July 2024
The YMCA of South Palm Beach County was awarded $55,000 in grant funding from the Truist Foundation in order to positively impact more than 950 local teens with Y programs and resources. The funds will be shared between the Peter Blum Family YMCA in Boca Raton and the DeVos-Blum Family YMCA in Boynton Beach.
This grant aims to empower at-risk teens by equipping them with the tools and resources needed to develop skills for future economic success. This funding will enable teens from minority and low to moderate-income households to participate in Y leadership and workforce development programs at no cost, such as Y Leaders in Training, Youth in Government, Y Achievers Club, Blue Ridge Assembly Leaders school and more.
"Investing in our teens is one of the most impactful commitments we can make,” said Bryan Hunt, Executive Director of the Peter Blum Family YMCA. “At the YMCA, we see firsthand how these programs empower young people to grow into confident, capable leaders. By providing a supportive environment and opportunities for personal development, we help teens build the skills and resilience they need to succeed and contribute positively to their communities."
A primary objective of Y teen programs is to prevent the decline of academic skills during long breaks from formal education and to ensure that teens have continuous access to educational resources and support throughout the year. By offering consistent learning opportunities, these programs help at-risk teens stay engaged in their education, graduate from high school, and transition to college or the workforce, ultimately promoting their long-term success.
“Equipping and empowering at-risk teens with the skills necessary to develop into our future leaders aligns with Truist’s purpose of inspiring and building better lives and communities,” states Jason Aube, Market President for Truist. “It is an honor for Truist to support the worthwhile work of the YMCA of South Palm Beach County.”