YMCA News Archive

City & County Credit Union and YMCA of the North Partner to Increase Financial Literacy in Underserved Communities

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 17:33:18 +0000

City & County Credit Union and YMCA of the North Partner to Increase Financial Literacy in Underserved Communities jeffrey.needham Tue, 09/28/2021 - 12:33

Minneapolis, MN – City & County Credit Union and YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, have declared a new partnership and a shared commitment to increase financial literacy in underserved communities.

City & County Credit Union and YMCA of the North plan to collaboratively work together to provide financial education resources to communities served by seven YMCA locations in Coon Rapids, Eagan, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Shoreview, White Bear Lake and Woodbury.

As a part of this literacy program, the YMCA of the North is proud to announce City & County Credit Union as an official financial education partner of the YMCA.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this partnership to meet an educational need in our community,” said YMCA of the North President Glen Gunderson. “City & County Credit Union is a natural partner for us, in particular elevating our ability to help young people and their families facing systemic, financial barriers.”

City & County Credit Union will also provide financial education classes and support to the YMCA Neighborhood Centers, multi-generational programs located inside affordable housing developments in the greater Twin Cities.

“At City & County Credit Union, our mission is to empower our community to do more. This goes beyond financial transactions and the accounts we offer. It’s partnering with organizations – like the YMCA of the North - who share the same commitment to creating a stronger, more resilient community,” explained Patrick Pierce, CCCU President/CEO. “With this partnership, we are dedicated to expanding the reach of our financial education efforts to provide our community with the tools and resources to make smart money decisions.”

For more information on City County Credit Union’s partnership with YMCA of the North, visit www.ymcanorth.org/cccu.

About City & County Credit Union

City & County Credit Union is a cooperatively owned, not-for-profit credit union based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with more than 60,000 members and $1.1 Billion in assets. Founded in 1928 to serve the employees of Ramsey County and Saint Paul - City & County Credit Union now serves those who live, work, worship or attend school in Carver, Hennepin, McLeod, Meeker, Wright, Ramsey, Washington or Dakota as well as City of St. Paul employees, Ramsey County employees and General Mills employees, retirees, and their family members nationwide. To learn more, call 651-225-2700 or visit www.cccu.com.

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 165 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 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.

New YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center at the University of Minnesota Celebrates Grand Opening on September 29

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 14:52:34 +0000

New YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center at the University of Minnesota Celebrates Grand Opening on September 29 jeffrey.needham Mon, 09/27/2021 - 09:52

This new YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center is conveniently located at 326 16th Avenue SE Minneapolis, MN 55455 on the University of Minnesota East Bank campus and is licensed to serve children of faculty, staff, students and community in 10 infant, toddler and preschool classrooms. There are currently 11 other Y Early Childhood Learning Centers in the greater Twin Cities where 98 percent of graduating YMCA Preschool & Pre-K students surpass local school district Kindergarten readiness requirements.

“We are excited to be opening an Early Childhood Learning Center that will support families at the University of Minnesota and surrounding communities,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North.” “We are thrilled to partner with the University of Minnesota to care for children who 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.”

The YMCA Early Childhood Learning programs are rooted in the YMCA way. From those basic values comes a child care experience designed to develop a child’s potential through creative, intellectual, emotional, social and physical skills while they grow. The Y’s Learn Through Play is based on children learning a lot through interaction and exploration because playing is learning. For example, tea time builds organizational skills, playing with blocks teaches innovation and so on.

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 Aware and licensed by the State of Minnesota, give kids the chance to explore freely through:

sensory 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 aquatic environment
enrichment opportunities, including music & movement classes and an introduction to languages like Spanish or American Sign Language

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.

Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the new Early Childhood Learning Center; hear from YMCA, University of Minnesota and community leaders on the importance of this new Center serving families; and enjoy special artwork and fun march by the youth participating at the Center. U of M’s Goldy and the Y’s Sneakers mascots will be joining in the fun, too.

WHO:
YMCA of the North

WHAT:
YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center at University of Minnesota Ribbon Cutting Celebration

WHERE:
YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center
University of Minnesota East Bank campus
Outdoor Playground Area
326 16th Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 55455

WHEN:
Wednesday, September 29
4:00 Program and Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Tours follow

For more information on the YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center at the University of Minnesota, visit www.ymcanorth.org/eclc/locations/ymca-early-childhood-learning-center.

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 165 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 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.

YMCA of the North Celebrates Welcoming Week and Reminds Greater Twin Cities That Belonging Begins with Us

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 15:04:53 +0000

YMCA of the North Celebrates Welcoming Week and Reminds Greater Twin Cities That Belonging Begins with Us jeffrey.needham Fri, 09/10/2021 - 10:04

Welcoming Week expands on YMCA New American Welcome Centers that build bridges for newcomers to our communities

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will join the Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, other YMCAs and organizations nationwide to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring together all residents in a spirit of unity.

Each year, Welcoming Week elevates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of the country. The event is an opportunity for neighbors—both immigrants and U.S.-born residents—to get to know one another and celebrate what unites people as a community.

“This year, we’re reminding our community that “Belonging Begins with Us,” said Bruce Yang, YMCA senior director of responsibility. “Whether it is starting a new job, moving to a new neighborhood or starting a new school, we have all had moments where we felt like we didn’t belong. It’s a universal feeling that we all can relate to but for people who move to this country experiencing language barriers, cultural differences and more, feeling excluded can take years to overcome. We all have the power to help others feel they belong; each of us can help others, regardless of their background, feel like they are seen, embraced, welcomed and included in our community.”

During Welcoming Week, the YMCA of the North will host YMCA National Welcoming Week Virtual Celebration on September 13 at 3:30 p.m. Join attendees from around the globe for this free, virtual event hosted by Y-USA and local Ys featuring exciting music, dance performances, inspiring stories and more. To register, go to register. (registration no longer available)

Welcoming Week will expand upon the work the YMCA of the North is doing in its New American Welcome Centers, which help connect newcomers to community resources and build connections. More than 350 people have been served and connected with 854 vital community resources at the Centers located at the Ridgedale YMCA, Emma B Howe YMCA, St. Paul Eastside YMCA, Blaisdell YMCA, University YMCA and Burnsville YMCA. Case management services include helping immigrant and refugee individuals and families navigate and get connected to vital community resources including housing, driver’s license, social security, food, legal aid and more. Watch this video to learn more about YMCA New American Welcome Centers. For more New American Welcome Centers info, please go to: www.ymcanorth.org/social_responsibility/new_american_welcome_centers

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 165 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 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.