YMCA of Southwest Florida

The Y's mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. YMCA of Southwest Florida was founded in 1967 as the Venice YMCA and has grown to serve the seven Florida counties of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, Lee, DeSoto, Hendry and Glades. We operate 10 branches, 5 early learning academies, 2 charter middle schools, the Cooper Street Recreation Center and several other program sites throughout our service area. Current capital projects include a renovation of the historic Speer Center in Arcadia to bring early learning, youth development, wellness and other services to DeSoto County, as well as a new early learning academy in partnership with King Plastic Corporation in North Port.

At YMCA of Southwest Florida, our core goals are to foster Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility for the 107,000+ persons we serve annually. Key strategic initiatives include: (1) Preparing youth for success beyond high school; (2) Decreasing health inequities by providing innovative health programming, Safety Around Water lessons and ending food insecurity for children and families; and (3) Reducing educational disparities by supporting children's literacy, ensuring that all children are ready to begin kindergarten, read at grade level, and achieve on-time grade advancement.