14 Jun Victor E. Speas Foundation Awards YMCA of Greater Kansas City a $500,000 Capital Grant
The YMCA of Greater Kansas City recently received a grant for $500,000 from the Victor E. Speas Foundation towards the construction of the Downtown Y/Kirk Family Community Center.
Once completed, the new Downtown Y will offer programs and amenities that have the potential to impact the health and wellness needs of individuals and families in the Kansas City community. In addition to addressing the health needs of the community, the new Y will offer programs that help strengthen and enhance the social fabric of the community. The Y’s expanded footprint will provide increased opportunities for the delivery of positive youth development programming (e.g. enrichment, mentoring and leadership programs), college and career exploration programs, and volunteer opportunities for all ages.
Since 2005, the Y has positioned itself as a catalyst in community integrated health, working to demonstrate that prevention, education, and lifestyle behavior change interventions can have a significant impact on the health of individuals and the overall health of the community. The Y is positioned to address the root causes of poor social determinants with programs focused on closing achievement gap prevention, positive youth enrichment and mentoring, life skills development and post-secondary preparation, and volunteerism.
The YMCA of Greater Kansas City, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental and physical well-being. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City is committed to strengthening communities. The Y engages men, women and children-regardless of age, income or background-to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. With a history of serving the Kansas City area since 1860, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.