2025 in Review: Strengthening North Texas Together

2025 marked a powerful year of growth for the Dallas Y as we continue to fulfill our mission to strengthen communities. With the support of our members, donors, partners, and volunteers like you, we made meaningful investments in facilities, programs, and partnerships that continue to meet the changing needs of our communities. Below are a few highlights from what we achieved together in 2025:

Expanding Our Facilities and Community Impact 
After two years of construction, we proudly opened the newly rebuilt Park South Family YMCA. The new Y features expanded wellness areas, a brand-new preschool wing, an indoor pool, a modern Child Watch, and large gathering spaces, all to deepen our service to children and families in the Queen City of South Dallas. 

We also celebrated key milestones across our association: 

• We broke ground on the Cindy Hess Memorial Park, launching the Waxahachie Family YMCA’s $7.2 million capital campaign to renovate and expand the facility and create an outdoor community space. 

• At Camp Grady Spruce, we marked the completion of the new Ray Bean Cabins and Ray Bean Dining Hall, along with renovated equestrian and aquatics areas.

• And at the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall, its 50th anniversary was marked by advancing a $5.2 million campaign supporting the creation of a natatorium, facility expansion, and new multipurpose rooms.

As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to advance new capital projects that strengthen our facilities and expand our impact across North Texas.

Strengthening Workforce, Wellness, and Life-Saving Programs 
We were honored to receive an award from Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas for Collaborative Excellence recognizing our work to support free career readiness services and job placement support at local YMCAs.

In addition to workforce development, the YMCA continued expanding programs that support both physical safety and mental well-being. Thanks to funding from partners like POOLCORP and the CDC Foundation through a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, our Safety Around Water program has grown to serve over 10,000 participants. We are grateful for their shared commitment to teaching life-saving skills to North Texas families.

Alongside our mental wellness partners, Metrocare Services, Momentous Institute, Grant Halliburton Foundation and Center for BrainHealth®, part of The University of Texas at Dallas, we launched “Yes You Can!”, a new initiative focused on addressing the youth mental health crisis. This summer, more than 600 campers, parents, and camp counselors participated, with counselors reporting improved behavior, increased emotional safety, and stronger application of mental wellness tools. 

Signature Events That Bring Our Community Together 
Our largest event of the year has grown even LARGER! With the addition of a petting zoo, drumline and diaper dash, the Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot presented by Texas Health hosted 24,078 runners (and walkers!) and 750 dogs. It’s the biggest race we’ve held in 7 years and it’s truly amazing to continue to celebrate Thanksgiving morning with generations of families.

The Key Leaders Luncheon presented by Southwest Airlines brought together leading voices from education, industry, and civic leadership to explore how our region is aligning its talent pipeline for the future. We awarded Jill and Brent Magnuson and The Touchdown Club of Dallas as Advancing Community Impact Awardees for their work with Catalyst Christmas and the Ashford Rise School of Dallas.

Record-Breaking Generosity and Youth Investment 
We reached an all-time fundraising record, surpassing $5 million in annual giving. Because of this generosity, programs like Youth and Government, Livestrong, and active older adult support for our seniors, helped us deepen our impact across North Texas.

20 outstanding North Texas high school seniors were awarded $276,000 in academic scholarships through our Annual College Scholarship Program recognizing their academic achievement, community service, leadership, and financial need. 

In 2025, the Dallas Y celebrated 140 years of service. While much has changed since our first Y opened its doors in 1885, one thing remains constant—our mission to strengthen North Texas. This work would not be possible without the collective power of our partners, donors, volunteers, and supporters like you.

Thank you for being part of our Y family. We wish you and yours a happy and healthy 2026.