Strong Start Campaign - 2026 Annual Giving (Afterschool Scholarships)

Strong Start Campaign - 2026 Annual Giving

Geographic Scope: Greater Kingsport area (Kingsport City, Sullivan County, and Hawkins County, Tennessee)

Campaign Theme: "Building Strength That Lasts"

The 2026 Annual Giving Campaign, titled "Strong Start," focuses on providing scholarships for YMCA afterschool programs and summer camp. Gifts support children's access to safe learning environments regardless of family financial circumstances.

Focus Areas

• Afterschool Care Scholarships: Provides access to on-site afterschool programs at 19 schools across three school systems
• Summer Camp Scholarships: Supports youth participation in summer camp programs
• Child Care Scholarships: Assists families with childcare costs

Mission & Impact

• Ensures every child has a safe place to grow, learn, and build confidence
• Removes financial barriers for families unable to afford programs
• Strengthens families and community foundation through youth development

Afterschool Programs

• Serves approximately 300+ children
• On-site at 19 schools across Kingsport City, Sullivan County, and Hawkins County
• Includes:
  • Homework assistance
  • Reading and language improvement
  • Learning and enrichment activities
  • Services for children with and without disabilities
• YMCA Feeding Program: Daily 5-component USDA-compliant meals (Monday-Friday, year-round)
• Serves 21 afterschool sites and 8 outreach sites

Summer Camp Programs

• Serves approximately 350 local youth daily
• Operating at five school locations
• Serves rising first through eighth grade
• Coverage: Hawkins County, Sullivan County, Washington County
• Activities: Swimming, field trips, disc golf, crafts, skill activities
• Qualified, DOE safety and awareness licensed staff
• Goal: Safe place for children to create lasting memories and build confidence

Community Impact

• Serves approximately 18,000 people in the community
• Around 300 children receive safe, fun afterschool programming
• Over 500 people have learned to live healthier lives through Y programs
• All donations stay in the region for lasting community impact

What This Supports

• Opening doors for children to belong, thrive, and discover potential
• Removing barriers for families facing financial hardship
• Supporting bold growth and new opportunities at the YMCA

Core Values

• Youth development
• Healthy living
• Social responsibility

How to Give

Donation Methods:

• The YMCA offers flexible ways to give tax-deductible support
• Visit the YMCA website to make a donation
• All contributions are tax-deductible

Application/Selection

• Individual families seeking afterschool or summer camp scholarships apply through the Open Doors Financial Assistance program
• Donations to Strong Start campaign support the scholarship fund
• No separate application required for donors—contributions are made directly to the campaign