In the past two newsletters you've learned about two of our three areas of focus: Youth Development and Healthy Living. This month we'd like to tell you about the third area of focus, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

The Y has been listening and responding to our communities' most critical social needs for 160 years. Simply put, we think it is important to give back and to support our neighbors. You've probably heard about our Bright Beginnings program that gives at-risk children greater self-esteem and confidence by providing school clothes, shoes, coats and supplies. Bright Beginnings is our most visible response to social need, but every Y program addresses societal issues in some way. For instance, sports programs teach children to cooperate, to work in a team, to be aware of how their actions affect others, and help to fight the largest growing national epidemic for children, obesity.

Through the Y, volunteers, donors, leaders, and partners empower people to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.