YMCA News

YMCA of the North Partners with Bend Health to Support Child and Adolescent Mental Health

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:42:49 +0000

YMCA of the North Partners with Bend Health to Support Child and Adolescent Mental Health jeffrey.needham Tue, 09/19/2023 - 08:42

Bend Health launches a new community mental health training and certification program to help address the National State of Emergency in Children's Mental Health

MADISON, Wis., (Sept. 19, 2023) – Bend Health, Inc. ("Bend") a leading national, virtual pediatric behavioral care provider, today announced its partnership with the YMCA of the North, to deliver evidence-based, mental health training and certification through a feasibility study for two YMCA of the North before and after school care sites. After this pilot, the Y and Bend plan to expand to more Y sites in the future.

The YMCA youth professionals providing direct service to the community will receive training and certification in child and adolescent mental health areas including: common mental health concerns and substance use in children and teens, social determinants and impact on health on mental health and behavior, self-care techniques for frontline professionals and families, identification of youth who need additional care services, and resilience-oriented health and wellness coaching principles.

The Bend Cares program includes a Pediatric Mental Health Ambassador Certification for adults who teach and work with kids and teens, as well as a Mental Health Learning Curriculum for kids and teens. The certification requires participation in Bend’s approved NB-HWC continuing education course as well as passing an exam demonstrating competency. Families participating at the two school-age care sites will receive access to Bend’s Mental Health Learning Curriculum. Bend’s digital learning platform provides opportunities for kids, teens, and caregivers to learn about core mental health concepts, develop new coping skills, and build lifelong resilience.

“Empowering organizations such as the YMCA of the North with accredited pediatric mental health training is an ideal way to promote mental well-being for kids, teens, and parents and ensure they have access to care they might not otherwise be aware of.,” says Dr. Monika Roots, co-founder and president of Bend Health. “ What’s so powerful and so needed across the entire country is the ability for community leaders to identify, support, and get in front of mental health and substance use concerns before they worsen. ”

“Our YMCA is committed to the mental health of all in our community and providing caring support and useful resources for youth, and families when needed,” said Glen Gunderson, president of the YMCA of the North. “We look forward to collaborating with Bend to offer educational opportunities for our Y team and families to ensure the wellbeing of our youth.”

Bend Health was founded by husband-and-wife team and healthcare industry veterans Kurt and Dr. Monika Roots, a practicing child and adolescent psychiatrist. Bend provides timely access to expert care through its technology-enabled clinically validated care delivery model. Bend’s mission is to address the broadest spectrum of need from preventative solutions to easy access to care for those who require more support. The company’s services are available as an in-network benefit for over 200 million lives in the U.S. for everyday challenges to more severe mental health concerns inclusive of substance use.

About Bend Health, Inc.

Bend Health, Inc., a national provider of pediatric mental health care services for children and families, is on a mission to improve access and reduce the cost of high-quality, expert mental health care. Bend is revolutionizing treatment through a novel, data-driven technology platform and evidence-based collaborative care model that enables the first scalable and integrated care solution in mental health. Through coaching, therapy, and faster access to evaluation and treatment by psychiatric experts, Bend achieves better outcomes using measurement-based care. Bend services are available through partnerships with leading insurers, employers, and health systems, and self-pay. Follow us online: www.BendHealth.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 167 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.

Media contacts:

Allison Kundu
Allison.Kundu@bendhealth.com
510-384-9261

Joan Schimml
Joan.Schimml@ymcamn.org
952-210-4515

St. Paul YMCA Eastside and Ramsey County Host Free Back to School Community Event and Youth Opportunity Fair on September 9

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:59:11 +0000

St. Paul YMCA Eastside and Ramsey County Host Free Back to School Community Event and Youth Opportunity Fair on September 9 jeffrey.needham Wed, 09/06/2023 - 10:59

St. Paul, MN– The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, and the Ramsey County Office of Safety and Justice will host a free back to school family event and youth opportunity fair from 9:00 - Noon on Saturday, September 9 at the St. Paul YMCA Eastside.

The YMCA is partnering with LEAP High School which is dedicated to serving students who are new to the United States and who are learning English while earning a high school diploma. The event will showcase youth and family opportunities and services available within the YMCA and Ramsey County. Participants will also receive free back packs with supplies, free frozen custard from Culver’s and learn more about after school programs, health services, job opportunities and much more.

“We are excited to collaborate with Ramsey County Office of Safety and Justice and community leaders to offer events benefitting youth and families in our St. Paul neighborhood,” said Glen Gunderson, president of the YMCA of the North. “Our hope is to provide educational and enrichment opportunities for all youth to learn, grow and thrive.”

WHAT:
Back to School Community Event and Youth Opportunity Fair Hosted by St. Paul YMCA Eastside and Ramsey County Office of Safety and Justice

WHERE:
St. Paul YMCA Eastside 875 on Arcade Street in Saint Paul, MN 55106

WHEN:
Saturday, September 9 at 9:00 a.m. – Noon

About the YMCA of the North

Harold Mezile North Community YMCA Partners with North Commons Park, West Broadway Livability Coalition, Northside We Outside and Friends for a Free Back to School Community Event on August 31

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 14:08:09 +0000

Harold Mezile North Community YMCA Partners with North Commons Park, West Broadway Livability Coalition, Northside We Outside and Friends for a Free Back to School Community Event on August 31 jeffrey.needham Mon, 08/28/2023 - 09:08

Minneapolis, MN– The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, West Broadway Livability Coalition, and Northside We Outside and Friends is hosting a free back to school family event on Thursday, August 31 at North Commons Park in Minneapolis.

The event aims to provide a night of fun and celebration for families and students as they approach the 2023-2024 school year in Minneapolis. There will be free backpacks, music, family photos, bouncy house, free haircuts, food and much more.

“We are excited to collaborate with local businesses and community leaders to offer events benefitting youth and families in our North Minneapolis neighborhood,” said Glen Gunderson, president of the YMCA of the North. “Our hope is to provide educational and enrichment opportunities for all youth to learn, grow and thrive.”

WHAT:
Free Back to School Community Celebration

WHERE:
North Commons Park at 1801 North James Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411

WHEN:
Thursday, August 31 at 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

About the YMCA of the North

Vikings Legend Greg Coleman Hosts Celebrity Golf Tournament and Minneapolis North High School Football Coach Charles Adams Receives Honor on August 15

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:35:21 +0000

Vikings Legend Greg Coleman Hosts Celebrity Golf Tournament and Minneapolis North High School Football Coach Charles Adams Receives Honor on August 15 jeffrey.needham Mon, 08/14/2023 - 09:35

The Greg Coleman Celebrity Golf Tournament will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Bunker Hills Golf Course in Coon Rapids, MN to support the YMCA in advancing the health, wellbeing and equity of our communities through youth mentoring and sports programs. Check out this video about Y summer youth programs and Omar McMillian, Y youth sports leader and Richfield High School basketball coach and teacher, sharing why these programs make a difference video: YMCA Supporting Youth Sports. Visit with Greg Coleman, Vikings legend and member of the Black College Football Hall of Fame, on the importance of supporting youth in our community to help them make friends, keep healthy, learn new skills, play outside and much more. During the program after the tournament, Minneapolis North High School Football Coach Charles Adams will receive the Champions Award for community service.

YMCA’s Greg Coleman Celebrity Golf Tournament Schedule

11:45 a.m. – Welcome and Announcements
Noon – 18 Hole Scramble Shotgun Start (with Celebrity 5th Golfer)
5:00 p.m. - Social Hour and Silent Auction (Banquet Room)
5:30 p.m. - Dinner, Program, Prizes and Live Auction (Banquet Room)

YMCA Hosts Annual BreakAway Events on August 18 & 19 at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 13:50:52 +0000

YMCA Hosts Annual BreakAway Events on August 18 & 19 at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove jeffrey.needham Mon, 08/14/2023 - 08:50

Maple Grove, MN – The YMCA of the North, which is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host its annual BreakAway Splash & Dash on Friday, August 18, and the BreakAway Kids Tri on Saturday, August 19, at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove.

The BreakAway events are a fun, engaging way for kids and families to have a personal best experience that builds confidence and a love of movement in nature.

At Friday’s BreakAway Splash & Dash, racers will participate in a 100-yard shallow swim and run a mile on a course filled with fun obstacles, including running through a cloud of bubbles and sliding down a giant slip-n-slide. This event, a perfect introduction to racing, is for kids ages 4-8 and adult race buddies. Many parents and even grandparents enjoy participating with their kids/grandkids.

At Saturday’s BreakAway Tri, the kids participate in a 100-yard shallow swim, 5 mile bike ride inside the beautiful park trails, and 1 mile of running with fun obstacles.

Both events conclude with a victory at the fan-favorite finish line. All participants get a cool race shirt and custom medal.

Pediatricians around the Twin Cities prescribe the BreakAway events to kids as a way to have them set a goal and be active outdoors. "It's great to prescribe something fun and healthy rather than medication when working with youth on their wellbeing,” said Dr. Tracy Hall of South Lake Pediatrics. “Kids love these events and families are energized to be healthier together.”

The BreakAway events – and all other Y adventure races – are hosted in Three Rivers Park District spaces. The Y and the Three Rivers Park District share a mission to bring new populations into nature-based experiences.

“The YMCA is proud to work with community partners to provide unique wellness opportunities for kids,” said Glen Gunderson, president of the YMCA of the North. “When we empower young people to develop healthy habits early, we set them up for future success.”

WHO:
YMCA of the North Y Adventure and the Three River Parks District
500 racers at the BreakAway Splash & Dash on Friday, August 18
550 racers at the BreakAway Kids Tri on Saturday, August 19

WHAT:
BreakAway Splash & Dash and and BreakAway Kids Tri

WHERE:
Elm Creek Park Reserve at 12400 James Deane Parkway in Maple Grove, MN 55369

WHEN:
BreakAway Splash & Dash on Friday, August 18 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
BreakAway Kids Tri on Saturday, August 19 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. (Racing begins at 9:00 a.m. and finishes around 10:45 a.m.)

About the YMCA of the North

YMCA Hosts Soccer and Track Events for Youth on July 29-30

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 14:43:58 +0000

YMCA Hosts Soccer and Track Events for Youth on July 29-30 jeffrey.needham Wed, 07/26/2023 - 09:43

White Bear Lake, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, will host a metro-wide soccer tournament and track and field Meet for youth from ages 6 to 14 on Saturday, July 29 (soccer) and Sunday, July 30 (soccer and track).

More than 800 participants will compete in both the soccer games and races through the weekend. The event is the culmination of the eight-week season where participants engaged in sports programs at their local Ys.

“YMCA sports are built on the idea that everyone has an opportunity to play,” said Glen Gunderson, president of the YMCA of the North. “YMCA athletes come from all backgrounds to unite as a team and participants, develop lifelong friendships and engage in healthy, positive competition.”

WHAT:
YMCA Cup Soccer Tournament

WHERE:
White Bear Area YMCA
2100 Orchard Lane, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

WHEN:
Saturday, July 29 and Sunday, July 30 at 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

AND

WHAT:
YMCA All-City Track Meet

WHERE:
White Bear Area High School South Campus
3551 McKnight Rd N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

WHEN:
Sunday, July 30 at 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

About the YMCA of the North

PERIS Hill Launches New Foster Youth Housing Partnership with YMCA

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:21:20 +0000

PERIS Hill Launches New Foster Youth Housing Partnership with YMCA jeffrey.needham Tue, 07/25/2023 - 08:21

The new partnership creates innovative collaboration for youth exiting foster care

Minneapolis, Minnesota – PERIS Foundation, whose mission is to oversee and champion PERIS Hill, an intentional housing community in Hennepin County that supports and empowers young people who have experienced foster care to develop and thrive, launches a partnership with the YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of the North was selected as the new partner to provide supportive services at PERIS Hill due to their demonstrated success with youth housing services, foster youth experiences and opportunities, and strong commitment to equity.

First of its kind, PERIS Hill includes 45 units of affordable housing with 15 units of deeply affordable, supportive housing designated for young people aging out of foster care. PERIS Hill is an innovative model created through research and with the guidance of a foster youth advisory council with the goal to interrupt the foster care to homelessness pipeline through an environment of supported autonomy and interconnected independence.

YMCA Youth and Family Services provides goal-oriented life coaching and supportive services to prevent homelessness, identify and address barriers to stable housing, and promote long-term stability. Services include financial and monthly budgeting assistance, food support, employment help, connection to community resources and more.

“At PERIS we get to work closely, in a learning posture, with young adults who have experienced foster care, direct service providers, and public entities, collaborating for greater impact,” said PERIS Foundation executive director Carla Godwin. “We are thrilled to partner with the YMCA of the North as we build best practices with tenants, giving young adults who have experienced foster care a real say over their housing.”

“Both the Y and PERIS are committed to preventing foster youth homelessness by providing caring support that helps all learn, grow and thrive,” said Annastasia Collier, executive director of YMCA Youth and Family Services. “The Y knows this desired outcome can only be achieved through strong collaboration and partnership with PERIS.”

The YMCA will provide services and engagement in a beautiful onsite space, designed with youth input. PERIS Hill provides market competitive amenities available to all tenants, including in-unit washer and dryer, fitness center, bike lounge/repair station, community spaces and large windows in every unit and is centrally location in Lowry Hill is close to multiple transit options, parks, Uptown, Downtown, numerous grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops.

Funding for YMCA’s supportive services at PERIS Hill has been provided through a 10-year commitment by The Graves Foundation as well as ongoing operational support from the PERIS Foundation.

About PERIS Foundation

PERIS Foundation oversees and champions PERIS Hill, an innovative housing model created through research and with the guidance of a foster youth advisory council that incorporates supportive housing for young adults who have experienced foster care into a larger affordable housing community. At PERIS, our goal is to interrupt the foster care to homelessness pipeline through an environment of supported autonomy and interconnected independence. To learn more about the PERIS Foundation’s work and PERIS Hill, visit www.perisfoundation.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 167 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 Center for Youth Voice Hosts Premiere National Legal Competition for High School Students from 15 States

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 13:30:43 +0000

YMCA Center for Youth Voice Hosts Premiere National Legal Competition for High School Students from 15 States jeffrey.needham Mon, 07/24/2023 - 08:30

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, is hosting the 2023 National Judicial Competition (NJC), an annual competition for high school students who have participated in model judicial programs as part of Youth in Government, Mock Trial or Model United Nations. The competition will take place July 25-27 at the Minnesota Capitol Complex in St. Paul, MN.

NJC consists of a model U.S. Supreme Court and a national-level Mock Trial tournament, both of which require students to prepare and argue authentic court cases. High school students from any state who have previously participated in Youth in Government or Mock Trial can compete. This high-achieving group of high school students expand on the legal processes learned in their state programs and compete against over the three days of the competition.

There will be 218 students from 15 states participating in the competition, which will culminate in a showcase of the top teams on Thursday morning. In addition, more than 50 adults – Minnesota attorneys, judges, paralegals and law students – will be serving as volunteer evaluators to provide feedback and scores to the student participants.

“This year our YMCA National Judicial Competition is exceptionally relevant given the prominence of recent judicial decisions,” said Amy Anderson, executive director for the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. “Giving young people immersive experiences with the law provides them with a set of reasoning skills important in many areas of their lives. We are excited to welcome the best and brightest high school legal minds from across the U.S. to Minnesota to further enhance their skills as they pursue their legal education and careers.”

WHO:
YMCA of the North’s Center for Youth Voice

WHAT:
YMCA National Judicial Competition

WHERE:
Minnesota State Capitol Complex

WHEN:
July 25-27, 2023

Media Invited:

Wednesday, July 26 from 10-11:30 a.m. or 2-5 p.m. to observe court proceedings and talk to student participants.
Thursday, July 27 from 9-11 a.m. for the Final Showcase (held at the Historic MN Supreme Court Chamber) or during the closing from 11:15 a.m.-Noon (in the Minnesota House of Representatives Chamber).

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 167 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 Announces New Members to Board of Directors

jeffrey.needham — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 14:42:58 +0000

YMCA of the North Announces New Members to Board of Directors jeffrey.needham Thu, 06/29/2023 - 09:42

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, recently elected at its annual meeting four new members to its board of directors.

The newly elected members serving a three-year term as board directors for the class of 2026 include:

Rich Dorn, senior vice president of Operational Risk at Wells Fargo
Eric Fotsch, director of field experiences, licensure officer and professor at Metropolitan State University in School of Urban Education
Greg Theis, president and chief executive officer at Liberty Diversified International
De’Mon Wiggins, executive vice president and president of Industrial and Flow Technologies at Pentair

The following Community Board Representatives are elected to the General Board for a one-year term:

Y Adventure - Kelly Hyman, Food and Bio 2030 program lead at Cargill
North Community YMCA - Clarence Jones, executive director at Hue-MAN Partnership
Hudson YMCA/Camp St. Croix - Scott Jones, vice president commercial lending at Royal Credit Union
Eagan YMCA - Rachael Reiling, director of strategy & market development at Taylor Corporation

“The appointment of these board members represents the best and brightest leaders in our community to help guide the YMCA to better serve the youth, adults, families and seniors in the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin so all can thrive,” said Glen Gunderson, CEO and president of the YMCA. “Their knowledge, skills and expertise along with their commitment to our community will be invaluable to the Y as we continue to further strengthen our communities together by fostering wellbeing through transformative experiences.”

To learn more about the Y is supporting our community’s wellbeing, see this video: Supporting Wellbeing Across Our Community.

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 167 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, 8 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 Offers Tips for Safe Swimming for Fourth of July Holiday and Summer

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:15:41 +0000

YMCA Offers Tips for Safe Swimming for Fourth of July Holiday and Summer jeffrey.needham Mon, 06/26/2023 - 09:15

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, provides water safety tips to help kids, teens, adults and families enjoy lakes, rivers and pools during the Fourth of July holiday and throughout the summer months.

As we continue to manage the pandemic and staffing shortages, water safety is important with up to two years of missed swim lessons, fewer pools with lifeguards, limited access to swimming lessons, more families spending time outside around the water and pools in backyards.

Safety tips to practice in and around the water include below:

Never swim alone.
Lifeguarded beaches and pools provide another layer of safety besides parental supervision. They also ensure water chemistry/beach water has been tested and is safe.
Constantly and actively watch children by a responsible an adult.
Always keep young children or non-swimmers within arm’s reach of parent or guardian.
Remember inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Be wary of inflatables because a poke or blown valve can turn into a dangerous situation quickly for a child relying on it to float.
Don’t engage in breath holding activities.
Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in any water rather use a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety.
Enroll children and non-swimmers in water safety or swim lessons.
Be mindful of the hazards of backyard pools with standing water around because kids can fall down or can’t get out and infants or preschoolers can climb or crawl in. To be safe:
- Install barriers around the pool like a fence.
- Know CPR.
- Guarantee that every child in the backyard pool who cannot swim wears a U.S. Coastguard approved lifejackets.
- Provide constant supervision.
- Make sure there is a way to climb out of the pool if it’s too tall to step out of.
Keep kids safe when adults are also engaged in fun is incredibly important. A simple tip for parents near any kind of water this summer is to take the Water Watcher pledge. As a Water Watcher, an adult agrees to:
- Maintain constant visual contact with the children in the group.
- Not drink alcohol, talk on the phone, socialize or read while watching children.
- Keep a phone near the water for emergency purposes only.
- Remain by the water until relieved by a new water watcher.

“The YMCA is committed to saving lives through water safety programs and education,” said Glen Gunderson, president for the Y. “Each year our Y reaches over 2,000 people through the Safety Around Water program alone. Thanks to partnerships with USA Swimming Foundation, YMCA of USA, Delta Air Lines and Hawkins Inc., we are able to offer this program free of charge so all can access life-saving lessons and skills.”

The YMCA Safety Around Water program and traditional swim lessons teaches youth what they need to do to stay safe in pools, lakes and rivers. In addition to learning what to do if a friend is in trouble, youth develop skills to help if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly:

Jump, Push, Turn and Grab – teaches a child to push off the bottom of the pool as they are submerging to get back up to the surface and turn to grab the side of the pool.
Swim, Float, Swim – teaches children to swim a short distance on their front, roll over on their back to rest, and then roll on their front to continue swimming to safety.

Gunderson added that parents are encouraged to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming. The Y offers several programs promoting the benefits of swimming.

Water Skills and Safety at the Y

Y Swim Lessons June Through August: The Y’s swim lessons for infants, kids and teens are the most accessible community resource to prevent drowning and encourage a lifelong enjoyment of swimming. The Y serves all ages in the pool from six months to adults. The YMCA offers a limited amount of discounted swim lessons each year and people can apply online at www.ymcanorth.org/freelessons.
Competitive Swim: YMCA competitive swimming and diving teams are the natural progression from Safety Around Water and Y Swim Lessons by encouraging children and teens to continue their love of swimming while providing an ideal environment for cognitive, physical and social-emotional development.
Lifeguards and Swim Instructors: The YMCA offers free paid training and job opportunities to help teach the community how to be safe in and around the water.

Because the Y is a leading nonprofit committed to helping all young people and their families thrive, financial assistance is available to those in need. To learn more about the Y’s programs, please visit www.ymcanorth.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 167 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.