Guest Blogger Danny Carroll, CEO of the Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA, discusses the YMCA's mission, programs, and future in our area.

The YMCA’s promise is substantial - to strengthen the foundation of our community.  We do this in many ways. By being community-centered for more than 116 years, we listen and respond to the needs of area residents.

Within our 15 YMCAs, and more than 49 program sites, we are excited to continue providing our service area more opportunities for the future.

Our IGNITE program has been incorporated into all School Age programs and served over 16,000 children. In 2012 we will launch 95210, a program designed to educate kids and their parents about the importance of sleep, exercise, diet and less TV and computer screen time. Our day camp programs thrived this summer while serving 13,759 kids averaging 1,300 campers a week. Bright Beginnings hit an all time high and equipped more than 1018 students with much needed clothes and school supplies for the new school year.

We offered more than 2.3 million dollars in membership scholarships this year. The growing diversity of our membership strengthens us while reinforcing our commitment to building a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Our Strong Communities Campaign, which helps us ensure that everyone, regardless of economic circumstance has the opportunity to thrive, grew again this year raising $1,098,347, the largest amount in our history.

Henderson recently completed improvements at our Victory and Luter Branches and just finished our new Branch in Northumberland. Henderson, Inc. is a true friend and partner.

Our capital improvements topped 6 million dollars this year and as a result, more children and families have a place of their own at the YMCA.

Your donations help the YMCA meet our mission, and we are thankful that the communities we serve and advocate for trust us to be good stewards of their resources. 

While helping to form communities that support the success of all children, the YMCA encourages the development of positive values, a commitment to service and motivation to learn.

As our community changes, the YMCA continues to anticipate and meet the ever-growing needs. 

I’d like to thank Henderson for the opportunity to guest blog and also thank you for all that you do to support the YMCA.

Danny Carroll, CEO

Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA 

• Henderson's blog