YMCA of Greater Houston

“I can apply lessons learned from Freedom Tour in my own life by being courageous and brave enough to achieve my goals and dreams.” Nyomi H. Earlier in July, teens from the YMCA of Greater Houston embarked on the YMCA Freedom Tour-a week long multi-state experience created in partnership with the Y and the Fort Bend County Expose Excellence Youth Program. The mission is to expose high school students to the civil rights movement and to provide them with an adventurous and historical perspective on the significance of these world-changing events.

As recovery efforts in Houston continue following the widespread destruction from Hurricane Beryl, our community partners at NRG Energy announced a commitment of $2 million to provide near and long-term disaster relief. The funding includes support for customer bill payment assistance, a four-county recovery fund, employee relief and charitable donations. To learn more, visit our blog for full information and resources. https://lnkd.in/g23dbqvu

As we recover from Hurricane Beryl's aftermath, our dedicated teams are working tirelessly to restore our Y facilities and camps. We're committed to getting back up and running as soon as power is restored. In the meantime, we've partnered with the City of Houston to support our community. All open Y locations are available during operating hours for anyone needing a place to cool off and charge up. Amidst the challenges, we want to highlight additional bright spots showcasing how our partners are helping us strengthen our community: • Costco Wholesale in Stafford donated 3 pallets of water to distribute to the community. • We received $5,000 from the Starbucks Foundation for disaster relief efforts. • Houston Food Bank provided snacks and water for families at Y locations. • Children's Museum Houston visited our sites to provide fun activities for youth. • T-Mobile Community Support provided free WiFi, chargers, power banks and prepaid phones to those in need. Thank you to our incredible partners and community members for your continued support. Together, we are here to strengthen our community! #YMCAHouston #NotAPlaceAPurpose #DisasterRelief #HurricaneBeryl

The YMCA of Greater Houston extends heartfelt gratitude to The George Foundation for their unwavering dedication to our community's children and families. With their steadfast support of our Outreach programming in Fort Bend County and their generous gift to the capital campaign to rebuild the T.W. Davis Family YMCA in Richmond, we're building a brighter, stronger future together.

YMCA summer day camps provide an environment where children can cultivate a sense of belonging and achievement while forming meaningful social connections. We are grateful for Commissioner Lesley Briones’s invaluable support of an enriching program that empowers youth to thrive. Thank you for stopping in and spending time with campers!

World Refugee Day, designated by the United Nations, is recognized globally to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict and persecution. At the YMCA of Greater Houston, we help refugees navigate the legal process through programs with YMCA International Services. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3Bic34z. #WorldRefugeeDay

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, celebrates the emancipation of those who were enslaved—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. To celebrate, the Y invites you to learn more about this day of freedom. #Juneteenth

We are hiring! Working at the Y is more than a job. It's the start of a career with an organization that positively impacts your community and connects people to each other. Visit our website for all opportunities to make a difference. ymcahouston.org/careers

Nearly triple-digit temperatures have many seeking relief from the heat by enjoying pools, lakes and the beach. To help keep Houston-area children safe around water, Reliant and the YMCA of Greater Houston have teamed up to promote water safety education and life-saving skills, helping to prevent accidental drownings and injuries. Reliant’s donation of $30,000 will help the YMCA expand water safety education to an additional 400 Houstonians this summer. Thank you to Reliant Energy for your support of the YMCA!

Last weekend, K’lavon Chaisson with the Carolina Panthers hosted the Hang with the Mustangs community event. Youth participants played games, enjoy food trucks and a live DJ. K'lavon grew-up attending the Wendel D. Ley Family YMCA and had generously made a donation to support the Y. As a token of our appreciation, Community Executive Director of the Wendel D. Ley Family YMCA, Cleveland Landheart Jr., presented K'lavon with a signed Y jersey. Thank you K'lavon Chaisson for your support of the Wendel D. Ley Family YMCA!