The mission of the brainerd family ymca is to enhance lives in the brainerd lakes area, by connecting individuals and families with opportunities based on christian values that build a healthy spirit, mind, & body.

Human Services , Young Mens or Womens Associations

Youth development-- our ymca is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That is why we help young people cultivate the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement. Our ymca programs, such as childcare, after-school care, swim lessons, swim team, summer daycamp, and youth sports leagues offer a range of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth. Expenses include subsidies and direct financial assistance that make participation possible. In 2017, we provided $6,740 in financial assistance to 147 young people who otherwise would have faced economic barriers to participate in our programs. See schedule o for additional details regarding these critical programs and their impact. Daycare programs:our ymca provides high quality child care by providing comprehensive activities for toddler through school age children drawing on diverse members of the community. We provide both full and part time options to serve a wide range of family scheduling needs. Woven into the fabric of the ymca mission is a commitment to strengthening families. Ymca childcare programs relieve the burden of balancing work and family and make it possible for parents of children in our care to remain gainfully employed, knowing that their children are thriving in a safe, developmentally sound environment. The ymca provides financial assistance for short term babysitting and full day child care services. In addition, we provide aid to families who need help due to family violence, substance abuse, etc. By collaborating with other social service agencies. We also provide a variety of activities that emphasize parent education and help parents learn more about how to raise healthy, happy children who develop self-esteem and moral and ethical values. Licensed for 51 childcare participants, 92 young people were served during 2017. After school care:the y kids club after school program is available during after school hours for elementary aged children. Daily activities include arts/crafts, computers, swimming and gym games. Homework mentoring is also provided by a trained staff. Many programs are provided at no cost. Financial assistance is available for fee-based programs, so a young persons economic circumstances are not a barrier to participation. We also provide transportation after school to those children who need to get to the ymca. 97 young people were served in 2017. Swim lessons:the y offers a wide range of swimming options for the whole family. Swimming builds self-confidence and develops the whole person spirit, mind and body. Classes are divided into ability groups while trained instructors who emphasize personal safety, swimming skills, endurance and social skills guided with praise and encouragement. 647 young people were served in 2017. Swim team:ymca swim team is a competitive program that focuses on the development of all swim abilities for young people ages 5 to 18. Our trained coaches work to improve swimmers' skill level, endurance and to promote a healthy lifestyle. Our program embraces the ymca core values and promotes progression at an individual level. 180 young people were served in 2017. Summer daycamp:the ymca out n - about day camp program provides a lasting experience of personal enrichment. Day camps offer adventure and learning activities that provide challenge and promote spiritual awareness, mental development, physical well-being, social growth, and self-respect. Camping helps youth become aware of their physical and mental capabilities, to recognize the value of cooperation, and to gain confidence. 169 young people were served in 2017. healthy living-- the y is a leading voice on health and well-being. We bring families closer together, encourage good health, and foster connections through fitness, sports,