How a Community Partnership Increased Pool Access for Youth
Swimming is a quintessential childhood activity. And it’s not just about fun. Access to pools and swim lessons promotes physical health and provides life-saving water safety skills.
Unfortunately, many families across Tarrant County lack access to a public pool or affordable swimming lessons. While the City works to develop a longer-term strategy to tackle this challenge, local partners came together to provide children residing in pool-deprived areas with a more immediate option. Upon learning about this issue, NTCF swiftly convened donors and community partners to create a solution.
Although public pools may be scarce, the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth manages swimming pools at locations throughout the city. Furthermore, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Tarrant County (BGCTC) serves youth who often reside in neighborhoods without pool access. Within a matter of weeks, agency leaders developed a program through which the children participating in BGCTC programs received access to YMCA pools and swimming instructors, with all costs covered by local donors.
Thanks to our nonprofit leaders and generous donors, the swimming program was a resounding success, with more than 1,100 children receiving complimentary swim lessons and transportation per week.
Thank you to the generous NTCF fundholders and local private foundations who made this collaboration possible: Brian and Tamara Cook Family Fund, DuBose Family Foundation, MAKB Foundation, and Lisa & Burch Waldron Fund.
This story was originally featured in our 2023 Report to the Community.
