most. In these challenging economic times, nonprofits are relieving the burden of government to provide quality services that are critical to families’ most basic needs. These quality services cannot be delivered without the financial assistance of private and public donors.
- We are FOR policies that increase access, affordability and quality of youth programs and services to help every child in Kansas reach their full potential.
