A Letter from the Alliance Chair, James P. Finck

Dear Friends,

The Y had an exceptional first half of the year focusing on the well-being of our communities in Texas. We have actively engaged children, families and seniors in a variety of activities to reach their wellness goals. To address the chronic disease problem that affects so many of our loved ones, we have delivered evidence-based prevention and intervention programs to help them reach their full-potential. As the advocate for a healthier Texas, we promise to persistently promote healthy living, youth development and social responsibility.  

As stewards of social responsibility, the Texas State Alliance of YMCAs is charged with safeguarding the health and wellness of Texans. We believe that true improvements to healthy living will progress through policy, system and environmental change and we want to promote those tenants in our advocacy efforts. In our branches, we provide programs that mirror our advocacy priorities; making our neighborhoods healthier. For instance, during the summer months Ys will continue to address the growing public health concerns of chronic diseases like childhood obesity and diabetes. A huge component of healthy living is raising awareness and providing education about ways to easily adopt healthier lifestyles. During Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s largest national initiatives event supporting our focus on healthy living, we encouraged hundreds of kids and parents to keep the body and mind active during the summer. In the summer season, kids are affected by weight gain and the summer learning loss where they fall behind in their studies. Our programs allow us to address these problems by making sure kids’ bodies and brains remain active. Did you know 2.4 million children qualify for free and/or reduced lunch programs yet during the summer months many kids go hungry? To help end hunger, we have partnered with CitySquare to offer meals at our camps and learning centers in communities such as Austin, Corsicana, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Waco at no cost to children in low-income areas. Healthy eating is just as important as physical activity for children’s health and we are proud to provide nutritious meals to Texas children.

We have tons of great things happening at the Y. We aim to make a big difference and provide better insight to decision-makers on which issues are most important to our communities. In order to be successful, we need your support in promoting social responsibility. If you are passionate about youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, take your passion to the next level by joining our advocacy network. By signing on as an advocate you lend your voice to important causes that affect you, your family and the places you reside and work. Together let’s make our communities a better place to live.

Thank you for your continued support of the Texas State Alliance of YMCAs!

Sincerely,

James Finck, Chair
Texas State Alliance of YMCAs

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