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Bridge the Gap

Annual Scholarship Campaign

For more than 175 years, the YMCA has been committed to strengthening communities by connecting people to their potential, purpose, and each other. We are more than a place, we are a community where everyone can belong, grow, and contribute to something bigger than themselves. And that is where you can help by being a party of building the bridge in 2026. We believe every child, family, and individual deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of financial barriers.

Give Today

At the YMCA, we believe everyone should have access to programs that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. But for many in our community, financial barriers can stand in the way.

Through our Bridge the Gap Scholarship Fund, we work to ensure that no one is turned away due to inability to pay, because access isn’t just important, it’s essential.

Your support helps remove barriers and creates opportunities for individuals and families to reach their full potential.

When you give, you’re doing more than making a donation, you’re opening doors.

Your generosity helps provide:

  • Safe, nurturing spaces for children to learn and grow
  • Access to life-changing programs like swim lessons, childcare, and wellness initiatives
  • Opportunities for individuals and families to connect, belong, and thrive

At the Y, we are committed to creating welcoming environments where people of all backgrounds and abilities can fully participate and feel valued.

At the Y, equity means ensuring every person has the access and opportunity they need to thrive.

We are committed to removing barriers—whether financial, social, or systemic—so that everyone in our community can participate fully and with dignity.

Your gift helps make that commitment a reality.

Real People. Real Impact.

Because of donors like you, families in our community can access resources they need to succeed.

A parent can go to work knowing their child is in a safe, supportive environment.
A young person can build confidence through sports and mentorship.
An older adult can find connection, wellness, and a sense of belonging.

These are not just programs they are pathways to stronger, healthier communities.

1) Expanding access to life-saving skills through Water Safety:
Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1–4 in the U.S.
More than 4,500 lives are lost each year to drowning
Black individuals experience 1.5x higher drowning rates overall

For children, the disparity is even more alarming:
Black youth ages 5–9 are 2.6 times more likely to drown
Ages 10–14 are 3.6 times more likely to drown overall
In swimming pools, Black youth drown at 7.6 times the rate of White youth

And one of the biggest drivers is access!

2) Acceptance and Belonging:
Across the United States, connection is declining—and the impact is real:
1 in 2 adults report feeling lonely
Only about half of adults say they always feel a sense of belonging
1 in 5 adults rarely or never feel close to others

For young people, the challenge starts early:
Nearly 40% of teens do not feel connected at school
42% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness

Young adults are struggling even more: Nearly 80% of young adults report experiencing loneliness

And for older adults: 1 in 3 experience social isolation, increasing risks of serious health conditions like dementia, heart disease, and stroke.

This isn’t just a social issue—it’s a public health issue. The CDC recognizes that lack of connection can increase the risk of premature death at levels comparable to smoking.

3) Youth Development / Summer Camp:
The data tells a clear story about what young people are experiencing:
42% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
Nearly 1 in 3 students report poor mental health
Only about 24% of youth get enough daily physical activity

Connection plays a critical role:
Young people who feel connected to others are significantly less likely to experience poor mental health
A strong sense of belonging is one of the most powerful protective factors identified by the CDC

Yet when school is out, those connections often disappear.

Without structured opportunities:
Social interaction decreases
Screen time increases
Opportunities for friendship and growth are limited

Summer becomes more than a break—it becomes a gap.

Together, We Can Build a Better Us

When you give to the Bridge the Gap Campaign, you’re not just supporting programs—you’re investing in people, strengthening families, and creating a more inclusive, connected community. Every dollar stays right here in Peoria, IL and directly supports individuals and families in our community.

YOUR GIFT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Check out the 2025 Impact Report

Corporate Matching Gifts!

Local Corporate Matching Programs:

Support the YMCA through a corporate match! Check to see if your organization matches financial gifts today!

$85

Make A Splash
A $85 donation provide 1 month of swim lessons for a child.

$280

Have an Impact
A $280 donation provides 1 week of camp for a child.

$1056

For Social Responsibility
A donation of $1056 will provide membership for 1 family for an entire year.

MONTHLY Giving

Make a recurring monthly gift to break up your payments.

Questions?

Allison Vershaw
Director of Fund Development
allison.vershaw@peoriaymca.org
309.692.7631