The mission of the Young Men’s Christian Association is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA (the Y) of Northwest Florida’s local history can be traced back to the early 1880s. The Y developed the first day camp program, first water safety program, first night school, and first gymnasium in the community. Over the past 130 years, the Y has served families through programs such as childcare, aquatics, youth sports, wellness, special events, and community outreach. Through programs at two branches in Escambia County and one in Santa Rosa County, and additional programs at school sites, the Y reaches more than 15,000 men, women and children each year. All the Y programs have a strong focus on values, character development, family, and inclusion. They believe that the opportunity to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body is an opportunity that must be accessible to everyone; therefore, the Y is committed to accepting everyone by offering an income-based assistance program which provides membership and program opportunities to all. The construction of the Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA elevated the Y’s local profile, but none of the campaign dollars flowed to the Northeast Branch, which has its own significant needs.