The mission of the ymca of the greater twin cities is to put christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind & body for all. We are a cause-driven organization that strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living & social responsibility. Four core values of caring, honesty, respect & responsibility are taught & modeled in all of our programs & services. The y is committed to providing equal access to its programs, facilities & enjoyment without regard to income, race, ability, creed, national origin & sex. We celebrate the presence of differences that make each person unique. We intentionally engage & develop all members of the y community and strive to connect and serve populations at home and around the world. At the y, we serve relentlessly with our community untill all can thrive in each stage of life. Strengthening community is our cause. That's why we focus our work in youth development, healthy living & social responsibility.

Human Services , Young Mens or Womens Associations

Youth development: nurturing the potential of every child and teen the ymca believes in youth development: nurturing the potential of every child and teen. At the y, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, explore their unique talents and interests, and realize their potential. That makes for confident kids today and contributing, engaged adults tomorrow. The y believes the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. Because of the y, more young people in neighborhoods around the nation are taking a greater interest in learning and making smarter life choices. Key program areas in which that takes place at the y are child care (safe, nurturing environment for children to learn, grow and develop social skills); education & leadership (knowledge, character development, guidance and encouragement to help youth develop and realize their potential); swim, sports & play - (positive, fun activities that build athletic, social and interpersonal skills); camp - (exciting, safe community for young people to explore the outdoors, build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills and make lasting friendships and memories). Youth development in the y includes leadership development programs (such as y beacons, school success centers and y leaders club), youth civic engagement (such as youth in government), post-secondary educational prep (such as y multicultural achievers), competitive swimming and sports, recreation activities, youth swim lessons, day, overnight and specialty camp programs. In 2017, more than 17,180 kids went to day camp to learn, play, make friends and connect with caring counselors. Moreover, 10,225 kids participated in sports programs and more than 10,020 adults, teens and youth took part in y overnight camping. Specific y programs in youth development also include early childhood child care, school-age child care and kids stuff. Most childcare sites are in ymca branches, schools, churches and other non-ymca locations. In 2017, more than 26,760 kids in y child care learned the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. healthy living: improving the nation's health and well-being being healthy means more than simply being physically active. It's about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. The y is a place where everyone can work toward that balance by challenging themselves to learn a new skill or hobby, fostering connections with friends through lifelong learning programs, or bringing loved ones closer together through family-centered activities. At the y, it's not about the activity you choose as much as it is about the benefits of living healthier on the inside as well as the outside. The y demonstrates it's commitment to healthy living through a variety of focus areas. Health, well-being and fitness provides resources and guidance to maintain or improve physical activity, health and wellness. Family time brings families together to have fun and grow. Sports & recreation provides healthy lifestyle activities that bring together people with shared athletic and recreational interests. Group interest offers social networks and activities that unite people that share common passions and personal interests. Specific core programs that promote healthy living at the y include group fitness classes, water activities (swim lessons, water safety lessons, swim teams, etc. ), youth fitness, family activities, open gym and swim times, and foreverwell senior programs and activities. In 2017, more than 85,700 seniors joined and participated in the y's foreverwell senior programming. The y is also engaged in preventative health measures including programs that address youth obesity and that are helping people of all ages face the growing problem of diabetes (y diabetes prevention program, or ydpp). social responsibility: giving back and providing support to our neighbors and advancing equity and inclusion. The ymca believes in social responsibility, giving