YMCA Southcoast has launched its 2017 annual campaign, “Change Someone’s Tomorrow, Today!” with the goal of raising $500,000 to ensure that everyone has access to programs that support youth development and healthy living.

Jordan Rezendes, 25, of Wareham shared his Y story at the Annual Campaign Kickoff Breakfast held in Fairhaven on March 7. According to Rezendes, the Y’s impact on his life has been profound.

“I like to say that the Y saved my life. From the time I was 12 years old, I would come to the Y every single day to play basketball,” said Rezendes. “I ended up playing basketball in college and becoming an All-American. I even travelled to Brazil to play basketball…The Y has been able to help me which is why I give back to the Y and try to help any kid I can, because that’s what the Y did for me.”

YMCA Southcoast was recently recognized at the Y’s National Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. for its leadership in advocacy work with state legislators.

This year’s annual campaign is being spear-headed by volunteer co-chairs, Nancy McFadden of Marion and Arthur DeAscentis of Fall River.

“Each year YMCA Southcoast gives out more and more YCares Financial Assistance to those who would otherwise not be able to benefit from all the Y has to offer,” said McFadden. “So, each year we need to raise more and more money through our annual campaign.”

Last year, YMCA Southcoast awarded more than $675,000 in YCares Financial Assistance to individuals and families in the South Coast so they were able to participate in Y programs. This year, the Y hopes to raise $500,000 to help close their mission funding gap while helping kids have a safe place to learn and build confidence after school.

To learn more about supporting the Y’s cause and contributing to the 2017 annual campaign, visit one of its branches in Dartmouth, Fall River, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Swansea and Wareham or online at ymcasouthcoast.org.