YMCA News Archive

YMCA opens second family camp in northern Minnesota

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 06:00:00 +0000

YMCA opens second family camp in northern Minnesota jeffrey.needham Fri, 11/30/2018 - 00:00

Camp Northern Lights sits on 115 acres at the edge of the Boundary Waters.

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Y sharing tips to stay fit during the holiday season

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 06:00:00 +0000

Y sharing tips to stay fit during the holiday season jeffrey.needham Tue, 11/27/2018 - 00:00

Y sharing tips to stay fit during the holiday season

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YMCA connects homeless youth with a home

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 06:00:00 +0000

YMCA connects homeless youth with a home jeffrey.needham Thu, 11/22/2018 - 00:00

Nine out of ten homeless youth had experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. Homeless youth are least likely to use shelters and the majority are homeless long-term.

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YCMA Christmas Tree Lots In The Twin Cities

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 06:00:00 +0000

YCMA Christmas Tree Lots In The Twin Cities jeffrey.needham Tue, 11/20/2018 - 00:00

The YCMA of the Greater Twin Cities is selling Christmas trees at four lots throughout the metro. Proceeds will go towards helping young people attend life-changing programs.

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YMCA Hosts Annual Christmas Tree Lots to Support Youth Attending Programs and Camps at Six Y Locations

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 19:14:58 +0000

YMCA Hosts Annual Christmas Tree Lots to Support Youth Attending Programs and Camps at Six Y Locations jeffrey.needham Mon, 11/19/2018 - 13:14

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, is selling Christmas trees at six local tree lots starting in November.

Since 1938, Y Service Clubs have been selling Christmas trees and this year the Y will also offer garland, swags, bows and wreaths for sale. The Blaisdell, Southdale, St. Paul Downtown, Eastside, Midway, Ridgedale and Burnsville YMCA’s and Camp St. Croix are selling these holiday decorations to raise money for youth across the Twin Cities to participate in Y programs and camps.

“The YMCA is committed to removing barriers that may prevent kids and teens in our community from participating in enriching programs and camps,” said Glen Gunderson and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “The Christmas Tree Lots are an annual tradition that help raise funds so all youth have opportunities to participate in meaningful activities that can inspire their future goals and help them reach their potential.”

WHO:
YMCA of the North

WHAT:
Annual Christmas Tree Lot

WHERE:
Blaisdell YMCA Tree Lot: Corner of 42nd Street and Hiawatha Avenue
   November 19 – December 15
   Monday – Thursday 4:30 – 8:00 p.m.
   Friday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Southdale YMCA Tree Lot: Southdale YMCA 7355 York Avenue South Edina, MN 55435 (In the Skate Park area)
   November 23 – December 24
   Monday – Thursday 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
   Friday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

St. Paul Downtown, Eastside and Camp St. Croix Tree Lot: Highland National Golf Course, 1403 Montreal Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55116
   November 23 – December 24
   Monday – Thursday 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
   Friday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
   Special Hours November 23 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

St. Paul Midway Tree Lot: 530 Wheeler Street
   November 23 – December 24
   Monday – Thursday 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.
   Friday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Burnsville Tree Lot: 13850 Portland Ave. S.
   November 23-December 24
   Open weekdays 6:00-8:00 p.m., Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   Trees can also be picked up outside these hours—visit the front desk at the Y

Minnetonka—Ridgedale YMCA: 12301 Ridgedale Dr.
   November 23-December 24
   Open Fridays 5:00-8:00 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
   Expanded hours on November 23: 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
   Outside of these hours, the lot is self-service

About the YMCA of the North

The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 162 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 29 Y locations and program sites, eight overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 350,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcamn.org.

YMCA and Community Partners Help Young People Find a Way Home Through Minor Connect Program

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 16:43:09 +0000

YMCA and Community Partners Help Young People Find a Way Home Through Minor Connect Program jeffrey.needham Fri, 11/16/2018 - 10:43

According to Wilder Research, on any given night in Minnesota, over 6,000 youth are homeless with less than 100 youth shelter beds available.
Nine out of 10 homeless youth had experienced at least one adverse childhood experience.
Homeless youth are least likely to use shelters and the majority are long-term homeless.

The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, collaborates with community partners on the new Minor Connect pilot program to create a dynamic response to assist youth ages 15-17 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness or whose housing situation creates the potential for significant harm.

Youth on their own make up 16 percent of the total homeless population in the state of Minnesota and there is a need to stabilize and support them in the transition to adulthood. The YMCA along with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Hennepin County Human Services, The Link and The Youth Law Project have developed an innovative model that provides a better way for youth to help them find a way home. Minor Connect program services include: an individual needs assessment, family group decision making, youth in transition conferencing, efforts to connect and reunify families, and connections to housing options.

“Along with our great community partners, the Y works 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 added that along with the Minor Connect program, the Y team offers additional programs and services that support youth facing barriers including:

Youth Resource Line is a free resource line for youth and young adults 12-24 who are in need of community resources. YMCA Life Coaches offer referrals to YMCA and community resources based on the young person’s needs. Call 763-493-3052 and leave a message to get connected.
School, Street and Community-Based Outreach Services provides a connection to YMCA staff who travel to meet youth where they are at and provide short-term life coaching, housing assessments and connections to resources and basic needs.
Prevention Resources aim to prevent homelessness through life coaching, mediation, family reunification, eviction prevention assistance and connection to other community resources.
Communities Host Home: The Communities Host Home Program bridges the gap between concerned community members and our homeless youth and young adults. Members of the community volunteer to host young people experiencing homelessness. The Y provides life coaching for youth and support for hosts to facilitate transitions, minimize barriers and ensure that youth's goals are set and achieved. For information on becoming a Host Home, contact hosthomes@ymcanorth.org.
Young Parenting Program: The YMCA provides community-based independent housing and life coaching to young adult parents (and their children) as well as support of the Nurturing Parenting Curriculum and early childhood resources.
Independent Housing Program works to support young adults experiencing homelessness with independence and stability. Young people continue to receive life coaching services after they are settled into their own apartment, and are supported to set and achieve their life goals.
Youth Food Shelves are staffed by outreach team members who can assist young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with food resources and other basic needs, and connection to longer-term services.

Learn about the Minor Connect program that is offering tailored, ongoing housing and supportive services for youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness – YMCA Minor Connect, Helping Youth Find Their Way Home

Discover how Jasmine has received support and stability from a host family – YMCA Jasmine'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 available 365 days a year by Y life coaches 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.

It's fun to play at the YMCA Gala

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 06:00:00 +0000

It's fun to play at the YMCA Gala jeffrey.needham Fri, 11/16/2018 - 00:00

The entertainment at the YMCA of the North Gala was as diverse as the programs offered by the Y.

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

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 21:53:45 +0000

YMCA Offers Discount to Military Members on Veteran's Day Weekend jeffrey.needham Mon, 11/05/2018 - 15:53

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 2019 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 for kids to make friends and have a sense of belonging, a place for adults to meet health goals, or a place for military families to create a community, the Y is able to help.”

To take advantage of this offer, individuals must visit their local YMCA. Find a location near you.

WHO:
YMCA of the North

WHAT:
YMCA membership offer featuring a $1 enrollment fee and no dues until January 2019 for veterans, active military members and their families

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

WHEN:
Saturday, November 10 – Sunday, November 11, 2018

About the YMCA of the North