This program was designed to help with behavioral challenges and chronic absenteeism, among the schools 388 students.

The program has had tremendous success with bringing together a variety of cultures (14 different languages are spoke at the school) and teaching the children how to appreciate differences, conflict resolution skills, inclusion, and more. 

Until the program was halted due to the pandemic (September 2019 – March 2020), the school faculty reported no behavioral incidents, and no visits to the school nurse on the days the Hamilton Area YMCA was present. 

Further, the staff reported happier children, improved classroom engagement, and an increase in school attendance on the days the Hamilton Area YMCA team is present.

Summer camp is a time for fun and relaxation, but it is also a time for self-esteem and skill building.  Now more than ever, camp is vital for a safe, healthy screen-less return to normal childhood experiences . Each summer campers embark on a journey of self-discovery while making friendships that will last a lifetime.

• We provide camp to 600 families, 2,624 campers served from 45 different zip codes
• 60 families rely on our financial aid support
• We provide environmental stewardship programs
• We operate this branch at a loss in order to provide affordable and accessible summer camp with transportation to our community. The branch is supported by contributed income and community volunteers that help us maintain the facility.

Below are just some of the ways that the Hamilton Area YMCA reaches into the community to ensure that swimming is accessible for all:

• Taught 1,925 youth, children, and adults in 2021
• Partnered with the local businesses in the Bromley Neighborhood to reach low-income communities to provide swim lessons for up to 25 children
• Partnered with the John O. Wilson Neighborhood Center to reach low-income communities to provide swim lessons and camp opportunities for up to 50 children
• 100 Diverse Abilities Swimmers have participated in formal lessons at JKR and Sawmill Branches. The Diverse Abilities Swim program focuses on reaching children and adults with disabilities in a continued effort to promote equal opportunities for all. According to data from the American Journal of Public Health, children with diverse abilities face a higher risk of drowning.

• Hosted 9 Food drives collecting 40,000 pounds of food to children and families facing hunger. Collections took place at the JKR Branch as well as in the Bromley Section of Hamilton.
• Over the last year, we have provided more than 100 families a bi-monthly fresh produce and shelf-stable food distribution.

The Hamilton Area YMCA is a nonprofit organization committed to providing memberships and programs that enhance the lives of people in the community. Through the Financial Assistance Program, we are able to reach out to those in need of financial support so that they may benefit from all the Y has to offer.

Improve Lives

The Hamilton Area YMCA is one of America’s 2,686 YMCAs, collectively one of the largest not-for-profit community service organizations in the United States.

Children & Youth

Nearly 10 million children ages 17 and under engage in a wealth of enriching YMCA activities, including sports, after school care and camp.

Families

YMCAs help families build bonds, connect with community resources and become stronger through their participation in YMCA programs.

Health & Well-being

YMCAs are collectively the nation’s largest providers of health & well-being programs. The Hamilton Area YMCA offers programs for youth, teens, and adults including personal training, land and water group exercise classes, nutrition consultation, and more.

Communities

Financial assistance–made possible by contributions received from members, companies, individuals and foundations–opens all YMCA programs to those in need. We are committed to providing our programs and services to those who otherwise can’t afford them...there is a place for you at the Hamilton Area YMCA.

All of our mission programs are provided at low or no cost to participants.