YMCA News Archive

Twin Cities YMCAs to offer free summer memberships to local teens

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 31 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Twin Cities YMCAs to offer free summer memberships to local teens jeffrey.needham Wed, 05/31/2017 - 00:00

A donation from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation will provide up to 5,000 free YMCA memberships for Twin Cities teenagers this summer.

Each of the metro’s 25 Y locations will have 200 three-month memberships to give away to kids entering grades nine through 12 under its new Get Summer program, according to the YMCA of the North.

The $500,000 donation from the Schulze Family Foundation will fund the program through 2019. The foundation was founded in 2004 by Dick Schulze, founder of Richfield-based Best Buy.

The program is meant to address the lack of structure many teens face after the school year ends, said Greg Waibel, the YMCA’s chief operating officer. He added that destructive behaviors like drinking and drug use among teenagers increase during the summer months.

This problem is compounded by the fact that fewer teens are holding summer jobs, Waibel said. The summer employment rate for kids age 16-19 is just above 31 percent, according to a 2015 Pew Research Center survey. This number is roughly half of what it was in the late 1970s.

U.S. Sen. Al Franken, who co-chairs to Senate’s Afterschool Caucus, applauded the Get Summer program.

“Summer enrichment programs are key to helping teens enhance their skills from the school year and not let them slide,” Franken said in the news release. “The YMCA’s new summer membership initiative further illustrates their leadership in providing Twin Cities youth with important opportunities to further their education and improve their health and well-being, and I am thankful for these efforts.”

The memberships, which are valued at $200 each, include access to gyms; indoor and outdoor pools; fitness centers with weights, cardio machines and other workout equipment; and group exercise classes, according to the YMCA’s website.
As part of the program, teens will receive lunch at Y locations in West St. Paul, Shoreview, White Bear Lake and Maplewood, Waibel said. They will also have the opportunity to apply for part-time jobs at the Y.

Twin Cities YMCAs already serve as many as 15,000 teenagers daily during the summer, Waibel said. More than 80 percent of Twin Cities teenagers live within a 15-minute drive of a Y location, he added.

The free memberships will be given on a first-come, first-served basis beginning June 1. To enroll, teenagers must bring a valid ID, class schedule or report card, and the permission of an adult or guardian to a YMCA location by June 12.

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YMCA offering free summer membership to teens in Twin Cities

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 31 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

YMCA offering free summer membership to teens in Twin Cities jeffrey.needham Wed, 05/31/2017 - 00:00

(KMSP) - The YMCA is offering free memberships to thousands of teenagers across the Twin Cities to keep them out of trouble this summer.

All teens entering grades nine through 12 will be eligible for a free membership, which will give them free access to the Y’s health and wellness and youth enrichment programs all summer long. Several locations will also offer free dinner to participants.

According to the YMCA, research shows that violence, drinking and drug use increase among teenagers when they are out of school for the summer. The program, a joint effort between the YMCA of the North and the Richard M. Schulze Foundation, is designed to give teens a “safe place to go in their communities that is flexible, engaging and accessible to all.”

Starting June 1, eligible teens can visit any of the 25 participating YMCA locations to enroll with a valid ID, class schedule and a report and the permission of an adult.

The YMCA plans to continue the program next summer and in 2019.

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Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and YMCA Offers Free Summer Memberships for Teens

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 30 May 2017 14:42:53 +0000

Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and YMCA Offers Free Summer Memberships for Teens jeffrey.needham Tue, 05/30/2017 - 09:42

Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and YMCA Offers Free Summer Memberships for Teens

Thousands of youth entering grades nine through 12 across the metro will have free access to the Y’s health and wellness and youth enrichment programs all summer long

Minneapolis, MN – The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and the YMCA of the North (YGTC), a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will offer free summer memberships for thousands of teens across the Twin Cities. From June 12 to September 1, 2017, youth entering grades nine through 12 can access a free membership to 25 YMCA locations throughout the Twin Cities.

Statistics show that risky behaviors like violence, drinking and drug use increase during the summer when young people’s time is less structured. According to Pew Research Center, only 20 percent of today’s 16 to 17 year-olds hold a summer job, and that rate is even lower among teens of color. Participation rates in camps and similar programs have remained stagnant or fallen in recent years. Teens need a safe place to go in their communities that is flexible, engaging and accessible to all.

In addition, some teens do not have access to a nutritious meal during the summer. To meet the need, the program is also offering free dinner at several locations.

“We believe supporting the YMCA summer program is a unique opportunity to directly provide an educational and enriching experience for teens and their families during the summer months,” said Mark Dienhart, president and CEO of the Schulze Family Foundation. “This program will offer a safe space for teens to spend time and make new friends, to get social and physical activity opportunities, to connect with caring adults, to gain leadership development, to offer service learning opportunities and to explore a pathway to part-time jobs at the Y.”

“Summer enrichment programs are key to helping teens enhance their skills from the school year and not let them slide,” said Senator Al Franken, co-chair of the Senate Afterschool Caucus. “The YMCA’s new summer membership initiative further illustrates their leadership in providing Twin Cities youth with important opportunities to further their education and improve their health and well-being, and I am thankful for these efforts.”

The YGTC is positioned to help bridge this gap in the Twin Cities and ensure that youth of all backgrounds and incomes have access to learning opportunities outside of school. The YGTC’s locations cut across city, county and school district boundaries. More than 80 percent of Twin Cities teens live within 15 minutes of a YMCA location that offers opportunities for wellness, sports, leadership programs, pathways to part-time jobs at the Y and more.

“The YMCA is thrilled to partner with the Schulze Family Foundation to provide a safe environment for young people to engage in programs that promote healthy living, build character and leadership, and support success in school and in life,” said Glen Gunderson, president and chief executive officer for the YGTC. “The Y is committed to eliminating barriers to participation so all have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive during the summer months. I am grateful for the incredible support over the years from Dick, his family and Foundation. This program will benefit from $500,000 of the more than $6 million they have provided to YGTC in recent years. Their gifts have elevated youth programming all across the Twin Cities and we are so appreciative for their partnership and support."

The program is open to all students of all backgrounds and incomes. Youth entering grades nine through 12 can visit any participating Y location beginning June 1 to enroll with a valid ID, class schedule or report card and the permission of an adult. Each participating location can accommodate up to 200 participants for nearly 5,000 teens in 2017. The program is planned to be repeated in 2018 and 2019 as well. For more information, visit ymcamn.org/getsummer.

About the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation (RMSFF) was created in 2004 by Best Buy founder, Dick Schulze, as a way to give back to the community where Dick and his family grew up and where he built Best Buy to become the world’s largest consumer electronics retailer. Schulze and his family believe that a good education, a supportive family and a strong work ethic prepare children for a successful future. To support that belief, it supports organizations operating in the areas of human & social services, education, including scholarship awards to graduating students from eligible high schools, and health & medicine.

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 12 counties of the greater Twin Cities metro region and western Wisconsin communities. The 28 Y locations and program sites, seven 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 Offering Free Summer Membership To High School Students

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 30 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

YMCA Offering Free Summer Membership To High School Students jeffrey.needham Tue, 05/30/2017 - 00:00

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Summer vacation is just around the corner for Minnesota teens, and the YMCA of the North is offering high school students free membership over the summer break.

You read that right: free membership.

That means teens who sign up will have access to basketball courts and yoga classes, swimming pools and gym equipment. There might even be opportunities for part-time employment.

The YMCA of the North says the free summer program starts June 12 and runs through Sept. 1. The program is open to any Minnesota student entering grades nine through 12.

Twenty-five Minnesota YMCA locations will be participating in the program, which students can sign up for beginning June 1. Each location can accommodate up to 150 free student memberships, so those who want a membership should consider signing up ASAP.

To enroll, students will need to present YMCA officials with a valid ID, class schedule or report card. They’ll also need to have the permission of an adult. (More information on signing up can be found here.)

The YMCA of the North says the focus of the program is to keep students active, healthy and engaged when their time is less structured outside of school.

According to the Pew Researcher Center, less than 30 percent of teens have a summer job. The number is even lower among students of color.

The YMCA of the North says it’s working to bridge this gap and to provide students of all backgrounds and incomes access to learning outside of the classroom.

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Greater Twin Cities YMCA offers free summer access to teens

jeffrey.needham — Mon, 29 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Greater Twin Cities YMCA offers free summer access to teens jeffrey.needham Mon, 05/29/2017 - 00:00

The Greater Twin Cities YMCA is offering free summer memberships to high school students, including gyms, pools, weight rooms and fitness classes. Signup starts Thursday.

In an effort to stem the rise of risky behaviors during the idle hours of summer, the Greater Twin Cities YMCA is offering free memberships to high school students at all 25 branches.

Students in 9th through 12th grades need a valid student ID and a signed parental permission slip to join the YMCA as part of its new "Get Summer" program. There are no income requirements. Enrollment starts Thursday.

"We want it to be free. We know financial resources can be one of the biggest barriers for equity and inclusion for a lot of teens," said YMCA Chief Operating Officer Greg Waibel.

YMCA leaders started brainstorming about teen programming last winter with the realization that while younger children's summer programs are plentiful in the Twin Cities, options for teens are more limited and can mean more trouble, Waibel said. Teens can also bristle at programs that are too structured and don't offer some flexibility and choice.

"We know in our community, violence, drinking, drug use increase during the summertime when teens are idle and unsupervised," Waibel said.

Other YMCAs across the country including those in Los Angeles, Boston and Richmond, Va., have offered similar programs.

Students will have access to the gyms, pools, weight rooms and fitness classes. "Get Summer" is also designed to encourage teens to put down phones, close their laptops, socialize with others and get some exercise.

The program, including a dinner program at five locations, will cost about $100,000. The Y will allow up to 200 free teen members at each location to ensure there is adequate staff and programming. That number was increased from 150 this week as YMCA staff anticipated a surge in demand for the program. The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, created in 2004 by the Best Buy founder, is partnering with the YMCA to offer this program.

"It's really making sure we are well prepared," Waibel said.

St. Paul police spokesman Steve Linders said the YMCA's "Get Summer" sounds promising and will join other efforts including the Police Activities League, which organizes youth outings and activities for kids and teens.

"During the summer months our officers do interact more frequently with young people. Sometimes those interactions involve law enforcement activities," Linders said. "Kids have more free time in the summer. Anytime you can fill that time with something positive and productive, that's outstanding."

Waibel, a father of two teens, said he knows firsthand how parents struggle to ensure summer is fun and productive.
"Are they going to be home all day by themselves doing I don't know what or sitting in front of the computer?" Waibel said.
U.S. Sen. Al Franken, co-chair of the Senate Afterschool Caucus, endorsed the new program.

"Summer enrichment programs are key to helping teens enhance their skills from the school year and not let them slide," Franken said in a written statement. "I am thankful for these efforts."

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Hennepin County, YMCA partner on water survival skills for kids

jeffrey.needham — Sat, 27 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Hennepin County, YMCA partner on water survival skills for kids jeffrey.needham Sat, 05/27/2017 - 00:00

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the ability to swim is a basic survival skill that too many kids lack. So Hennepin County, for the first time ever, is spending $35,000 on swimming lessons for hundreds of kids who can’t afford it.

The Greater Twin Cities YMCA — the county’s biggest partner in the new endeavor — opened online sign-ups for free swim lessons this week at www.ymcamn.org/freelessons/. The Y hopes to offer free lessons to 600 kids this summer through the Hennepin County program.

The Y’s new swim lesson curriculum, introduced this year, emphasizes survival techniques first and mastery of swimming mechanics later. The goal is making sure that kids finish their beginning lessons with the skills to float, tread in deep water and get out safely.

“Safety skills are now paramount,” said Shannon Kinstler, YMCA senior aquatic director.

Hennepin County Commissioner Jan Callison is spearheading the swimming effort, unanimously approved by the rest of the board.

“Every year you hear the stories of children drowning. That’s all you need to know,” Callison said. “Too many kids drown, especially kids of color.”

The drowning rate for black children ages 5 to 19 at swimming pools is more than five times higher than for white kids, according to a seminal study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

According to the nonprofit USA Swimming Foundation, which is helping administer the county funds, 70 percent of blacks and 60 percent of Hispanics have little to no swimming ability, compared with 40 percent of whites.

Investing in kids

For funding, county leaders are tapping the Hennepin County Youth Sports Program, created in 2009 with a portion of the Minnesota Twins’ ballpark sales tax. Until now, the program has been used primarily to build and improve playing fields and buy sports equipment.

“I am thrilled we are now investing in people,” Callison said. “They don’t need to be Olympic swimmers. They just have to know how to keep their head above water.”

Other partners include Robbinsdale public schools, the Brooklyn Center Community Center, Brooklyn Park Recreation and Parks and the Great Wolf Swim Club in Minneapolis.

The YMCA, which will receive about half of the Hennepin County funds, said free swimming lessons are just part of its broader campaign to expand water safety and swimming programs at the 24 Y locations with pools. Nearly 50,000 enrolled in either swimming or water safety classes at the Y last year.

Glen Gunderson, CEO of the Twin Cities Y, said that number still falls short. So new partners such as Hennepin County are welcome and needed, he said.

“The ultimate goal is, we want every child to be safe in and around water,” Gunderson said. “We are committed to that as a fundamental goal.”

The Y’s mission takes on urgency as new families move to the metro area, he said.

“Our community is changing so fast,” he said. “We have many newcomers and new Americans coming from environments where they are not in and around the water.”

While adults unaccustomed to water simply avoid it, kids are inexplicably drawn to the ponds, lakes, streams and pools near every other street corner in Minnesota.

“Kids want to be next to the water, splash in it, test it out. If they don’t have those basic water safety and survival skills, it’s a recipe for disaster,” Gunderson said.

‘Teach through fun’

For school, community and youth groups, the YMCA already offers free abbreviated lessons as part of its Safety Around Water program. That program started in 2010 and has grown to 4,000 participants a year.

Kids learn to push off the bottom of the pool as they are submerging, so they can pop back up to the surface and turn to grab the side of the pool. They’re also taught how 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.

Fourth-graders from Lyndale Elementary School go through the program every spring. Their teacher, Drew Gau, was in the water Wednesday afternoon alongside the Y swim instructors as the kids finished up their fourth lesson. He said he believed many of his students would not have access to swimming lessons outside of this program.

Some of the students were holding back tears at the pool’s edge before the first lesson, Gau said. On this day, however, most of them were smiling and seemed at ease as they practiced floating, paddling and pushing off the bottom.

Despite the shifting curriculum, swim instructors keep the kids’ interest with a familiar formula. “We still teach through fun,” Kinstler said. “We teach through games.”

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2017 Women in Business Awards: Hedy Walls

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 26 May 2017 05:00:00 +0000

2017 Women in Business Awards: Hedy Walls jeffrey.needham Fri, 05/26/2017 - 00:00

As senior vice president of social responsibility for the YMCA of the North, Walls advances initiatives around diversity, inclusion, global engagement and volunteerism, with a focus on youth.

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YMCA Partners with NFL Cornerback Marcus Williams to Host Free Football Camp June 24

Elise.Guenther — Thu, 18 May 2017 16:02:48 +0000

YMCA Partners with NFL Cornerback Marcus Williams to Host Free Football Camp June 24 Elise.Guenther Thu, 05/18/2017 - 11:02

Marcus Williams Leadership Football Camp

The YMCA of the North (YGTC), a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will partner with New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams to host his second annual Leadership Football Camp in North Minneapolis.

The camp is free and open to youth ages eight to 12. Campers will attend one “Lessons for Life” session in early June as well as the one-day football camp on Saturday, June 24. Marcus Williams grew up in Minneapolis and spent much of his time at the North Community YMCA as a kid. He is excited to be giving back to his community and giving youth an opportunity to build character and learn about leadership, sportsmanship and teamwork.

“The YMCA believes that sports are a vehicle for broader life lessons,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “We are thrilled to partner with Marcus Williams to give even more young people in our community a unique opportunity to learn and grow and develop relationships with positive role models.”

Last year’s camp served 120 young people and this year can accommodate up to 200. Williams will be joined by other NFL players and YMCA coaches. Registration is open now until May 26 – learn more by visiting the YMCA Twin Cities Facebook event.

WHO:

YMCA of the North and Marcus Williams

WHAT:

Marcus Williams Leadership Football Camp

WHEN AND WHERE:

Lessons for Life:

Shiloh Temple International, 1201 W Broadway Ave in Minneapolis, MN 55411

Saturday, June 3 and 10 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Harold Mezile North Community YMCA, 1711 West Broadway Ave in Minneapolis, MN 55411

Saturday, June 17 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Football Camp:

Fairview Park, 621 N. 29^th Ave. in Minneapolis, MN 55411

Saturday, June 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Healthy Aging Day

Elise.Guenther — Thu, 18 May 2017 15:51:29 +0000

Healthy Aging Day Elise.Guenther Thu, 05/18/2017 - 10:51

YMCA Senior Healthy Aging Day

Happy, Healthy, Helpful
The Y, my home away from home

The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will celebrate ForeverWell Healthy Aging Day on Wednesday, May 23, 2018.

Twenty-four Y locations across the Twin Cities will be participating. Members and guests will enjoy an open house with special events and programs promoting overall well-being through fun social activities, meaningful volunteer opportunities, fitness classes, fitness testing, fall risk assessments, educational sessions and more.

“The YMCA is committed to engaging seniors in programs that keep them active physically, mentally and socially,” said Glen Gunderson, YMCA president and CEO. “Healthy Aging Day is a celebration of our ForeverWell community of adults ages 65 and older and provides an opportunity to experience even more educational, enriching activities.”

WHO:
YMCA of the North

WHAT:
ForeverWell Senior Healthy Aging Day

WHERE:
24 YMCA locations across the Twin Cities

WHEN:
Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Thirty-eight Local Youth Recognized for Outstanding Community Service with YMCA Youth Thrive Awards

Elise.Guenther — Thu, 18 May 2017 15:38:42 +0000

Thirty-eight Local Youth Recognized for Outstanding Community Service with YMCA Youth Thrive Awards Elise.Guenther Thu, 05/18/2017 - 10:38

YMCA Youth Thrive Awards

The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, presented Youth Thrive awards to 38 teen leaders across the metro area who have made an impact on their communities while demonstrating a commitment to the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and equity.

The 2017 Youth Thrive honorees strengthen the Twin Cities as volunteers, peer leaders and Y team members. Their accomplishments include facilitating community conversations around issues that affect young people, speaking to legislators at the State Capitol, providing meaningful outdoor experiences to kids as camp counselors, organizing volunteer service projects, building connections between their peers and the community, and more.

“The YMCA recognizes young people not just as leaders of tomorrow, but as inclusive, innovative and inspirational leaders of today,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “The youth we recognized this year are passionate about building community by participating in leadership programs, volunteering their time to help others, and making a difference in their Ys, schools and communities.”

2017 YMCA Youth Thrive Award Winners

Hannah McIntosh, Andover YMCA Community Center

Bebe Wayi, YMCA Beacons in Minneapolis

Arianna Favors, YMCA Beacons in Minneapolis

Sedrique Amentor, Blaisdell YMCA in Minneapolis

Kaylee Martynow, Burnsville YMCA

Samara Kroeger, YMCA Camp du Nord

Lily Pope, YMCA Camp Icaghowan in Amery, WI

Katie Anderson, YMCA Camp Ihduhapi in Loretto

Nora Lahm, YMCA Camp Menogyn in Grand Marais

Jenna Stanze, YMCA Camp St. Croix in Hudson, WI

Cole Polyak, YMCA Camp Warren in Ely

Isabella Sverdlin, YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in Ely

Wesley Donaldson, YMCA CycleHealth

Annie Clute, Eagan YMCA

Eh Moo, St. Paul Eastside YMCA

Savannah Klein, Elk River YMCA

Samuel Adesiji, Emma B. Howe YMCA in Coon Rapids

Savannah Stuttgen, Forest Lake YMCA

Tylyn Harris, Harold Mezile North Community YMCA Youth and Teen Enrichment Center in Minneapolis

Hayden Schutt, Hastings YMCA

Nathan Loppnow, Hudson YMCA

Hannah Peterson, Lino Lakes YMCA

Faith Williams, Maplewood Community Center YMCA

Abdiwahid Awad, St. Paul Midway YMCA

Tania Morales, Minneapolis Downtown YMCA

Quinn McDonagh, Mounds View Community Center

Justin Madison, New Hope YMCA

Anna Monorski, Ridgedale YMCA in Minnetonka

Misgana Mamo, Shoreview YMCA

Summer Stieglbauer, Southdale YMCA in Edina

Roberto Riganti, St. Paul Downtown YMCA

Kirsten Alfaro, University YMCA at the University of Minnesota

Bella Mendoza, West St. Paul YMCA

Lindsey Tyren, White Bear Area YMCA

Nitali Arora, Woodbury YMCA

Sabrina Ali, Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government

Anthony Boucher, Jr., YMCA Youth Intervention Services