Beneficiaries

YMCA

The Ozarks Regional YMCA is one of the largest not-for-profit community service organizations in the Ozarks. It is an important part of community life in the neighborhoods it serves. Our association has facilities in Springfield, Bolivar, Hollister, Monett, Cassville, Buffalo and Lebanon and 80 acre Camp Wakonda in Halltown.

It is the policy of the YMCA that no one is turned away because they cannot pay. Financial assistance is available for both programs and memberships through the Strong Kids Financial Assistance Program which is funded through gifts from individuals, grants and fundraisers like the 417 Idea Home, which raises thousands of dollars each year for children. In 2009, the YMCA awarded 1.3 million dollars to more than 5,000 in financial aid.

The YMCA works to strengthen families and to help children develop self esteem, values and behavior consistent with Christian principles. It is for people of all faiths, races, abilities, ages and incomes. Free memberships are provided at all locations for foster families and for military families with a spouse serving abroad.

Best known for health and fitness, our Y provides before and after school childcare, sports programs for children and adults, swim lessons and aquatic classes, activities for seniors, camping, teen leadership programs, fitness classes and more. The abundance of offerings allows our YMCA to effectively meet a variety of needs and serve a diverse and growing community. Before and after school child care serves more than 2,000 children each day in 41 locations, most of the sites are at schools so there is not a transportation problem for parents.

Research shows that YMCA programs contribute to positive youth development: children have better emotional adjustment, better grades and behave better in school compared to their peers who are not in YMCA programs. Research shows that children in YMCA programs have more learning opportunities, and spend less time watching television.
Increasing numbers of individuals are challenged with lifestyle-related diseases and disabilities. The poor health habits of children are resulting in alarming numbers of overweight and sedentary young people. Researchers have found that children who are obese have a higher risk for adult obesity, which is strongly associated with many serious medical complications that impair quality of life and lead to additional increased health risks. YMCA’s are uniquely positioned to address this health crisis.
Recently the YMCA has formed an alliance with UnitedHealth Group to fight the epidemic of diabetes in our communities. YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program represents a significant opportunity to improve the health of our communities and the more than 50 million individuals at risk of developing diabetes. The program has proven to cut the risk of type 2 diabetes in half through a group-based approach that encourages simple changes in lifestyle. As an organization committed to improving the nation’s health and well-being, the Y’s involvement in this work will make us a major force in diabetes prevention and position us as a leader in chronic disease prevention.

The YMCA's strength is in the people it brings together. A volunteer board sets policies for its executive director, who manages the operation with staff and volunteer leaders. The Y meets local needs through organized activities and programs. 2010 Ozarks Regional Corporate Board of Directors include: Susie Turner, President, John Himmel, President elect, Shannon Boggs, Secretary, Pat Shivers, Treasurer; Ted Amberg, Dan Boone, Sherry Clay, Sherry Cook, Jacquie Dowdy, Dr. John Duff, Alan Fears, Mike Garrett, Brad Gregory, Greg Henslee, Dr. Dennis Hite, John Jungmann, Russ Marquart, Laura Meek, Bob Moreland, Dr. Norman Ridder, Mark Sharp, Brady Vestal, Amy Wescott, Rusty Worley, Dean Young, Stacey Zengel.

www.orymca.org