YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas has been a cornerstone of recreation and fitness in North Texas for decades, working to encourage youths to embrace healthy living and social responsibility for more than 100 years.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas made the news outlet’s list of the most influential non-profit community organizations of 2023. While some of the nonprofits spotlighted by The Dallas Express focus on boosting the metroplex in a material sense, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas has been dedicated to strengthening the personal well-being of area youths from all walks of life.
Part of the organization’s mission is to build character through service.
“Generational giving is part of what makes the Y experience so unique. When parents show their children the value of giving back to others, it sends a powerful message and becomes ingrained into how they view the world,” said Curt Hazelbaker, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’ president and CEO, The Waxahachie Sun reported.
In April, the organization celebrated its 137th anniversary by commemorating the selfless efforts of area volunteers who collaborated with the nonprofit in its charitable endeavors or made a significant impact on their own.
“At the Y, volunteerism holds the highest form of respect and service. We’re grateful to have incredible people who donate their time and help us transform our work and reach the communities who rely on us the most,” Hazelbaker said.
According to its website, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves roughly 200,000 individuals every year in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Palo Pinto, and Rockwall Counties through its events, programming, and outreach initiatives.
“Through our 16 YMCA facilities, 2 camps, and hundreds of program sites, the Y’s work is felt throughout the community daily. Our mission: To put Christian values into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all,” reads the website. “We feel strongly about the for all part of our mission as we believe that all community members should have access to all that we offer, regardless of income.”
YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas was founded in November 1885, stemming from philanthropist Sir George Williams’ broader push to foster healthy activities for young immigrants moving to urban settings.
Its first operational branch, the Moorland Branch, was established in the 1920s to serve Dallas. Since its creation, multiple branches have been created to serve different parts of the North Texas region.
“Many organizations began as YMCA programs and evolved to their own identities including the Red Cross, U.S.O., Boy Scouts, and Camp Fire Girls. Both basketball and volleyball were sports invented within the YMCA,” reads YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’ website.
The organization has also instituted programs to improve the health of the youths it serves. YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’ 2022 annual report notes that over 1,300 teens participated in programs focused on diabetes prevention, weight loss, and other health issues.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, childhood obesity has been steadily rising for years in the United States, putting more children at risk of contracting type 2 diabetes and other consequent health issues. The problem has gotten so bad that new BMI growth charts and treatment guidelines had to be established.
