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South Carolina’s popularity as a great place to live and to do business in is evident by the influx of people moving here, the rapid expansion of our cities, and the increase of companies that establish operations in our state. There are many factors that drive this growth. 

As a charitable health and human services organization that strengthens the communities we serve, the YMCA’s mission, following the example of Christ, is to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. No one is turned away from our programs and services, regardless of their ability to pay, thanks to funds raised through our Annual Campaign. Through 55 branches that serve as community touchpoints across the state, the Y nurtures the potential of children through Youth Development, improves our health and well-being by promoting Healthy Living, and fosters a sense of Social Responsibility by providing opportunities to give back and support our neighbors.  

Don’t forget to include the benefits that the YMCA offers as part of your pitch strategy:  

1. Having access to affordable and approachable health and wellness programs creates a healthier workforce, which impacts your bottom line. 

Deloitte’s Center for Health Solutions recently published an analysis citing that health equity is an influential driver of “business growth, talent retention and productivity” while health inequity costs organizations millions of dollars.  

It is well documented that regular exercise helps to reduce stress, improve mental wellbeing, and helps to prevent and reverse the negative impacts of chronic diseases. The YMCA is an access point for health and wellness, as well as a connector to other community health resources. We meet people where they are in their wellness journey and help them to define and achieve their goals. While disease prevention is key, the YMCA is also a beacon of support for chronic disease management through programs like LIVESTRONG and Exercise is Medicine Greenville. 

1. Without access to affordable and quality childcare, working parents struggle to support their families and contribute to the state’s economy.   

One of the biggest challenges working parents face is finding a safe and nurturing place for their children to be taken care of while they work. The YMCA offers afterschool care and summer day camp programs for kindergarteners through eighth-graders that provide a fun environment with small group discussions, academic enrichment, character development, and positive reinforcement of behaviors by great staff role models.  

1. Cultivating developmental opportunities for teens and young adults paves the way for the next generation of South Carolina’s workforce. 

For working parents with teenagers, the YMCA offers plenty of first job opportunities as lifeguards, summer day camp and afterschool counselors, front desk staff and more. In fact, many of today’s YMCA leaders started their first jobs in one of these roles. Through the SC Youth in Government and YMCA Camp Greenville’s Leadership Development Program, teens develop skills they will use throughout their lives, such as managing projects and teams, and learning to effectively and respectfully communicate with others.  

1. Volunteering provides pathways to give back and to develop leadership skills beyond company environments. 

The Y has a long history of identifying community challenges and creating ways to address them. There are myriad volunteer opportunities for your employees to participate in, whether as a group, on an individual basis, or even together with their families. 

These opportunities create meaningful, impactful experiences and build a sense of community and belonging. Those who volunteer on Y boards grow their professional networks and deepen leadership skills in ways they may not be exposed to at work. They also learn about the power of collaboration with other community organizations to help solve a larger need that cannot be done so alone.  

Building a robust economy and long-term, sustainable growth requires leaders who take care of their people and communities. The YMCA is here to support you in your endeavors through our programs and services across the state. Together, we can create a stronger, healthier South Carolina. 

Sam Franklin is president and CEO of YMCA Greenville.