The Greater Austin YMCA, with eight centers in the metropolitan area and serving more than 100,000 people annually, contracted with Breakaway PR in June of 2021 to bring fresh and broader attention to various programs, new and old. Coming out of Covid lockdowns, the Y was developing new ways to deliver upon its mission to improve health and wellbeing, and inspire action in and across the many diverse communities it serves. 

Most people are well aware of the physical fitness and health benefits provided by a Y membership, but fewer know about the organization’s work to aid in food insecurity, mental health, childcare (Extend-a-Care Y is the largest provider of after-school child care in the Austin area), diversity, arts and pre-school education. 

Breakaway’s media campaigns aim to not only build awareness but drive participation, whether attending a camp, practicing water safety, community gardening, attending a racial healing seminar, or volunteering for a special cause.

Within the first two years, Breakaway secured more than eight million audience views across 58 on and offline regional media platforms. Breakaway continues to build reputation and increase awareness of the YMCA and its wide range of programs throughout the Austin area with media coverage in outlets such as Austin American-Statesman, Austin Monthly, KXAN, Audacy’s Inside Austin podcast and Austin Chronicle.