Campo YMCA Celebrates Decade of Service to Community

Sure, it's a place to exercise.

That's evident in the number of YMCA members who routinely participate in exercise classes, swim or take advantage of the YMCA's numerous pieces of exercise equipment.

"But it's so much more than a "gym and swim,'" said Cindy Sofarelli, group vice president of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA. "It's also a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to meeting community needs."

The Campo Family YMCA, 3434 Culbreath Road, Valrico, will celebrate 10 years in the community this Sunday with a free birthday bash from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., featuring a variety of activities including games, bounce houses, healthy snacks,drinks, Zumba, swimming, craft projects, birthday cake and free T-shirts for the first 200 guests at the celebration.

For Sofarelli, it will be a double celebration. She was hired 10 years ago to serve as the first director of the Camp0 Family YMCA.

Founded in1844 as the Young Men's Christian Association, the YMCA is credited with inventing both basketball and volleyball, said Sofarelli.

But, over the years, the "Y," as it's now called, has developed into a place where people not only exercise but meet the social needs of the community, said Sofarelli.

She points to programs the YMCA offers for at-risk youth and teens.

"We're really interested in developing young people who are now dealing with issues we didn't face in the past," said Sofarelli. "Bullying is a huge issue as is violence. The Y is really interested in the development of young people, and we're providing programs and services to develop youth."

In addition to offering programs geared to youngsters and teens, the YMCA supports needy families in the community, offering membership scholarships and organizing back-to-school and holiday giveaways for needy families.

"Last year, we gave away 750 backpacks with school supplies and provided haircuts and immunizations for 1,000 kids," said Sofarelli. "In addition, at Christmas, we made sure needy children in the community received gifts and their parents received two weeks' worth of food."

FishHawk Ranch financial adviser Elijah Heath serves on the Campo Family YMCA board of directors and credits the YMCA with keeping him off the streets as a youth.

"The Seffner campus (on Kingsway Road) was the only YMCA around when I was growing up and I remember going there every day when I was in middle school," he said. "Both of my parents working full time so we'd be at the YMCA every day doing homework and playing basketball. The YMCA kept me out of potential trouble."

But the focus isn't only on youth, said Sofarelli. The Campo Family YMCA recently launched programs for cancer survivors and residents who are at risk for diabetes.

In addition, the Silver Sneakers program and other classes at the YMCA provide an opportunity for senior citizens to stay fit and socialize.

"What differentiates us from your typical gym is balance," said Sofarelli. "We're interested in the whole person."

As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, nonmembers can join the Campo YMCA  or the FishHawk YMCA Express, 16144 Churchview Drive in Lithia, for $10 through Sunday. Regular joining fees range from $29 for kids and young adults to $49 for a family of three or more.

“We are here to help our neighbors,” said Sofarelli, noting that no one is turned away because of their inability to pay. “It is one of the foundations of our organization."

For information, call 813-684-1371 or e-mail Jessica.leigh@tampaymca.