The YMCA of Greater Brandywine announced that it will kick off its annual campaign under the leadership of Jim Horn, President and CEO of The Tri-M Group, based in Kennett Square.

Seeking to raise $1.3 million, dozens of YMCA volunteers and staff will rally on Feb. 16 at CTDI to build enthusiasm and strategy for the upcoming campaign. Horn, a YMCA board member, will issue the challenge and inspire the troops to help share the importance of the YMCA’s community programs and community involvement.

“I firmly believe in the mission of the Y,” said Horn, a corporate leader steeped in charitable engagement. “Youth development is extremely important to me, and not only is the Y a vital partner for our communities, but it plays an important role in the development of our children, instilling values desperately needed for their future success.”

That work takes place on a number of levels. Working families receive access to quality childcare, and summer camp programming. And children who would otherwise be alone are given safe places to go for homework help, character-building activities, and leadership skills.

The Believe and Achieve program is a shining example, as it helps area students boost their grades and social skills after school. The Power Scholars Academy is another academically-focused program, targeting summer learning loss. In its debut last year, Power Scholars enabled the YMCA to serve 83 children in the Oxford Area School District. Amazing results came in just six weeks during the summer.

Power Scholars was so successful that the YMCA is expanding this program into Coatesville, with the help of funds from partners and donors to the annual campaign.

Plus, money raised through this annual campaign also helps power the YMCA’s innovative 7th Grade Initiative, which provides a no-cost YMCA membership to any Chester County 7th-grader. The program offers children at a critical stage a place to find friends, healthier habits, and even mentorship that often impacts their academic and social development.

Life-saving water-safety skills are provided to children and adults for little to no cost, too, along with scores of other programs and opportunities, as a result of dollars raised in the annual campaign.

“We couldn’t serve 13,000 individuals and families with over $3.8 million in financial assistance without our talented staff and the generous support from our dedicated volunteers, community partners, and donors,” said YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s Chief Development Officer Mary Burns. “They all make it possible for us to continue our mission of supporting youth and families. We look forward to another successful year and the opportunity to remind our neighbors of the Y’s long history as one of the nation’s most effective and enduring charitable organizations.

“This is also an educational opportunity for the Y to get out and let people know about the life-changing programming we make available to those throughout Chester County.”

To give or learn more about the annual campaign, visit www.ymcagbw.org/give.