YMCA News Archive

YMCA partners with The Sheridan Story and the John W. Mooty Foundation to provide nutritious food

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +0000

YMCA partners with The Sheridan Story and the John W. Mooty Foundation to provide nutritious food jeffrey.needham Fri, 12/28/2018 - 00:00

YMCA partners with The Sheridan Story and the John W. Mooty Foundation to provide nutritious food to youth and families over the winter break.

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January resolutions and commitment to healthy living and the benefits of a personal trainer

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 26 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +0000

January resolutions and commitment to healthy living and the benefits of a personal trainer jeffrey.needham Wed, 12/26/2018 - 00:00

January resolutions and commitment to healthy living and the benefits of a personal trainer.

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YMCA Blaisdell and Hiawatha teams provide 400 families with a holiday meal

jeffrey.needham — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 06:00:00 +0000

YMCA Blaisdell and Hiawatha teams provide 400 families with a holiday meal jeffrey.needham Sat, 12/22/2018 - 00:00

YMCA Blaisdell and Hiawatha teams provide 400 families with a holiday meal

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YMCA Recommends How to Rethink and Reframe Your New Year’s Resolutions for 2019

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 18:51:19 +0000

YMCA Recommends How to Rethink and Reframe Your New Year’s Resolutions for 2019 jeffrey.needham Thu, 12/20/2018 - 12:51

Along with singing “Auld Lang Syne” at the start of the New Year, making resolutions is a tradition for millions of Americans. However, while choosing a resolution can be easy, sticking to them is hard. A YMCA survey found that less than a quarter of respondents kept their resolutions. Many (71 percent) tried, but stated that they fell short of their goals, while 40 percent confessed that gave up within the first few months, even weeks, of the New Year!

While there is no “right way” to keep a resolution, the YMCA of the North, , a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, is encouraging community members to give their New Year’s resolutions a boost by:

Start small. Break those big resolutions into small, achievable goals. “’Getting healthy’ is too broad so reframe that big resolution into smaller, more manageable goals. Instead of cutting chocolate out of your diet for good, vow to only have it a few times a week. Or trade your two sodas a day for one soda and a glass of water.
Take it one step at a time. Trying to change too many habits at once can easily lead to frustration. Instead of a New Year’s resolution, make a new month resolution. Focus on that one change for the month and add another (small) change when the new month rolls around.
Keep the faith. Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Even though you may experience some missteps throughout the day—or even the week—that doesn’t mean you have to give up. Bad habits aren’t created in a week, so try as you might, you can’t change them in a week either.
It’s all about attitude. It’s important to think about what you’re gaining from a resolution rather than what you’re missing. This can make a resolution feel more positive, and therefore more achievable. For example, you may want to limit your screen time in 2019, but that can be more manageable if you replace it with something positive like volunteering or setting special time aside for family.
Talk it out. It’s easier to stick to your resolutions if you have a partner or friend working toward similar goals. Team up with someone to set your 2019 goals and help each other establish a game plan dedicated to achieving them. Set specific check-ins to help each other out of slumps and to cheer each other during the high points.

“Changing behaviors is a tough task even for the most dedicated and motivated people,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “The new year is a great time to make changes, but it’s important to remember that any change takes time, and the type of resolution you make plays is a huge factor in your success.”

For additional tips or to learn how to get involved with the YMCA of the North, visit www.ymcamn.org.

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 Announces Early Childhood Learning Center Opening in Rochester on Marcy 4, 2019

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 15:47:31 +0000

YMCA Announces Early Childhood Learning Center Opening in Rochester on Marcy 4, 2019 jeffrey.needham Tue, 12/18/2018 - 09:47

Families welcome to attend open houses to see the new child care center, meet the teachers and learn more about the program

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, recently announced a new Early Childhood Learning Center will be opening in Rochester on March 4, 2019.

This new Early Childhood Learning Center, located on 2364 Valleyhigh Drive NW in Rochester, will serve 155 children in the community. There are currently 13 other Y programs offering full-day child care for kids ages six weeks to five years and part-day preschool, in the greater Twin Cities where approximately 98 percent of graduating YMCA Preschool & Pre-K students surpass local school district Kindergarten readiness requirements.

“We are excited to be opening another Early Childhood Learning Center that will support families in Rochester and surrounding communities,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “Children are the future and the YMCA is committed to investing in them by providing experiences that help youth grow and develop into confident, caring, happy and healthy individuals.”

Gunderson added that the YMCA Early Childhood Learning programs are rooted in the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and paired with the Creative Curriculum educational framework. The Y creates intentional Learn Through Play experiences designed to develop a child’s potential through creative, intellectual, emotional, social and physical skills while they grow. Children learn best through interaction and exploration because play supports educational activities. The YMCA early learning programs are guided by the Healthy Kids Initiative, an intentional strategy to expose all youth to healthy eating, nutrition and physical activity while in the Y’s care in order to achieve better health outcomes for both young people and their families. The Y uses CATCH, HEPA and Farm to YMCA programs to support this initiative.

The Y’s early childhood learning programs, which have earned national accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and 4 Star Parent Aware and licensed by the State of Minnesota, give kids the chance to explore freely through:

STEM activities that help with math and science comprehension
arts and humanities projects that develop fine motor skills
physical activities and nutritious food to encourage healthy habits
swimming and water safety classes in a safe aquatics environment
enrichment opportunities, including music & movement classes and an introduction to languages like Spanish or American Sign Language
interactive white boards that help prepare children for their future school classroom experience

These activities help to develop skills like critical thinking, communication and creativity. The Y offers a warm and welcoming environment in which every child can thrive. Most importantly, children have a place to grow with the guidance of caring adults while their parents are at work.

Early enrollment is available through April 1, 2019. Families who choose early enrollment will be able to sign up for a free, six-month YMCA membership or $535 in Y Bucks, program “dollars” that can be used toward a wide variety of fee-based classes and programs designed to support healthy habits that will make a difference for the entire family. Some restrictions apply. The YMCA offers financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition for child care. YMCA membership is not required to enroll. To enroll, go to ymcamn.org/rochestereclc, or call 507-200-4024.

Parents/guardians will have the opportunity to attend open houses to see the new child care center, meet the teachers and learn more about the program. A Grand Open House will be on
February 9, 2019 at 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Dates may be subject to change. Check the website ymcamn.org/rochestereclc for up-to-date information.

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 12 counties of the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 28 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 Holds 48th Annual Operation Holiday Baskets Event December 21 to Benefit Families in Need

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 20:04:34 +0000

YMCA Holds 48th Annual Operation Holiday Baskets Event December 21 to Benefit Families in Need jeffrey.needham Mon, 12/17/2018 - 14:04

Minneapolis, MN – The Blaisdell and Hiawatha sites of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will hold its 48th Annual Operation Holiday Baskets with Roosevelt High School on Friday, December 21.

The Blaisdell and Hiawatha Ys will work in partnership with Roosevelt High School staff and students to raise money and collect food donations in an effort to provide wholesome holiday meals to more than 400 families in need. Traditionally, students hold competitions in schools to collect food items, and Y branches collect items from members and staff. On December 21, the teams will come together to assemble and distribute the food baskets.

“The YMCA is proud to partner with our community to help those in need,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “We are excited to work with the staff and students at Roosevelt High School to continue this decades-long tradition of providing wholesome holiday meals for families in our community.”

WHO:
Blaisdell and Hiawatha YMCAs and Roosevelt High School

WHAT:
48th Annual Operation Holiday Baskets

WHERE:
Roosevelt High School Gymnasium
4029 S 28th Ave in Minneapolis, MN 55406

WHEN:
Friday, December 21, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. – Noon

About the YMCA of the North

YMCA Volunteers Strengthen Local Communities by Giving Back and Supporting Their Neighbors

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 14:39:03 +0000

YMCA Volunteers Strengthen Local Communities by Giving Back and Supporting Their Neighbors jeffrey.needham Tue, 12/11/2018 - 08:39

Studies show volunteerism improves overall health by strengthening the body, improving mood and lessening stress in participants.
Research shows young people who have a mentor are more likely to attend college and hold leadership positions.
Volunteerism develops leadership skills useful in a work environment such as flexibility, problem solving and initiative.

The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, serves the community with the support of more than 7,300 volunteers and mentors who give their time and talent so all can thrive.

These Y volunteers bring about meaningful, enduring change by ensuring YMCA programs and services are available to people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds.

“At the YMCA, volunteers are making an impact in the lives of other human beings every day,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO for the Y. “Their selfless act of volunteering can and does single-handedly change the course of someone’s life. It might be as small as checking someone in at the front desk or as big as mentoring a child until they graduate.”

Gunderson added that the Y offers individual and group opportunities to volunteer in ways that let them connect and develop meaningful relationships, all while making an impact in their local community. Some of these opportunities for people to take an active volunteer role at the Y and serve the community include:

Joining or leading a board or special committee that matches their skills or interests.
Coaching a sports team, teaching a class or asking about other ways to get involved with a program of interest.
Extending a hand to help adults who want to do more, be more or live healthier.
Getting involved with a mentoring or tutoring program to help motivate and encourage youth to reach their potential.
Welcoming newcomers or young people transitioning from homelessness or system involvement who need help setting up their new home.
Helping with fundraising efforts to ensure that essential programs and services are accessible to everyone in need.
Inspiring others to find ways they too can give back to the community.

Learn about a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups that help all to thrive in the community – YMCA Volunteers Strengthen Local Communities

Discover how T-Mobile volunteers made a difference with youth at a local YMCA Neighborhood Center – Volunteer Together to Support the Community

To learn more about volunteer opportunities including individual and groups, and ways to support the Y’s programs in the community, please contact volunteer@ymcanorth.org.

Because the Y is a leading nonprofit committed to helping all 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.

YMCA Announces New Northern Lights Family Camp on Bear Island Lake in Babbitt, Minnesota

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 18:07:31 +0000

YMCA Announces New Northern Lights Family Camp on Bear Island Lake in Babbitt, Minnesota jeffrey.needham Mon, 12/03/2018 - 12:07

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, recently purchased Timberwolf Lodge and Northern Lights Lodge and Resort on Bear Island Lake in Babbitt, Minnesota, to create the Y’s second family camp named YMCA Camp Northern Lights.

The new family camp located at 9089 County Highway 21 North in Babbitt will continue the YMCA’s 162-year tradition of creating access to nature through meaningful outdoor experiences. The YMCA operates eight overnight camps and 10 day camps in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

“With YMCA Camp Northern Lights, we are ensuring the Y continues to serve our community with great outdoor experiences for all to enjoy,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “The YMCA is committed to providing everyone opportunities to get away from daily distractions, unplug and enjoy nature year-round.”

Gunderson added that the new YMCA Camp Northern Lights features two nice swimming beach areas, an excellent fishing lake and 22 beautiful lakefront cabins with full kitchens and bathrooms, and decks and/or screened porches. The Y will be adding eight new tent sites, four new bungalow cabins, several new program spaces, a nursery, an arts and crafts building, and large and small group campfire spaces.

The YMCA Summer Family Camp program offers three, four and seven day options. Camp staff lead age-specific programming for a portion of the day and all-family programs in the afternoons and evenings. In addition to family camp, teens 15-18 years old can develop valuable leadership skills through a two-week program that provides hands-on training assisting camp counselors and facilitating programs.

During the school year, YMCA Camp Northern Lights has seven winterized, cozy cabins that are available for a Book Your Own Getaway experience. Families and groups can enjoy groomed ski trails, snowshoeing, hiking and other outdoor adventures.

Learn more about YMCA Camp Northern Lights and how to register for camp programs.

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 161 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.