Why The Y?

The Sarasota YMCA has been listening and responding to our community’s most critical needs for over 70 years. From early learning to diabetes prevention, youth sports and swim lessons to after school care, mentoring and counseling to summer camp, and a youth shelter to foster care and adoptions, the Y continues to affect lasting change in Sarasota.

By building a culture of philanthropy to meet community needs, the Y is also on the forefront of preventing chronic disease through several programs: Diabetes Prevention (a small group for adults at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes), LIVESTRONG at the YMCA (a 12-week initiative for people affected by cancer), Biggest Winner (helping people to develop healthy habits and work with a nutritionist), and Pedaling for Parkinson’s (a cycling class to increase motor skills).

The Y’s Annual Caring Campaign allows us to realize initiatives such as: providing shelter and basic needs to ten homeless youth ($5,000); the gift of discovery and exploration for a child at summer camp ($500); and providing seniors with access to aquatics, exercise and socialization ($250).

As a nonprofit organization serving over 50,000 people annually, the Y never turns anyone away due to their inability to pay. We’re for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. To learn more about Y programs and services visit sarasotaymca.org.