When you think of the YMCA, you often think of a gym or a building full of people of all ages. Well, one of our most high-impact Ys doesn’t quite fit that description. The Sulphur Springs YMCA is a “Y without walls” embedded within a high-need community. For nearly a decade, the Y has been able to change the odds in Sulphur Springs thanks to generous donors, community partners, staff and volunteers.
As a founding member of the Sulphur Springs Neighborhood of Promise (SSNOP), the Y’s goal is to eradicate poverty through education by ensuring all children in Sulphur Springs are prepared to succeed, function at grade level and graduate from high school prepared for college or a career.
One of our key programs is the Community Learning Center located within the Sulphur Springs Community K-8 School. More than 220 K-7th graders participate in the afterschool program and nearly 150 campers are impacted over the summer. This school year, 53 percent of 3rd graders who attend the Y have made half a year’s growth. That’s compared to 37 percent over the same period last year. Furthermore, kindergarteners who attend the Y are outperforming their peers, with 60 percent making half a year’s growth, over 47 percent who do not attend the Y. In addition, YMCA READS! provides 70 students each year with free intensive tutoring in an effort to bring them to reading grade level. In the 2016-2017 school year, more than 90 percent of students’ families reported improved reading skills and 81 percent of their teachers reported improved fluency and reading comprehension skills. Together with our SSNOP partners, the Y is making a difference! The community came together last month to celebrate during the 6th Annual Stories of Change Breakfast. Former Tampa Y CEO Tom Looby received the 2018 Changemaker award for his leading role in the development and continuation of the CLC and the SSNOP. Guests got to hear from partners, volunteers and young students - helping the Sulphur Springs Y surpass their campaign fundraising goal! Thanks to Hillsborough County Public Schools for their continued partnership and support to help change the odds for kids and families who need us the most! Click here to see for yourself the impact we’re having in Sulphur Springs.Above: The Sulphur Springs YMCA’s Stories of Change Breakfast honored former Tampa Y CEO Tom Looby, pictured with Governance Board Vice-Chair Jennifer Murphy (left) and Vice President of Youth Development Candace Culver (R).