In 2022, the YMCA of Greater New York launched the Center for Community Impact (CCI), a new innovation hub aimed to ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of who they are or where they are from, have the opportunities and resources needed to reach their full potential.
Our Approach
Built upon more than 170 years of expertise in preventative health, youth development and local community engagement, CCI will address our communities’ new and evolving needs through a unique three-prong model: it will broaden access by piloting new initiatives and partnerships; utilize data to foster and advance innovation in our programs and services; and elevate the voices of those we serve through advocacy efforts. Leveraging the Y’s critical work throughout the pandemic, CCI initial priorities will focus on four urgent areas of need:
Aquatics Center for Excellence
Elevate and expand access to swim instruction and broaden lifeguard training programs citywide.
Related Programs & Services:
- Free Lifeguard Certification Program
- Lifeguard Development Program
- Swim Lessons
- Second Grade Swim Lesson Partnership with NYC Schools
- D75 Swim Lessons (for students with disabilities), in Partnership with NYC DOE
- NYC Lifeguard Interorganizational Taskforce
Mental Wellness Support
Deepen our social-emotional learning work with our youth and connect our communities to mental health and wellness resources.
Related Programs & Services:
- Staten Island Counseling Service
- New Americans Initiative
- Social-Emotional Training for Staff at Y Afterschool, Early Childhood, Summer Camp, and Teen Programs
- Community Workshops
- Child Yoga (at Bed-Stuy Y)
- Transitional Housing (In partnership with local service providers, six YMCA branches in NYC provide housing to New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. In addition to safe, clean housing, residents also receive support services.)
Nutrition - Access and Education
Increase access to nutritious foods and provide nutrition education and guidance to youth and families throughout the City.
Related Programs & Services:
- Y Community Markets at Coney Island YMCA, Flatbush YMCA, and North Brooklyn YMCA
- Northeast Bronx YMCA Teaching Kitchen
- Nutrition Education and Food Distribution, as part of programming at select NYC schools
Older Adult Programs
Deepen existing older adult programs focused on building connections, community and wellness and expand services through strategic partnerships.
Related Programs & Services:
- Group Fitness Classes for Older Adults at All Branches
- Community Workshops
- Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program - Flatbush YMCA
- Supportive Programming at Y DFTA centers - Flatbush YMCA & Glebe Senior Center
- Senior Digital Literacy Program at our Bronx Branches
Contact Us
Interested in supporting or partnering with CCI? Contact cciinfo@ymcanyc.org