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About Us

VISION
The South County Family YMCA envisions our organization, in partnership with others, as an intergenerational community hub with programs, services, and resources available to all persons, regardless of status or ability to pay, that will enable them to improve their quality of life.

MISSION
The YMCA promotes Judeo-Christian principles through programs that build healthy mind, body, and spirit for all.

CORE VALUES
Caring, Honesty, Responsibility, Respect

COMMITMENT
YMCA - We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.

 

For more than 25 years the YMCA has provided safe and caring environments, positive role models, imaginative activities and creative opportunities to serve the needs of others. These are the essential building blocks for strong kids, strong families, and strong communities.

In 1975 Jeannette Hanchey-Flokstra pursued her dream of having a place for her son to participate on youth activities.  Her mission began with the inception of a small YMCA storefront location under the East Venice Avenue Bridge.  As the members of the Y and its programs grew in the community, the dream of building a larger facility started to become a reality.  In 1976 with the perseverance of Jeannette and her late husband Herb along with the support of others in the community, 17 acres of land on Center Road was donated to build a brand new YMCA complex.  It all started with just a small building and pool on Center Road and developed into a facility where adults, children and seniors could come to enjoy a multitude of activities to enhance their spirit, mind and body.

As our community grew to the south, the leaders in our organization recognized the need for youth activities in the Englewood area.  In 1994 we began to expand our youth programs by utilizing spaces provided by local businesses.  The number of participants increased and a storefront location was secured in 1996.  Just two years ago, the new Englewood Branch was unveiled and with the strong involvement of the community, it is now recognized as a central hub for all residents.

In 2007, we  proudly introduced our brand new, 55,000 square foot facility in Venice.  Our new building features state of the art equipment, racquetball courts, steam and sauna, large fitness classrooms, and a spacious member lounge.  It is a place where members of all ages can come to enjoy, relax, and increase their overall health and wellness.

Some facts about our YMCA:

• More than 17,000 individuals, families and children are served annually
• The YMCA provides childcare to more than 700 children daily in Venice and Englewood
• No one is turned away from the YMCA because of the inability to pay the full fee for programs
• Last year, individuals and families received more than $350,000 in financial assistance
• More than 1,000 kids participate daily in our Summer Camps
• The YMCA provides year round aquatic fitness programs to seniors
• The YMCA has more than 150 different organized programs
• Youth sports membership has grown to more than 1500 participants
• Our aquatics program taught 200 individuals how to swim
• Our pool is used to train Special Olympics athletes
• All of our daycare centers are licensed and accredited by the Department of Child & Family Services
• Our aquatics staff and facility is one of the primary resources for lifeguard training in Sarasota County
• Rock climbing and cheerleading are popular summer camps. These camps build confidence, team building skills, trust and self-esteem
• More than 500 gymnasts participate weekly in our gymnastics programs.