Gas South Donation Helps YMCA of Metro Atlanta Expand Adaptive Swim Program

ATLANTA (July 7, 2023) – Gas South, a leading provider of natural gas throughout the southeastern U.S., announces a donation of $327,000 to YMCA of Metro Atlanta and YMCA of North Central Florida. The donation will be used to fund the expansion of YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s Adaptive Swim Equity Health Program and provide continued support for the Gas South STEAM Labs in Atlanta and Gainesville.

The YMCA Adaptive Swim Equity Health Program provides recreational and instructional swimming lessons to children ages 5 to 12 with special needs. The program utilizes one-on-one, individualized sessions to teach swimming skills and safety around water. With Gas South’s funding, YMCA of Metro Atlanta will increase the scale of the program with the goal to serve over 200 individuals with disabilities annually. Additionally, YMCA of Metro Atlanta will partner with the Special Olympics to provide adaptive swimmers with opportunities to participate in community initiatives.

“Providing all children, regardless of ability, with the water skills they need to feel safe and independently capable is critical and we are thrilled to help expand this impactful program,” said Kevin Greiner, president and CEO of Gas South. “Gas South is proud to support YMCA of Metro Atlanta and YMCA of North Florida as we continue to Be A Fuel For Good for the communities we serve.”

Since 2020, Gas South has invested in multiple YMCA STEAM Labs to provide educational programming for youth. Gas South will allocate $50,000 of the total $327,000 donation for YMCA of Metro Atlanta and $25,000 for YMCA of North Central Florida to provide ongoing support for the established labs.

“Through Gas South’s generous support, we can continue to create an environment where children feel empowered to pursue what they love,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “Our Adaptive Swim Equity Health Program is designed to cater to each child’s needs, so they can build confidence with every stroke.”

As a part of the company’s ongoing mission to Be A Fuel For Good, Gas South donates 5% of its annual profits to support children in need in the communities it serves. In 2022, the company gave more than $3.2 million to help support children in need in Georgia and Florida, more than doubling the previous year’s contribution. Since 2006, Gas South has donated more than $12 million, focusing on programs that provide food, clothing, shelter, education, career development or aid for chronic and terminal illnesses, to children and young adults.