The YMCA of Greater Houston is launching the "Phones Down, Eyes Up" campaign to prevent child drownings as summer approaches, emphasizing the importance of adult supervision around water.

HOUSTON – The YMCA of Greater Houston announced Thursday that it will increase the minimum pay for all full-time and part-time associates. The starting minimum pay is $15 an hour for full-time associates and $10 an hour for part-time associates, according to a news release. Stephen Ives, president and CEO of YMCA of Greater Houston said in a statement the initiative was a result of a generous gift received from MacKenzie Scott, who donated $18 million to the organization last year. Read more: MacKenzie Scott says she has given $4.1 billion to charity“Our intention is to increase equity and inclusion starting with ourselves, and this entry level wage adjustment is just one of the ways we are taking action internally,” Ives added. The YMCA will also use their $18 million gift to sustain efforts and to assist with other initiatives to fight inequality, address food insecurity and inspire youth to thrive.

KPRC 2 has launched the Stronger Houston, a series of reports that started this week focusing on how the inequities impact those who live in the Houston area. This week, the focus is on the disparity in the way COVID-19 impacts the communities of Gulfton and Bellaire. Nonprofit organizations around the community are figuring out a way to pivot to operate to continue to make a difference where its most important, said Reliant President Elizabeth Killinger. Symphony CEO John Mangum says while its not quite like being in Jones Hall the live stream production brings you right into the action. Jones Hall, Home of the Houston Symphony (Houston Symphony)

HOUSTON – The YMCA of Greater Houston has always been a great place to enroll your kids in sports programs after school. This August, the organization is launching a new program to help children learn through their schools’ virtual learning program while being supervised by a certified teacher at the YMCA. The academic/ virtual learning program begins at 8 a.m. and runs through 11 a.m. There is also financial aid available for parents who are struggling, through the YMCA and through the Texas Workforce Commission. You can enroll in the program for your children and apply for financial aid by going to the YMCA website.

HOUSTON – Summer camps will be allowed to reopen soon after Gov. The YMCA of Greater Houston’s summer camps will soon be allowed to open but they will not look like they did every year before this. The thing that won’t be different is the joy and excitement and enthusiasm that the kids are going to have for the good program that’s happening,” said Stephen Ives, the President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Houston. Summer camps can open on May 31, according to the state’s guidelines. In the video above, see what steps the YMCA of Greater Houston will be taking to protect your kids.

Getting healthy in the new year is easy at the YMCA of Greater Houston | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2Published: December 19, 2019, 2:08 pmThe YMCA of Greater Houston has been serving the Houston community for over 130 years. It’s a place you can work out and get healthy, but also so much more! They offer something for everyone…from infants to senior citizens. Now, they’re making it easy for you to get the entire family active in the new year.