YMCA News Archive
https://www.ymcanorth.org/
enSeniors to embrace healthy possibilities during 'Active Aging Week
https://www.ymcanorth.org/news/2018/09/25/13531/seniors_to_embrace_healthy_possibilities_during_active_aging_week
<span>Seniors to embrace healthy possibilities during 'Active Aging Week</span>
<span><span>jeffrey.needham</span></span>
<span>Tue, 09/25/2018 - 00:00</span>
<div class="field-image"> <img loading="lazy" src="//d2o2hgyhrq7n36.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/2018-07/news-kare-11-logo.jpg" width="185" height="120" alt="KARE 11" class="img-responsive" />
</div>
<p>“Active Aging Week” is September 24 - 28, 2018 at the YMCA of the North. The week is focused on committing to healthy aging and helping seniors.</p>
<p>The YMCA offers a variety of activities that older adults can do to improve their physical, mental and social strengths. This year’s theme is “Embrace the Possibilities”. Today Jennifer Menk, YMCA senior director of Health and Well-being, and 2018 YMCA Thrive Award winners, Jo and Stanford Barney appeared on KARE-TV to talk the many opportunities available to seniors in our community. The 69 and 76 year olds are considered the “Mom and Pop” of the Cora McCorvey YMCA in Minneapolis. The Barneys have been attending the Y for seven years and have constantly given back to fellow members.</p>
<p>The 13th annual YMCA Thrive Awards is one of Minnesota’s largest and fasting growing events for active older adults.</p>
<p>Y members are recognized for their commitment to healthy living. To get inspired, <a href="https://youtu.be/PBpFWLZXxaU">watch Jo and Stan’s story</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.kare11.com/article/life/family/sandwich-generation/seniors-to-embrace-healthy-possibilities-during-active-aging-week/89-597970716">Watch</a></p>
<p> </p>
Tue, 25 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000jeffrey.needham13531 at https://www.ymcanorth.orgCan after-school programs help your kids succeed?
https://www.ymcanorth.org/news/2018/09/18/13521/can_after_school_programs_help_your_kids_succeed
<span>Can after-school programs help your kids succeed?</span>
<span><span>jeffrey.needham</span></span>
<span>Tue, 09/18/2018 - 00:00</span>
<div class="field-image"> <img loading="lazy" src="//d2o2hgyhrq7n36.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/2018-07/news-kare-11-logo.jpg" width="185" height="120" alt="KARE 11" class="img-responsive" />
</div>
<p>MINNEAPOLIS - The YMCA of the North says kids have about 2,000 hours of time left per year after subtracting hours spent sleeping and hours spent in school. So what do you do with that time?<br />
Jenny Collins, executive director at the University YMCA and Beacons Network, says taking additional activities before or after school could work for your family.</p>
<p>"Families, and my own as well, struggle with, 'How much is too much?'" she explained. "Some young people, we really need to focus on balance, make sure there's not too much, whereas other young people may not have access at all to these opportunities that we know are so important," Collins said.</p>
<p>The opportunities are available at various Y locations. People from the Y also bring their programs right into the schools.<br />
"We offer a lot of things people wouldn't expect such as workforce development opportunities, where young people are not only exploring careers but are also developing their skills," Collins said.</p>
<p>Skills include learning to become a barber, dancer, skateboard designer, among others. Homework help is also available. The help often comes from college students who once took the programs themselves.</p>
<p>"One example would be our Beacons after-school network," Collins said.</p>
<p>Data shows Beacons participants were 2.2 times as likely to graduate high school in four years as compared to their peers who were not enrolled.</p>
<p>"So the impacts on academics are significant and so much more," Collins said. "There's the social/emotional impacts, the self-confidence young people build as they engage with something that ignites their spark or passion."</p>
<p>So how do you choose the right program? Here are some tips from the YMCA:</p>
<ol><li><strong>Consider your child's unique needs and interests.</strong> Select a program that provides an enriching place to explore a spark or passion, and that can be flexible in accommodating any unique needs your child may have. If your child needs academic support for example, seek a program that intentionally builds this into the programming.</li>
<li><strong>Consider your family's needs.</strong> Of course considerations such as cost, location, time, and convenience matter for today's busy families. The Y and other non-profits provide scholarships to help keep costs down for families that need it. Remember to leave time in your week for activities you can all do together as a family!</li>
<li><strong>Choose high quality programs.</strong> Be informed by using data and resources that can inform your choices. Childcare programs have the Parent Aware rating system and afterschool programs can use www.igniteafterschool.org as a resource for understanding more about high quality afterschool programs. Always visit the program site if possible and watch for positive relationships and interactions. Ask about safety procedures and training of staff.</li>
<li><strong>Keep kids healthy.</strong> Engage your child in programs and places where healthy activity and nourishing foods are encouraged, and where your child's social-emotional wellbeing is promoted as well.</li>
<li><strong>Don't forget the teens and young adults!</strong> We often think of care for our youngest Minnesotans, but opportunities outside of school are critical for youth and young adults to stay connected to positive peers and adults, build leadership skills, and contribute to their communities. The Y has Youth In Government, Beacons, Teen Thrive, a Campus Y, and so much more to explore!</li>
<li><strong>Make a donation so ALL kids can thrive.</strong> Consider making a donation to a non-profit such as the Y that closes gaps in access to quality out-of-school activities for young people. Over 219,000 youth are alone and unsupervised afterschool. In many cases this is due to lack of access to a safe, quality program. Support youth in your neighborhood by making philanthropic donations to close this gap!</li>
</ol><p class="button"><a href="https://www.kare11.com/article/news/can-after-school-programs-help-your-kids-succeed/89-595744811">Watch</a></p>
<p> </p>
Tue, 18 Sep 2018 05:00:00 +0000jeffrey.needham13521 at https://www.ymcanorth.orgYMCA Gathering Provides Education, Enrichment and Engagement at State’s Largest Event for Adults Ages 65 and Up September 17
https://www.ymcanorth.org/news/2018/09/13/13156/ymca_gathering_provides_education_enrichment_and_engagement_at_states_largest_event_for_adults_ages_65_and_up_september_17
<span>YMCA Gathering Provides Education, Enrichment and Engagement at State’s Largest Event for Adults Ages 65 and Up September 17</span>
<span><span>jeffrey.needham</span></span>
<span>Thu, 09/13/2018 - 12:05</span>
<div class="field-image"> <img loading="lazy" src="//d2o2hgyhrq7n36.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/2018-09/ymca-gathering-provides-tn.jpg" width="185" height="120" alt="The Gathering" class="img-responsive" />
</div>
<p> <img loading="lazy" src="//d2o2hgyhrq7n36.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/2018-09/ymca-gathering-provides.jpg" width="230" height="115" alt="The Gathering" class="img-responsive" /></p>
<p><strong>Minneapolis, MN</strong> – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host its 13th annual Gathering to celebrate seniors living healthy lifestyles on Monday, September 17 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.</p>
<p>Nearly 1,000 seniors ages 65 to 100 attend educational sessions to learn about developing healthy habits, managing hand pain, realizing whole-body wellbeing, eating well and being their own personal advocate at the doctor’s office. There will be opportunities to get active by engaging in activities like line dancing and Tai Chi. Participants will also visit with representatives from approximately 60 local organizations that offer products and services for healthy and active aging.</p>
<p>The 13th annual Gathering will conclude with a luncheon program, including a talent show featuring Y members; presentations of Thrive awards to seniors who have inspired and strengthened their communities through exercise, volunteering and social interaction; as well as entertainment from Minnesota-based musical act, the Grace Notes.</p>
<p>The Gathering is sponsored by SilverSneakers by Tivity Health, Summit Orthopedics, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement Insurance Solutions, Matrix Fitness, Medica Foundation and Octane Fitness.</p>
<p><strong>WHO:</strong><br />
YMCA of the North</p>
<p><strong>WHAT:</strong><br />
YMCA 13th Annual Gathering</p>
<p><strong>WHERE:</strong><br />
Minneapolis Convention Center at 1301 2nd Avenue South in Minneapolis, MN 55403</p>
<p><strong>WHEN:</strong><br />
Monday, September 17, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.<br />
Luncheon program begins at 12:15 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:</strong></p>
<ul><li>10:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Line dancing and Tai Chi sessions </li>
<li>12:35 p.m. - Entertainment by the Grace Notes</li>
<li>1:05 p.m. – Presentation of ForeverWell Thrive awards to celebrate outstanding Y members
<ul><li>81-year-old man who bikes 12 miles to the Y frequently and leads a local fundraiser where proceeds go towards scholarships for youth affected by cancer</li>
<li>69 and 76-year-old couple that is considered the mom and pop of their Y, by constantly giving back to their fellow members</li>
<li>73-year-old woman who feels called to volunteer and pay forward the kindness shown to her and inspire others who are dealing with health issues by volunteering at various local communities</li>
<li>78 and 80-year old couple who work together as a team to welcome others to the community and make sure everyone feels included</li>
</ul></li>
<li>1:25 p.m. – YMCA skits and talent show acts, including dancing, singing and more.</li>
</ul><p><strong>About the YMCA of the North</strong></p>
<p>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, 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 <a href="/">www.ymcamn.org</a>.</p>
Thu, 13 Sep 2018 17:05:32 +0000jeffrey.needham13156 at https://www.ymcanorth.orgYMCA Hosts Annual National Youth Project Using Minibikes Rodeo on September 15
https://www.ymcanorth.org/news/2018/09/11/13096/ymca_hosts_annual_national_youth_project_using_minibikes_rodeo_on_september_15
<span>YMCA Hosts Annual National Youth Project Using Minibikes Rodeo on September 15</span>
<span><span>jeffrey.needham</span></span>
<span>Tue, 09/11/2018 - 14:09</span>
<div class="field-image"> <img loading="lazy" src="//d2o2hgyhrq7n36.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/2018-09/ymca-hosts-annual-national-youth-project-using-minibikes-rodeo-on-september-15-tn.jpg" width="185" height="120" alt="YMCA Hosts Annual National Youth Project Using Minibikes Rodeo on September 15" class="img-responsive" />
</div>
<p> <img loading="lazy" src="//d2o2hgyhrq7n36.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/2018-09/ymca-hosts-annual-national-youth-project-using-minibikes-rodeo-on-september-15.jpg" width="230" height="152" alt="YMCA Hosts Annual National Youth Project Using Minibikes Rodeo on September 15" class="img-responsive" /></p>
<p><strong>Brooklyn Park, MN</strong> – YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host the annual National Youth Project Using Minibikes (NYPUM) Rodeo in conjunction with local law enforcement and community partners on Saturday, September 15 in Brooklyn Park, Minn.</p>
<p>The YMCA has facilitated the NYPUM for 42 years, connecting youth facing barriers to a healthy peer group and positive adult role models and demonstrating its value by motivating youth to make positive choices in their daily lives. The program also seeks to break down walls between youth and local police. Young people ages 10 to 17 who have participated in the program this summer will have the chance to show off their skills on dirt bikes. </p>
<p>“The YMCA is proud to be part of this national program impacting youth by integrating positive youth development, intentional goal setting and behavior modification,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “Young people in the program have the opportunity to connect with their communities while learning exciting new skills.”</p>
<p><strong>WHO: </strong><br />
YMCA of the North along with local law enforcement and community partners</p>
<p><strong>WHAT:</strong><br />
Annual NYPUM Dirt Bike Rodeo</p>
<p><strong>WHERE:</strong><br />
10407 West River Road in Brooklyn Park, MN 55444</p>
<p><strong>WHEN:</strong><br />
Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>About the YMCA of the North</strong></p>
<p>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, 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 <a href="/">www.ymcamn.org</a>.</p>
Tue, 11 Sep 2018 19:09:53 +0000jeffrey.needham13096 at https://www.ymcanorth.org