YMCA Heart of the Valley-Association Office

The YMCA of the Shoals, founded in 1966, is located in Florence, Ala. The organization s aquatic center features a whirlpool, steam room, sauna and indoor pools for recreation, lap swimming, and water aerobic and arthritis classes. It offers classes in aerobics, Pilates and yoga. The YMCA of the Shoals supports several sports activities, such as basketball, soccer, gymnastics and karate. The organization s before- and after-school child care programs provide academic enrichment activities and offer opportunities for children to explore their interests and talents. Its massage therapy program helps to reduce stress, release muscular tension and increase blood circulation. The YMCA of the Shoals has a wellness center that features treadmills, elliptical machines and stationary bicycles for cardiovascular training.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntsville and Madison counties in Alabama is open to youth of ages 5 through 18 with a special focus on children and teens from challengeing or disadvangtaged circumstances. The club offers five-core program initiatives, including arts, sports and fitness, social skills, character development and leadership development and education and career development. B&GC of Huntsville and Madison also provide prevention programs for youth, which include gang, alcohol, drug, tobacco, teen sex and pregnancy prevention. The clubs are affiliated to the national program of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.