More Than a Pool: How the YMCA Builds Confidence, Equity, and Community

Mr. Lennox Forrester leads the O’Fallon Park Rec Complex YMCA and has played a vital role in expanding youth access to swimming, fitness, and life-saving skills across the St. Louis community.

For several years, Confluence Academy’s Old North and South City students have participated in swimming lessons through the Summer Journey program at this YMCA location. These lessons are more than recreational—they teach critical safety skills and build confidence in and out of the water.

This expanded partnership was made possible in part thanks to Caroline Mitchell, whose leadership and advocacy were instrumental in bringing Confluence Academy into the YMCA Summer Swim Outreach Program. Her efforts helped ensure that more students across the association gain access to safe, inclusive swim education and community-centered support.