How the YMCA and Cornerstone CDC Are Closing the Swim Equity Gap in South Dallas

How a Partnership Sparked Change in the Fair Park Community

My name is Christina Hood, and I have the privilege of serving with the Cornerstone Community Development Corporation (CDC) as the Director of Kids' Enrichment Programs.

We began partnering with the YMCA to provide swimming lessons to families we serve in the South Dallas/Fair Park Community, a partnership that has changed lives and created a ripple effect of impact.

A Scary Moment That Sparked a Mission

In the summer of 2018, our summer camp director introduced an exciting new activity: swimming at the local neighborhood pool.

Everyone was thrilled, as kids in Texas always are when it's time to swim.

Out of 65 campers, only two could swim. Things were going smoothly until one of our 3rd-grade campers, let's call her Lynn, became overconfident, removed her life jacket, and had to be rescued by the lifeguard.

She was fine, but I was not. That moment changed everything for me. I knew something had to be done.

Finding the Right Partner: The YMCA Steps In

Determined to make swimming lessons accessible to every child, I began searching for lessons for all 50 campers at no cost.

After countless unanswered calls and emails, the YMCA responded.

Since 2021, the YMCA has provided free swim lessons to over 150 campers and staff in our organization, including a 64-year-old camp counselor who learned how to float, swim, and exit the pool safely.

Without the YMCA's kindness and generosity, many of our campers would never have learned this life-saving skill.

Lynn's Full-Circle Moment

Three years later, Lynn returned to camp.

On her first day of swim lessons, I reminded her, "You're the reason we do this."

She laughed and said, "I can swim now."

When she jumped in for her swim test, she had to be rescued again, but this time, I wasn't fearful. I knew she was safe and supported.

By the end of the summer, Lynn had passed her swim test and proudly earned her green band, a symbol of her perseverance and confidence.

Changing Lives Beyond the Pool

We all know the statistics: African-Americans drown at higher rates than other ethnic groups.

But through partnerships like this, the YMCA is closing the swim equity gap and empowering families with vital life skills.

Even in my own home, the impact is clear. Both of my children participated in YMCA swimming lessons this past year.

My son went from being a non-swimmer to joining the YMCA swim team.

He's not Michael Phelps yet, but his success wouldn't have been possible without the YMCA's generosity and commitment to community.

Making Waves of Change

Partnerships like the one between the YMCA and Cornerstone Community Development Corporation remind us that access, inclusion, and compassion can save lives one swimmer at a time.

Make a Splash: Get Involved with YMCA Swim Programs

The YMCA believes every child deserves the chance to learn how to swim, no matter their background or zip code.

From free community swim lessons to youth swim teams and water safety education, the Y is committed to building confidence and saving lives across North Texas.
 

YMCA swim lessons

Learn more about the YMCA Safety Around Water program