In the fast-flowing modern world, people are incredibly concentrated on their career development or study achievements. Therefore, they do not devote enough time to the mind refreshing and forget about the importance of physical activity for a health condition and general well-being. As a result of leading a sedentary lifestyle, people are predisposed to illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, increased cholesterol level rates, etc. (Kim. 2018). Moreover, being under constant emotional pressure, people often experience various psychological disorders. Therefore, the organizations focusing on physical and emotional refreshing are becoming increasingly popular, and The YMCA of South Florida is one of them. This paper will identify the YMCA program’s primary audience, explore its mission, purpose, and history, and discuss the ways of satisfying the needs of the adult learners it serves.
The history of the YMCA, a non-profit organization established in South Florida, has much to offer and explore. Being a small association of people at the beginning of its operation, it was gradually extending and currently consists of 11 subsidiaries in different locations. Moreover, the YMCA has a considerable number of partners that indicate the organization’s trustworthiness and help it remain at the top level among competitors. Some examples of the YMCA’s partners are NBC Universal, Broward County Public Schools, Memorial Healthcare System, etc. (YMCA of South Florida, 2020). The primary audience of the organization is the middle-aged people, who are willing to refresh from the high rhythm of modern life. However, kids, teenagers, and older adults are also members of the program. The organization is continuously developing, so its history will be extended in the future.
The mission of the YMCA of South Florida is powerful and ambitious. According to the official website, the organization’s mission is “to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all” (YMCA of South Florida, 2020, para. 2). Thus, the main YMCA’s focus is to spread the ideas of healthy living and encourage people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities to improve the quality of their lives by joining the team and participating in the programs.
The purpose of the YMCA of South Florida is closely connected to its mission. The organization aims to strengthen communities and spreads the opinion that “everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive” (YMCA of South Florida, 2020, para. 3). Focusing on the principles of a healthy lifestyle and developing social responsibility among the YMCA members, the leaders of the organization create a perfect environment for the mental and physical growth of people. The most crucial aspect of the YMCA’s purpose is total equality and justice. Regardless of their social status, any person has an opportunity to join the group and advance their life. By implementing this policy, the YMCA promotes the principles of social responsibility. Being tolerant of the surrounding people, helping each other, and inspiring other individuals to be healthy, confident, and secure is the purpose of the YMCA that tremendously contributes to society.
The YMCA’s mission and purpose highlight the strongest sides of the organization that play a significant role in serving adult learners. Firstly, the YMCA provides a fantastic opportunity to improve health by doing sports. According to Jenkin et al. (2017), “physical activity can be beneficial for physical, mental and social health” (p 1). Hence, the significance of sport in people’s lives cannot be underestimated. Being representatives of modern society, where stress, sedentary work, and chronic diseases have already become common, people need to recover and renew their energy sources. Therefore, the YMCA’s intensive promotion of sport pays an essential role in satisfying the customers’ needs.
Secondly, being a multifaceted organization, the YMCA provides an incredibly wide variety of programs that fit every customer’s tastes and preferences. Due to a wise differentiation of membership plans, the organization offers suitable and affordable programs, so the YMCA team is continuously growing and accepting new members. Moreover, the association promotes the community values where everyone is an equal participant. This approach is beneficial for the members since they feel tremendous support from the community. Thus, besides encouraging people to do sports, the YMCA of South Florida creates a perfect environment for mind refreshing. Mental health is essential for the people, so the association makes a crucial contribution to society by providing psychological support to its members.
Overall, the YMCA of South Florida offers a considerable number of benefits and effectively serves its members. The mission and purpose of the organization represent its main operation principles and values. Adults, being the primary audience of the organization, take the most advantages from the program. Constantly dealing with stress, negative emotions, and psychological pressure, provided by the incredibly high rhythm of contemporary life, the majority of people seek help. YMCA creates the most suitable conditions for renewing energy sources, refreshing minds, improving health, and receiving psychological support. Thus, the YMCA’s encouragement to lead a healthy lifestyle and enhance the quality of the life plays a significant role for all the members of the association.
References
YMCA of South Florida. (n. d.). 2020, Web.
Jenkin, C. R., Eime, R. M., Westerbeek, H., O’Sullivan, G., & Van Uffelen, J. G. (2017). Sport and ageing: A systematic review of the determinants and trends of participation in sport for older adults. BMC public health, 17(1), 976.
Kim, S. Y. (2018). Sedentary lifestyle and cardiovascular health. Korean journal of family medicine, 39(1), 1-1.