Lealman Exchange is home to a variety of tenant organizations who serve our community and beyond. Today, we are chatting with Ulas Butler, Lealman YMCA Preschool Academy Director
Tell us a little about yourself and your organization: Lealman YMCA Preschool Academy is a part of the larger YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg network, offering early childhood education in a supportive and nurturing environment. We provide children with the foundational skills they need to succeed in school and in life, emphasizing social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. At our academy, we strive to create a community where families feel supported, and children are empowered to thrive.
Tell us who you serve and how: We serve children from the Lealman area and surrounding communities, typically between the ages of infants and 5. Our preschool programs focus on creating a positive learning environment, offering a blend of structured educational activities and play. We serve a diverse group of families, including those in need of financial assistance, ensuring all children have access to high-quality early childhood education.
What drives your mission? Our mission is driven by a commitment to providing accessible, quality early childhood education to all families. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential, regardless of their background or financial situation. By fostering a strong sense of community and providing children with the resources they need to grow academically, socially, and emotionally, we aim to build a brighter future for everyone we serve.
Do you have an accomplishment you are particularly proud of you’d like to share? One of our proudest accomplishments is our ability to maintain high retention and satisfaction rates among our families. Despite the challenges of recent years, including the pandemic and changes in staffing, our commitment to providing a stable and supportive environment for both children and parents has led to positive feedback and continued enrollment. Additionally, we are proud of the relationships we’ve built with local families and our continued efforts to ensure all children, regardless of their background, have access to a quality education.
What programs or opportunities are available through your organization to our Lealman neighbors? The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg at Lealman Exchange serves as a key resource center for the community, offering a wide range of programs and services designed to support individuals and families of all ages. Some of the programs and services available to the Lealman community in addition to our preschool include:
Free Programs & Services:
Family Night Open Gym: Every Friday, 6PM – 8PM, where families can enjoy an active evening together. Open to all ages.
Drop-In Adult Basketball: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6PM – 9PM, providing adults with a fun way to stay active.
Paid Programs & Services:
Parkinson’s Disease Programs: Exercise and support programs designed to improve function and independence for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners.
SilverSneakers®: A fitness program for seniors held on Tuesdays & Thursdays, focusing on maintaining a higher quality of life through physical activity.
These programs, along with our supportive environment, ensure that we are meeting the diverse needs of the Lealman community, from young children to older adults.
To learn more about the YMCA at Lealman Exchange, visit www.stpeteymca.org and follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/