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Together We Find Our Why | YMCA of Pueblo 2024 Year in Review

From youth sports and swim lessons to wellness programs and community outreach, 2024 was a year of impact, connection, and growth at the YMCA of Pueblo. This video celebrates the heart of our Y—our members, volunteers, and staff—who helped make it all possible. Told through the voices of YMCA members and volunteers, this recap highlights the programs, partnerships, and personal stories that shaped our year. Whether it’s a child learning to swim, a teen finding mentorship, or a senior building strength and community, the Y was there—every step of the way. Join us in looking back on an incredible year and celebrating the people who remind us every day why the Y matters.

Discover NeuroPong at the YMCA of Pueblo - Table Tennis for Brain Health and Community Connection

NeuroPong, led by Table Tennis Connections in Southern Colorado, is more than just a game—it’s a powerful program that supports brain health, coordination, and social connection for individuals impacted by Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions. In this video, you’ll hear heartfelt testimonials from volunteers and participants who share how NeuroPong has improved their physical well-being, boosted their confidence, and created a strong sense of community. Join us in celebrating the impact of this unique partnership between the YMCA of Pueblo and Table Tennis Connections—and see firsthand how something as simple as a ping pong paddle can make a lasting difference.

Unlocking Potential: YMCA Camp Jackson Makerspace Experience

This summer a new opportunity was unlocked through the new Makerspace at Camp Jackson! With the support of generous grant funding, YMCA Camp Jackson campers dove into creative projects like building birdhouses and exploring the world around them through microscopes. This video highlights the enriching experiences made possible by this new addition to YMCA Camp Jackson's programming.

Inspiring Young Innovators: STEM Programming at Summer Adventure Camp

Thanks to a generous STEM grant, YMCA Summer Adventure Camp participants experienced hands-on learning like never before! Watch as kids explore exciting STEM activities that ignite curiosity and creativity. From building to problem solving, this video showcases how we're shaping the minds of future innovators.

Building Brighter Futures: YMCA Summer Impact 2024

Discover the incredible impact of our summer programming at the YMCA of Pueblo! From sports to aquatics, child development, and Camp Jackson, this video highlights how we've made a positive difference in the lives of children and families throughout the summer. See how our programs foster community, growth, and lasting memories.

More Than a Competition: 2024 YMCA Corporate Cup Impact

Team spirit, healthy competition, and a lot of fun - that's what the 2-24 YMCA of Pueblo Corporate Cup was all about! Last year, 19 incredible local businesses and organizations came together for our 29th annual Corporate Cup, and WOW - you brought the energy! From sunrise 5Ks to our first year of adding pickleball, and even a special Togetherhood service project at YMCA Camp Jackson, you showed up not just for your teams but for your community. This video highlights the sweat, smiles, high-fives, and heart that made last year's Corporate Cup one to remember. Whether you were chasing the gold or cheering from the sidelines, you were part of something bigger—strengthening Pueblo through wellness, teamwork, and giving back.

YMCA of Pueblo 2023 Impact Overview - Building Community

Hear about the impact of the YMCA of Pueblo in 2023 from members, donors and YMCA team members! We believe that ALL children and teens have potential. Thanks to the YMCA, more young people are taking a greater interest in learning and making smart life choices. Working with caring Y staff, children and teens are able realize their potential by improving their educational readiness and closing achievement gaps. By building confident kids today, the Y is helping to assure that they will become contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.

From Texas to Alaska - YMCA of Pueblo Hosts Texas 4000 for Cancer

Each summer, Texas 4000 for Cancer rides over 4,000 miles with one goal in mind - to cultivate student leaders and engage communities in the fight against cancer. Texas 4000 for Cancer is the WORLD'S LONGEST Charity Bike Ride, and on day 16 of their journey they stopped at the YMCA of Pueblo. Riders were able to stop, have a warm meal, and rest up in the Steel City before continuing their journey north towards their end goal of Alaska! Hear from their team and learn about why they ride.

Generations Unite: World War 2 Veteran Finds Renewed Strength in Silver Sneakers

Watch as a heartwarming bond between father and daughter unfolds at the Pueblo YMCA. Sam Stephens is a 98 year old World War 2 Veteran who LOVES attending the YMCA. His daughter, Kathy Arguello, has been involved with the YMCA for over 45 years! Her kids attended Y preschool, participated in Y sports, and at one point Kathy was even an employee of the Pueblo Y!

Join them on their journey as they showcase their joy of Silver Sneakers classes together, proving that age is just a number when it comes to staying active and connected. Witness the YMCA's transformative impact on families and veterans alike in this touching story of strength, resilience, and love.

Overcoming Surgery: Gaining Strength in More Ways than One

Tracy Gutierrez has been involved with the YMCA of Pueblo nearly her entire life. She attended the Y as a child, her children participated in Y programming, and now as a member, Tracy has a different goal in mind when it comes to her health goals.

Tracy was forced to have a full hip replacement last year. Through her journey of recovery, she found that the YMCA was the environment to best support her. She utilized the Therapy Pool at the YMCA of Pueblo to not only build her physical strength, but to support her mental strength during her time of adversity. Watch her story and learn about her journey in this testimonial!

Strengthening Families in the Community: YMCA Father Daughter Dance

A tradition for 15 years, our annual Father Daughter Dance gives dads and daughters the opportunity to experience a night full of festivities, dinner and fun for all ages. The Father Daughter Dance is a semi-formal event for dads and daughters of all ages.

This interview spotlights Don Banner. A long-time YMCA volunteer, donor, and community leader and the impact that the Father Daughter Dance has on the dads and daughters of Pueblo.

Foster Care to YMCA Staff: One Employee's Inspirational Journey

Melanie Martinez has had a love for the YMCA her entire life. In her youth, Melanie attended the Pueblo YMCA through a foster program with her siblings. They participated in swim lessons and saw the Y as a second home. They found community and a supportive environment through the Y. Now as an adult, Melanie still gives back to the Y. Melanie is a part of our membership team and is one of the many important faces of our organization! In more ways than one, Melanie has been impacted by the Y, but now she gets to make her own impact on our members and community members alike! Hear her heartwarming testimonial in this video.

Empowered Voices: A Survivor's Journey at the YMCA

See the testimonial of YMCA Member, Mary Nathan. A mother who found the Y in a time of need, she was gracious enough to share her impactful story with our team.

The YMCA of Pueblo is committed to providing programs and services that empower youth, encourage healthy living, and support our neighbors. But we can't do it without your help. By donating to the YMCA of Pueblo's Annual Support Campaign, or becoming an Impact Member, you can help ensure that no one is ever turned away due to their inability to pay. Your gift can make all the difference in creating possibilities for all. When families and individuals thrive, our community grows stronger – and never has the need for strong community been greater than right now.

Improving Health Outcomes Through FREE Unity Sports Programming

Explore the impactful journey of the YMCA of Pueblo as we focus on enhancing the health outcomes of local youth through the provision of FREE sports leagues to participating elementary schools across Pueblo. Unity Sports is a free program for elementary age students in the Pueblo community. The YMCA of Pueblo provides free after school sports leagues to students, without the worry of equipment costs or transportation. This video delves into the substantial efforts made by the YMCA to promote physical activity, teamwork, and community engagement among Pueblo's youth. Discover firsthand how these sports leagues are contributing to the overall well-being and positive development of young individuals in the region.

Supporting Education Through Positivity and Scholarships

The YMCA of Pueblo is a leader in early childhood education in the Pueblo community. Our Child Development Center offers fully licensed child care and a positive environment for families. YMCA Preschool, Preschool Plus, After School Care, Fridays @ the Y, and a variety of other youth-serving programs all enhance the lives of those ages 3-12. To ensure all can attend, we offer scholarships for preschool and financial assistance to those who qualify to ensure that the Y can remain a place for ALL.

Developing Changemakers at Camp Jackson

Dollars raised in the YMCA Community Support Campaign directly impact scholarships for Camp Jackson. Our resident camp has been serving Southern Colorado since 1916 and helps youth discover their independence, social and life skills, forever friendships and much more. Camp Jackson is dedicated to providing high quality programming to people of all backgrounds, including: diverse religions, race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, ability, national origin, sexual orientation, and/or socioeconomic status. We believe that every child deserves to have lasting memories in a place they feel safe and included. By donating to the Community Support Campaign you can help us send more kids to camp every summer!

Strengthening Families with Scholarships and Sports

Sports scholarships allow youth in Pueblo to participate in YMCA programming like youth sports! We're focused on strengthening families, developing character, and creating healthy habits. Our coaches stress good sportsmanship and skills development over winning. In addition to learning the fundamentals of sports and inclusion in games, kids also learn the four core values of the YMCA : caring, honesty, respect and responsibility - winning strategies for in and out of the game! That's what makes the YMCA so much more.

Unity Sports - FREE Sports for Pueblo's Youth

Unity Sports is a grant funded program that provides FREE sports leagues to elementary schools in Pueblo. Unity Sports is an after-school program that allows elementary school students with a structured, multi-week, sports league where they receive uniforms and get to participate on a team of their fellow students.

Learn about the impact of Unity Sports at Park View, Bradford, Heritage, and Minnequa elementary schools.

Out of Classroom Experiences for Middle Schoolers in Pueblo

Last fall, 758 students from seven schools Pueblo School District 60 attended YMCA Camp Jackson. Some of these students have never been outside of Pueblo. For one day, they got to experience what it's like to be a camper at Camp Jackson. In this video, hear from teachers and administrators on why outdoor experiences like this are so vital to our youth in Pueblo.

The Y is committed to developing new generations of changemakers who will create the communities we all want to live in.

The Eleanor Crain Memorial Scholarship - Presley and the Smith Family

The Eleanor Crain Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018 by family and friends to honor the memory of an amazing woman who had a huge heart for the kids in our community. The 2022 recipient was Presley and the Smith Family.

This preschool scholarship provides opportunities for eligible children to access quality early education--supporting life long learning. A partial scholarship is offered annually to qualified children in the Y's half-day preschool program. Eligible students must be 3 to 5 years old, a resident of Pueblo County, and complete the required application.

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