YMCA IS LEADING THE CHARGE TO SUPORT ACTIVE AGING

The YMCA of South Palm Beach County has received a $60,000 grant from Sun Capital Partners to expand teen leadership and career programs at the Lab in Boca Raton. The funding will support hundreds of teens—especially those from moderate-income households—by providing mentorship, leadership development, and career readiness opportunities. The initiative aims to help teens build confidence, explore their potential, and prepare for future success while strengthening the community.

Maxwell Reese’s journey with the YMCA of South Palm Beach County shows the power of community support through life’s challenges. As a child, Max struggled with behavior, but YMCA staff worked closely with his family to help him grow and succeed. Soon after, he faced a far greater challenge—a leukemia diagnosis during the pandemic—which kept him isolated for years. Throughout it all, the YMCA remained a source of encouragement and belonging. When Max returned, he was warmly welcomed back and supported as he gradually rejoined activities.

The Simmons family has a four-generation connection to the Peter Blum YMCA in Boca Raton, now continued by 18-month-old Cameron. His great grandfather helped establish the Y decades ago, and today Cameron is beginning preschool there.