YMCA Adopting Health Policies for Youth
WASHINGTON — The Y.M.C.A., one of the nation’s largest child-care providers, intends to announce Wednesday that it is adopting new “healthy living standards,” including offering fruits, vegetables and water at snack time, increasing the amount of exercise and limiting video games and television for youngsters in its programs.
Credit: The New York Times

Survey: Kids lack exercise, healthful food
Nearly nine out of 10 parents say they’re providing a healthy home environment for their children. In fact, they aren’t, a new YMCA survey shows.

Most kids don’t come close to getting enough exercise daily and don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables: 62% of 1,630 parents with children ages 5 to 10 say their kids eat junk food one to four days a week.

Read more on USA Today

Major Earthquake and Tsunami Impact Japan
In response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan today, Y-USA sent a message of support to the National Council of YMCAs of Japan, expressing our solidarity during this time of great loss and suffering.

Haiti YMCA Response and Progress
Since the devastating earthquake, the Haiti YMCA has been a lifeline to the community while simultaneously rebuilding its facilities and programs. One year later, this Y has emerged stronger than ever and is providing hope and new beginnings to those impacted.
Read more on ymca.net

YMCA not trying to shed Christian ties with new logo
Credit: Chicago Sun-Times

A Brand New Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 12, 2010) – For the first time in 43 years, the YMCA has unveiled a new brand strategy to increase understanding of the impact the nonprofit makes in communities. The YMCA has the unique capacity to address many of the challenges facing the nation today. Through its new brand strategy and framework, the nonprofit will extend its reach into communities to nurture the potential of youth and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to support neighbors. Read more...

YMCA drops extra letters, changes to just 'Y'
Credit: Chicago Sun-Times

YMCA getting new logo, shifting focus
Credit: Dayton Daily News

An Insurer's New Approach to Diabetes
The UnitedHealth Group, one of the nation's largest health insurers, is teaming up with the YMCA and retail pharmacies to try a new approach to one of the nation's most serious and expensive medical problems: Type 2 diabetes.
Credit: New York Times

To Turn the Tide of Childhood Obesity, Put Play Back in Kids' Days
YMCA President, Neil Nicoll published on The Huffington Post

YMCA efforts in Haiti
Gwenael Apollon, General Secretary of the Haiti YMCA and Dr. Stephen Ray Smith, a U.S. YMCA volunteer, are working along with others to improve the conditions of the country after the terrible earthquake that hit just about a month ago. Gwenael and Ray went door-to-door to offer support to those impacted as well as an assurance that the YMCA is committed to helping families and communities rebuild. To read more about this continuing effort please visit www.ymca.net/worldservice

YMCA Hosts First Lady Michelle Obama, as she announces plans to help Americans lead healthier lives
On Thursday, Jan. 28, the Alexandria YMCA, part of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, hosted First Lady Michelle Obama, who announced plans to help Americans lead healthier lives through better nutrition, regular physical activity, and by encouraging communities to support healthy choices. Read more...

YMCA Tops List of Charities with Strongest Brands
With a brand value of $6.4 billion, the YMCA outpaces its closest competitor by almost $2 billion. The organization started with a social mission and has evolved over the years to also become a hallmark sports and recreation facility with locations in almost 3,000 communities. The YMCA generates more than $2 billion through membership dues alone, its largest source of revenue, and it enjoys high consumer awareness and familiarity as part of its bricks-and-mortar presence and service appeal that benefits people of all ages and backgrounds.
Visit the site here to learn more.