YMCA News Archive

University YMCA Hosts Events to Recognize Native American Heritage Month on Friday, December 1

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 21:31:09 +0000

University YMCA Hosts Events to Recognize Native American Heritage Month on Friday, December 1 jeffrey.needham Thu, 11/30/2017 - 15:31

University YMCA Hosts Events to Recognize Native American Heritage Month on Friday, December 1

Minneapolis, MN – The University YMCA, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host two events in recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November.

In partnership with Word Carrier Trading Post, a publisher specializing in Native American literature, the University YMCA will host a book fair with titles ranging from preschool to college level. Word Carrier brings the written word to schools, communities and homes. The book fair will be open to the public from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, December 1.

The University Y will also partner with the Minneapolis Division of Indian Work and the Bdote Learning Center to host a campus visit for 70 students in Kindergarten through 6th grade on Friday, December 1. The trip was planned by participants in the Y Innovate youth mentoring program at Bdote Learning Center, which develops leadership and deepens appreciation of the environment through experiential learning activities led by college students. On their visit to the University, the students will receive a free book, visit the Tribal Nations Plaza, tour TCF Bank Stadium and engage in art, science, physical activities and college readiness activities at the University Y.

WHO:
University YMCA, Word Carrier Trading Post, Minneapolis Division of Indian Work and Bdote Learning Center

WHAT:
Recognition of Native American Heritage Month through Native American Book Fair & Y Innovate Program for Youth

WHERE:
University YMCA at 1801 University Avenue SE in Minneapolis, MN 55414

WHEN:
Friday, December 1 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

YMCA Supports Youth in the Juvenile Justice System to Achieve Success

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 20:37:54 +0000

YMCA Supports Youth in the Juvenile Justice System to Achieve Success jeffrey.needham Tue, 11/14/2017 - 14:37

YMCA Supports Youth in the Juvenile Justice System to Achieve Success

The Center for Law and Social Policy reports that on any given day, approximately 57,000 youth in the United States are in juvenile detention and correctional facilities with hundreds of thousands more on probation. Youth of color are disproportionately represented in this population.
According to a study by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, 75 to 93 percent of youth in the juvenile justice system report exposure to trauma versus 25 to 34 percent of all youth.
According to the U.S. Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (youth.gov), there is a significant increase in a young person’s likelihood of being involved in the juvenile justice system the year following suspension or expulsion from school.

The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, partners with the community to provide support and resources for Minnesota youth facing barriers to success due to involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Studies show that involvement in the juvenile justice system has a negative impact on young people’s education and employment prospects. The YMCA Youth Intervention Services team employs a positive youth development approach to build on young people’s strengths and partner with them to achieve success.

“At the Y, we work with youth to identify challenges and goals,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO for the Y. “The Y meets young people where they are and builds capacity with them to overcome barriers, achieve self-sufficiency and thrive.”

Gunderson explained that the Y supports youth facing barriers through access to resources that help them build skills and connect to opportunities. YMCA youth support specialists work in partnership with probation officers, school officials and others to meet the unique needs of each young person. The Y helps to:

Assist young people transitioning back into the community.
Remove barriers and provide resources to obtain proper identification, secure transportation, build life skills, prepare for independent living and more.
Empower young people to accomplish goals and successfully complete probation.
Support young people’s education goals to complete high school or pursue post-secondary opportunities.
Increase youth employment opportunities.
Connect to prosocial activities in the young person’s community.
Build relationships and connect youth to caring adults and positive role models.

See how the Y has partnered with Ayan and her probation officer to connect to resources and opportunities, and set new goals for the future – Helping Youth Realize Their Potential: Ayan’s Story.

Discover how Daterius has built a relationship with his Y youth support specialist Kelvin and learned to channel his emotions in new ways – Helping Youth Realize Their Potential: Daterius’ Story.

Learn how Paul has made positive changes in his life and connected to new education and employment opportunities with the support of his Y youth support specialist – Helping Youth Realize Their Potential: Paul’s Story.

YMCA Youth Intervention Services offers many additional programs to meet the needs of youth experiencing homelessness, involvement with the juvenile justice or foster care systems, or who are disconnected from their school or community. Among these services is the Youth Resource Line, a free resource staffed 365 days a year by Y team members to assist youth ages 12 to 24 who are in need of community resources: 763-493-3052.

Because the Y is a leading nonprofit committed to helping all young people thrive, financial assistance is available to those in need. With the generous support of community members, the Y ensures that all have the opportunity to participate. To learn more about the Y’s Youth Intervention Services and other youth development programs, please visit ymcamn.org.

YMCA of the North Offers Discount to Military Members on Veteran's Day Weekend

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 14:56:54 +0000

YMCA of the North Offers Discount to Military Members on Veteran's Day Weekend jeffrey.needham Fri, 11/10/2017 - 08:56

YMCA of the North Offers Discount to Military Members on Veteran's Day Weekend

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will offer veterans, active military members, and their families a $1 enrollment fee and no membership dues until January 2018 when they join the Y on Veteran’s Day weekend.

For years, YMCAs across the nation have honored and recognized the dedication, sacrifice, and service of military personnel and their families. The YMCA of the North supports military families this November and throughout the year with programs and initiatives that improve their well-being and provide opportunities to connect with their communities.

“The YMCA is committed to supporting active military members, veterans and their families,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “Whether it’s providing a place where kids can make friends and have a sense of belonging, or providing a place for adults to meet health goals, the Y is able to help.”

To take advantage of this offer, individuals must visit their local YMCA. To learn more about opportunities for veterans and military families to thrive at the Y on Veteran’s Day and throughout the year, visit ymcamn.org.

WHO:
YMCA of the North

WHAT:
YMCA membership offer featuring a $1 enrollment fee and no dues until January 2018 for veterans, active military members and their families

WHERE:
Any of the 24 YMCA facilities across the Twin Cities and Rochester

WHEN:
Saturday, November 11 – Sunday, November 12, 2017