GWIL2015 Nonprofit Profile: Springs Family YMCA

Week of Online Giving 2015
April 19-26

The 2015 Givin’ Where I’m Livin’ (GWIL) campaign provides support and publicity for local non-profit charitable organizations competing for GWIL matching funds during the campaign’s Week of Online Giving, April 19-26. Around Dripping Springs is pleased to feature this series of GWIL non-profit profiles to help publicize their unique missions to the community. We invite you to get to know these wonderful organizers and learn more about the important work they are each doing to enrich our community. Please share their stories, and be sure to donate to your favorite during the Week of Online Giving! Learn more at: http://www.GivinWhereImLivin.org

NOW MEET THE SPRINGS FAMILY YMCA WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JASON DANIEL:

WHEN WAS YOUR ORGANIZATION FOUNDED?
We have been operating in Dripping Springs since 2007. We are a part of the YMCA of Austin which was founded in 1953. Our Springs Family YMCA
Executive Director is Jason Daniel.

WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY MISSION?
Our Mission is to put Christian Principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We are a dynamic association of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause and our programs are always based on the needs and interests of our communities.

The Y is dedicated to building programs for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility that promote strong families, character values, youth leadership, community development and international understanding. The Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive by providing supportive and inclusive environments that nurture the potential of every youth and teen, improves the nation’s health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors.

We have five core character development values that are the shared beliefs and essential principles that guide our behavior, our interactions with each other, our programs and curriculum and our decision-making. They are: Respect * Responsibility * Honesty * Caring * Faith

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THESE EFFORTS?
In a word – Philanthropy. Every year, more than 400 volunteers and staff members will actively go into the community during our annual Annual Campaign to raise the dollars needed to make sure than everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, faith, ability level, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Financial assistance funded by Annual Campaign donations keeps the Y available for kids and families who need us most and provides programs that are responding to pressing community needs. 100% of all donations go directly toward providing life-changing experiences that will have a meaningful, enduring impact right in our Austin community. Because our Mission is to serve ALL people, financial assistance is made available to any individual or family who wants to participate in a YMCA program or activity but who cannot afford the fee. Donations from our community help our Y live it’s Mission every day.