Building More Than Just Gyms: Light Orlando Lunch & Learn Spotlight on the YMCA of Central Florida
- Amanda Selby
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 11
On Wednesday, July 2nd, Light Orlando had the honor of visiting the Downtown Orlando YMCA Family Center alongside fellow nonprofit leaders and community partners as part of our Lunch and Learn series. Hosted by leaders of the YMCA of Central Florida, the session shed light on how the Y is transforming lives and redefining what community support can look like.
“If you think the Y is about gym and swim, think again,” -Kevin Bolding, President and CEO
A Legacy of Impact
The YMCA of Central Florida is not just a place for physical fitness, it is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community across six counties: Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole.
During Our Light Orlando Lunch and Learn
During our Light Orlando Lunch and Learn, Community nonprofit and faith leaders gained a deeper understanding of the YMCA of Central Florida’s wide-reaching impact. In 2024 alone, the Y recorded 2.2 million visits to its family centers and positively impacted over 142,000 individuals through its memberships and mission-driven programs. With 14 Family Center locations, 30 afterschool sites, and 4 early learning centers across six Central Florida counties, the organization’s reach is expansive, yet its mission remains clear: to nurture potential, promote healthy living, and foster social responsibility throughout the communities it serves.
Investing in the Next Generation
The YMCA is deeply committed to creating spaces where youth can learn, grow, and lead.
Over 2,300 children are currently served in before- and after-school programs that provide a safe, enriching environment beyond the classroom.
More than 1,700 infants and young children (ages 6 weeks to 5 years) are nurtured daily through the Y’s Early Learning Centers, where foundational development is prioritized.
And during summer and seasonal breaks, the Y's Day Camp programs offer youth across Central Florida a chance to explore, create, and build friendships in a safe, faith-rooted setting.
Most notably, 15,000 teens are being equipped with leadership, communication, and career-readiness skills through dynamic teen programs, which aim to build the next generation of changemakers.
Rooted in Faith, Focused on Community
While inclusive to all, the YMCA remains grounded in Christian values, empowering members and partners through faith-based initiatives that promote compassion, justice, and spiritual well-being. Explore more here →
Moving Forward, Delivering Hope, Together
At Light Orlando, we’re proud to walk alongside organizations like the YMCA of Central Florida who bring both heart and vision to the table. As we continue to collaborate, support, and learn from one another, we’re united in one goal: investing in a brighter, more hopeful future for Central Florida.
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