Young Mens Christian Association

Social responsibility membership brother/sister: for over 150 years the mankato family ymca has understood that service to our community comes in many different forms. What is not different is our commitment to providing a safe place for our community regardless of their background. Our programs are open to all, no matter where you come from, we are a place to gather and feel a sense of belonging. We have impacted 1,390 members with our membership assistance program. This year 1 in every 7 members were taking part in our assistance program, in 2023 it was 1 in 8. The mankato family ymca had seen the need in our community and responded. Every member has the same access no matter the level they can afford. Along with helping members reduce barriers, we also served 326 youth and adults in our brother/sister program that is free of charge to participants. This program provides youth school based, group, pen pal and community-based mentors, providing a space in their world where they feel they belong. Our mentees and mentors get to build friendships and develop bonds that will last a lifetime. They learn from each other and provide an outlet to experience new opportunities.

Healthy living wellness: it starts from an early age all the way to older active adults; our exercise classes and wellness programs are serving our community each and every day. From our forever well program that helps not only the body but the minds of our older active adults. With volunteer opportunities, book club, coffee hour, and low impact classes highlight our great older active population. We have also expanded our fitness programs to include group lifting, yoga, pilates, body pump, water aerobics and cycling. With so many opportunities throughout the week we can help everyone achieve their health and wellness goals. We listen to what our community needs in order to provide the most up to date classes and certified instructors. We want all our members to have opportunities to focus on their individual wellness journey, this gives them a sense of belonging.

Other program services: the mankato family ymca also offers swim lessens for infants, preschool, youth and teens within our community. We served 690 participants last year within our aquatic's programs helping keep them safe around water. Our sports and recreation served 676, within our basketball, volleyball, t-ball/coach pitch, flag football and preschool sports. We teach them about the fundamentals in each sport along with sportsmanship at an early age. The stride for all program was revamped to provide experience in leadership while opening the program up to everyone. We also host youth socials that let kids connect with one another in a safe and friendly place. It also helps to foster growth with social skills while letting them meet new friends. Our ymca offers cpr, first aid and red cross lifeguard training for our staff and the community. We certified 34 lifeguards and 89 staff and community in cpr and first aid. We want to ensure our staff and the community are prepared in case of an emergency. We also partner with other organizations like the united way reading festival, pedal past poverty for those facing homelessness, the american red cross for blood drives and many other community events. It is our mission to serve our community and to provide opportunities for all.