As a Diversity, Inclusion, and Global (DIG) Innovation Network Y, the Kentucky YMCA Youth Association has worked to improve YMCA global impact since 2012. Alongside YMCAs across the U.S., the Kentucky YMCA is helping to lead the YMCA Global Movement for Change. With the Global Initiatives Fund, the Kentucky YMCA is constantly growing, developing, and supporting new International relationships and fellow YMCAs.
Click here to donate to the fund
Global Initiatives Fund
Each year, The Kentucky YMCA raises money for the Global Initiatives Fund to support internationally— focused activities. The Kentucky YMCA uses these funds to support international programming and needs, newcomer/immigrant students, non-profits worldwide, and the YMCA Global Movement. This year, we will be dedicating the first $5,000 to the San Juan and Ponce YMCAs in Puerto Rico.
International Experiences
The Kentucky YMCA supports various International Experiences for Participants, Volunteers, Alumni, and Staff. These experiences not only provide a learning opportunity, but also professional development and personal growth. Through local conferences, international exchanges, participation in the YMCA World Alliance, and International Leadership Opportunities, the Kentucky YMCA connects its community with the wider global network. This year, we will be sending staff to Puerto Rico to help with re-building.
A Taste of the World In Kentucky
The Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA) provides students from across the Commonwealth with the opportunity to travel the world in just three days. Annually, over 6,000 students research other countries, write and debate UN resolutions, and resolve global as ambassadors of represented countries. This authentic learning experience underscores the importance of global citizenship, connecting Kentucky teens to the broader world
YMCAs of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has two YMCAs—the San Juan YMCA is a wellness center/gymnasium, and the Ponce YMCA is a pool and general facility. The San Juan YMCA and Ponce YMCAs have been recovering from Hurricane Maria. After finally getting a few sections of their Ys open again, over 1,000 earthquakes hit. Their recently refurbished facilities were destroyed again. Due to the loss of homes, many people are living in tents or sleeping outside. Over 500 schools have been closed. The Ys usually offer a safe space in times of need, but are currently closed due to funding. People are struggling to afford the necessities and cannot pay for memberships— causing the Ys to lose their largest source of income. The Kentucky YMCA hopes to raise $5,000 to help provide child care camps (because schools are closed), community resources, access to shelter, and funds for trauma counselors.
Need-Based Scholarships for Newcomer/Immigrant Students
The Kentucky YMCA does everything it can to ensure all students can attend programs. We offer need-based scholarships to students. Often our newcomer/immigrant students need additional assistance as their families are still settling in the U.S. We use our Global Initiatives Fund to support students new to the United States, offering a safe, welcoming, and educational environment.
International Partnerships
The Kentucky YMCA continues to develop partnerships across the globe. WeDay KY, World Affairs Council of KY & Southern IN, and WaterStep are some of the organizations the Kentucky YMCA works with closely. In addition, the Kentucky YMCA has International Partnerships with the YMCA of Denmark and the Cape Town YMCAs in South Africa. The Cape Flats YMCA in Cape Town has been growing and improving over the past few years. As our largest partner, we help to fund their progress with hopes of providing a space for children to go and grow. Sports, afterschool clubs, volunteer opportunities, and more are offered to children in an effort to keep them safe.
