Philanthropic and educational initiatives rec centers are doing to uplift and increase community impact.
Community rec centers are known to be a hub of programming and activity. However, many rec centers have identified the need to surpass the “gym and swim” reputation to be an influential pillar in their community. Through innovative outreach and philanthropic initiatives, rec centers are proving they’re essential not just for recreation but for the well-being of local areas.
At the Siegel JCC, community impact means creating spaces for healing, support and connection. One initiative, Steps4Sarah, stands out for its focus on mental health and suicide prevention. Held in remembrance of a staff member who died by suicide, participants of all ages gather to walk, connect and access different mental health resources.
Originally, the program took the form of a Wellness Summit meant to open channels for discussions about mental health and suicide prevention. Steps4Sarah has been held the past two years with the intention of combining elements of mental and physical health. At the event, participants come together to walk multiple loops around the JCC’s walking path.
“People come together to feel they’re a part of the community and whatever they’re feeling, they’re not alone,” explained Anna Saul, the chief advancement officer at the Siegel JCC. “We saw people of all ages come out. It’s a really meaningful program and opportunity for people to be honest, open and support one another.”
Empowering Influence
To further the event’s impact, the JCC has partnered with local mental health organizations, ensuring attendees have access to educational materials and support networks. By facilitating open conversations about mental health, Steps4Sarah creates an environment where community members feel seen, heard and supported.
The Siegel JCC also uses its expansive campus to host blood drives, vaccination clinics and other outreach programs. These initiatives leverage the center’s space and community trust to deliver critical services. Steph Kegelman, the sports and wellness director, emphasized their mission of inclusivity. “We’re here for the entire community,” she explained. “Our mission is rooted in Jewish values but those are human values.”
This recognition of influence is echoed by the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, which demonstrated the power of community impact during and after Hurricane Helene. When the storm left residents without power and basic amenities, the Y quickly mobilized to meet urgent needs. Facilities reopened as soon as it was safe.
“We consider ourselves a community partner,” said David Jezek, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. “The Y serves family and children who are our neighbors and friends. We exist within neighborhoods where we’re seen as an asset and a resource. When we have something — power, Wi-Fi, hot water, air conditioning, etc. — so many didn’t, we want to share that.”
Beyond immediate relief, the Y stepped in to support students. When a local school was damaged, the Y partnered with the Pinellas County School Board to provide emergency before school care for 250 students. This initiative allowed parents to return to work while ensuring their children were taken care of in a safe environment.
“The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is all about strengthening community through youth development and supporting families,” emphasized Jezek. “When our community was hit by back-to-back hurricanes, we were able to do what we do best and make our facilities and services available to residents of our community who were experiencing a great need. We had resources we were able to make available and staff and volunteers who were ready to help.”
Focused Partnerships
Partnerships with local entities also furthered the YMCA’s mission and impact. For example, it partnered with a local real estate development company to secure extra space to hold more childcare programming. The Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County helped financially for additional staff and eased the burden on families already facing many fiscal uncertainties.
The Y’s commitment to community support didn’t stop there. In collaboration with Chick-fil-A and Convoy of Hope, a humanitarian organization, they organized a community meal giveaway. The program was held in the parking lot of the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA location and distributed 4,500 meals in four hours.
Though natural disasters like a hurricane cannot be extensively planned for, Jezek recommended various ways to prepare for potential crises. His advice includes:
Learn from what similar organizations are doing.
Consider ahead of time what resources you can make available and draft a plan for how to offer them.
Be creative in finding solutions. Turn to current partners to work together and offer assistance.
Lean on your strategic plan to guide decisions and evaluate opportunities to serve.
Following this advice ensures you’re prepared to serve your community in times of hardship.
While disaster response addresses immediate crises, community impact also involves long-term support and proactive outreach. The YMCA of Muncie exemplifies this approach through its data-driven initiatives. Every five years, the Y conducts a comprehensive community needs survey to identify the most pressing issues and shape their programs accordingly.
“We look at demographics and data we need to focus on,” explained Gretchen Fields, the executive director of membership experience at the YMCA of Muncie. “This helps us learn more about needs involving concerns like drowning or disease prevention. We need to stay in tune with local needs and groups so we’re able to address them.”
One standout program is Safety Around Water, which provides free swim lessons funded by the Delaware County Health Department. The program aims to prevent drowning and promote water safety for children, a critical need in many communities and an important service the Y puts on. “This is one of the things we’re most proud of,” explained Kristen McConnell, the vice president of mission advancement at the YMCA of Muncie.
Helping Hands
Another area the Y is increasing community impact is by addressing food insecurity. Through its anti-hunger initiatives, kids in the afterschool program are guaranteed a nutritious meal and the YMCA also provides support and food to local partners. During the summer, they ensure children at the local community pool have access to healthy lunches.
Collaboration with local organizations is a key to success for the YMCA of Muncie. Sharing resources ensures the Y can reach more people in the community and offer better services in areas its most needed. “Partnerships have transformed how we program and increased the impact we have in the community,” said McConnell. “It’s not easy and takes a lot of hard work and trust. But, once you receive and achieve that level of partnership with someone, it can have great benefits.”
Being a community partner requires conscientious effort that goes beyond traditional programming and facilities. Anticipating needs, responding with empathy and having a collaborative spirit shows commitment to the bettering of your community. In return are strong relationships and trust in a community rec center’s ability to create change.
