GEORGIA MOUNTAINS YMCA NEWS RELEASE:
The Gainesville-based Georgia Mountains YMCA has received a $50,000 grant from the Atlanta Falcons Youth Fund (AFYF) – an associate-led fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation – in support of its Safety Around Water program. This investment marks the first gift the YMCA has received from AFYF.
The funding will support expanded Safety Around Water programming throughout 2026, helping more children and families gain access to essential water safety education and swim instruction. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death among children, and access to early water safety skills can be lifesaving.
To recognize the impact of this gift, the Georgia Mountains YMCA hosted representatives from AFYF on February 11, 2026, for a behind the scenes look at Safety Around Water programming in action. The visit included time with YMCA staff, instructors, and participants, highlighting how this investment directly supports children in the local community.
“This gift is transformational for our Safety Around Water program,” said Lane Walberg, President and CEO of the Georgia Mountains YMCA. “It allows us to reach more children, remove financial barriers, and provide critical skills that protect lives. We are deeply grateful for the trust and partnership shown by the Atlanta Falcons Youth Fund and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.”
Safety Around Water is a YMCA initiative designed to reduce the risk of drowning while helping children build confidence and essential safety skills around water. The program provides children with essential water safety knowledge, basic swim skills, and the confidence to make safe decisions around water, especially for those who may not otherwise have access to swim instruction. The YMCA prioritizes outreach to families facing financial barriers and communities at higher risk for drowning.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to youth development, health, and safety, and sets the foundation for continued collaboration focused on strengthening the community.
For more information about the Georgia Mountains YMCA and its Safety Around Water program, visit www.gamountainsymca.org.
About The Georgia Mountains YMCA
The Georgia Mountains YMCA is committed to strengthening the community by providing programs and services that encourage youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our Mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs, services and relationships that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
About The Atlanta Falcons Youth Fund
The Atlanta Falcons Youth Fund (AFYF) strives to increase the time kids spend in physical activity-especially those approaches that change the lives of children who are most likely to miss out on or opt out of physical activity and to give more children access to fresh fruits and vegetables. AFYF is an associate-led fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.