Who We Are

Program Goals

The Odessa Family Y accomplishes its Mission through programs that seek to help individuals with respect to one or more of the following:

• To develop self-confidence and self-respect and an appreciation of their own worth as individuals.
• To develop core values for daily living based upon Judeo-Christian teachings that help achieve their highest potential as children of God being sensitive to individual beliefs.
• To grow as responsible members of their families and citizens of their communities.
• To appreciate that health of mind and body is a sacred gift and that wellness, physical fitness, and mental well-being are conditions to be achieved and maintained.
• To develop their capacities for responsible leadership and use them in their own groups and in community life.
• To appreciate the beauty, diversity, and interdependencies of the environment and resources which God has provided in this world.

Basic Philosophy

• The strength of the YMCA is centered around volunteerism.
• Individuals band together to render service.
• Community collaborations are formed as a means to accomplishing the mission.
• Adults and youth work together as members and participants.
• The YMCA involves members and participants as opposed to customers or consumers and works to foster long-term involvement.
• As a membership organization the YMCA is an association of people where individuals grow and develop by moving from a casual to a committed relationship with the organization that benefits the common good.
• All people are welcome to participate regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, religion, or ability to pay.
• The YMCA is not an "agency", it is an association of people working together to improve the quality of life for families, individuals, and the community.
• The YMCA is a people united in a common effort to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice.

Desired Outcomes

The YMCA seeks to develop strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Individuals and families that are involved in YMCA programs will:

• Strengthen and enrich their family life. The family is society's primary unit for raising children, caring for elders, and maintaining societal values. The YMCA supports people of all kinds in their efforts to be responsible parents who are concerned with the physical, mental, and spiritual health of their children. The YMCA supplies a safe, wholesome environment in which parents and children can learn to communicate effectively, cooperate, and care about each other.
• Build self-esteem and nurture personal growth. Without these qualities, one can't treat oneself or others with respect. In tough situations and times of trouble, self-esteem helps individuals make the right choices, and act out of strength instead of weakness. Appreciating ones own worth can make the difference between dependency and self-reliance, failure and success.