Strengthening Character Through Programs
YMCA programs are one of the vehicles Ys use to accomplish their character-development goals. A mission-driven YMCA offers programs that encourage people to act on these principles in a manner that is inclusive of all people (ages, abilities, incomes, genders, backgrounds and beliefs). 

Character development strengthens our ability to deliver what our mission statement promises: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Christian principles, taken together, are like a code of conduct, based upon Biblical teachings. 

These principles consist of many positive values that are also accepted by many other religious traditions as “the right things to do.” The YMCA of Greater Omaha considers the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility to be among the most important Christian principles.

Caring: to demonstrate a sincere concern for others, for their needs and well-being. Related values: compassion, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness.

Honesty: to tell the truth, to demonstrate reliability and trustworthiness through actions that are in keeping with my stated positions and beliefs. Related values: integrity and fairness.

Respect: to treat others as I would want them to treat me, to value the worth of every person, including myself. Related values: acceptance, empathy, self-respect and tolerance.

Responsibility: to do what is right--what I ought to do, to be accountable for my choices of behavior and actions and my promises. Related values: commitment, courage, good health, service and citizenship.

Your YMCA not only teaches kids to swim, we offer a huge variety of exercise classes and hundreds of necessary programs that respond to community needs, including camping, child care, family programs, sports, older adults activities, programs for teenagers and more.