2023 IMPACT REPORT
for all
OPPORTUNITIES
DULUTH AREA FAMILY YMCA
THE Y: COMMUNITY STARTS HERE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sara Cole President & CEO
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FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MOUNTAIN MIDWEST HUB OUR REACH
2023 IMPACT REPORT 1
As we look back at 2023, we are proud of all that we have accomplished; as we look ahead to the future, we are filled with excitement and with tremendous gratitude—we cannot do this important work without your support.
Dear YMCA friends, family, and community, This year, as it has for more than 150 years, our YMCA is once again honored to be a partner in making our communities a place where all people have what they need to learn, to grow, and to thrive.
Because of you, we can create impact and transformation in the lives of those we serve. Because of you, the YMCA is a place to make friends, to try new things, to have fun, and to explore wellness. When you choose to be a part of the YMCA, you choose to support your community, your neighbors, and a healthy and vibrant Northland. The words ‘for all’ in our mission statement are the boldest promise we can make; we believe that our communities are stronger when our doors are wide open. Thank you for the unwavering support and commitment that allows us to ensure that the doors stay wide open for everyone. Here’s to the good work that is yet to come. With gratitude,
Students in our communities need not only a safe place during out-of-school hours, but also quality afterschool care. The Y has been an integral partner of the school communities that we support ensuring students receive homework help as well as tutoring and exciting enrichment activities during their time after school. Our site coordinators and youth specialists help students build skills and explore their interests through the arts and STEM activities, special clubs, and outdoor play. The generosity of our donors allows us to ensure that every child in our community has access to state-of-the-art programming when school is not in session.
FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
2023 IMPACT REPORT 3
We receive a scholarship so our daughter can attend KEY Zone. We want to make sure that if we have extra money, it goes to this program. It’s worth it.
ENGAGING YOUTH IN COMMUNITY
-a mom of a Myers-Wilkins Elementary School student.
2 OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
In 2023. . . 2,281 students in grades K–5 attended our afterschool programs at 14 sites in NE Minnesota 1,449 campers participated in Y day or overnight camp 296 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers attended our innovative early education centers 72 youth actively participated in simulated local, state, and federal judicial systems through our Youth in Government program
Taking care of our community—all members of our community—is the Duluth Area Family YMCA’s mission. So in 2019, when Heidi Rudstrom, the YMCA’s ForeverWell Coordinator saw that group fitness classes geared towards seniors were struggling, she vowed to revitalize the program. “It needed to happen. We needed this in our community, and especially through the YMCA,” Rudstrom said. The Duluth Area Family YMCA’s ForeverWell program is based on the belief that there is no age limit on fitness. The approach is a holistic model to health and wellbeing for seniors which allows them to remain independent, healthy, and safe all while having fun, meeting new friends, and enhancing fitness. Throughout the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, seniors stayed in touch with the Y through emails and texts, and participated in classes broadcast on YouTube. In 2021, a a grant from the YMCA of the USA allowed the Y to expand the ForeverWell program to offer more group exercise classes and social outings, a key component to mental wellness. Today, seniors might connect with the Y through a water aerobics class, lunch and learns, nature walks, or a strength-based class that works on functional movements. Classes are highly regarded and well-attended at all YMCA locations across Duluth, Hermantown, and Grand Marais.
FOREVERWELL: FOREVER GROWING
My spirit is fed and refreshed by the support and acceptance. My mind is challenged by the endless new movements . . . and the exposure to fellow students. My body is getting stronger, my balance and endurance have improved, my posture is better, and my back pain is gone. And my body has learned how to sweat!
- JoAnne, age 71
In 2023 . . . $264,114 in Financial Assistance given to 2,300+ adults and families 90,949 visits by ForeverWell (age 55+) participants 50,300+ healthy meals and snacks served to families and children experiencing hunger
2023 IMPACT REPORT 5
4 OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
FOR HEALTHY LIVING
We are very blessed for the membership. I try to go as much as I can. It helps me get motivated and be a supportive mom to my kids.
OPEN DOORS: OPEN OPPORTUNITIES
FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
2023 IMPACT REPORT 7
The Duluth Area Family YMCA’s Open Doors program is a free membership program for families and pregnant mothers who are experiencing homelessness, and families who are transitioning out of being homeless. The purpose of the Open Doors program is to give families a safe place to have fun and connect. Parents with young children can take advantage of Kids Club, a free two-hour childcare program, so they can take time for themselves to enjoy a workout or recharge with a hot sauna and shower. Open Doors members are referred by community partners, local teachers, or social workers. Through a donation from Maurices, the Y is able to provide clothing to enhance their membership. Alona, a single mother of two children ages 1 and 3, loved being able to go to the Y through her Open Doors membership to be able to rest, journal about her feelings, sit by the pool to relax her mind, or walk on the track to burn off energy. Kathy Davey, the Membership Director for the Downtown Duluth YMCA, said, “The Y is honored to support families who are experiencing homelessness. It’s incredible to see families be able to come in here and have fun."
In 2023. . . 173 people representing 42 families received a free 3-month membership, worth $14,548 through our Open Doors program. Our community stepped forward. . . 633 people volunteered 9,533 hours across the Northland.
- Alona, an Open Doors Member
6 OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
OUR REACH & MOUNTAIN MIDWET HUB
Duluth Area Family YMCA Association
The Duluth Area Family YMCA supports more than 200 other YMCA Associations across 12 different states with training, event management, and peer networking. We offer leadership and development classes, create regional opportunities for Y leaders to pursue certifications, and strengthen the movement through the collective wisdom at our Y.
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517
Shared Service Partners
Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA Winona Family YMCA Red Wing Family YMCA YMCA at Austin Community Recreation Center Brainerd Family YMCA Fergus Falls Area Family YMCA Mesabi Family YMCA Northfield Area Family YMCA
142
Shared Service Partners not represented on map: YMCA of the Seven Council Fires, SD
1,358
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Total registrations in classes coordnated by the Mountain Midwest Hub
people completed their Team Leader Certifications, three of whom are staff members of the Duluth Area Family YMCA. (55 hours of time per certification)
people competed their Organizational Leader Certifications, one of whom is part of the Duluth Area Family YMCA. (74 hours of time per certification and a capstone project)
Downtown Duluth YMCA Community Services YMCA Cook County Community YMCA The YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center YMCA Camp Miller
MOUNTAIN MIDWEST HUB
8 OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
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OUR REACH
classes were coordinated with a focus on promoting and expanding diversity, equity, inclusion, and global knowledge
2023 IMPACT REPORT 9
people completed a YMCA Leadership Certification in the region, 102 of who are part of the Duluth Area Family YMCA.
people completed their Multi-Team Leader Certifications, two of whom are part of the Duluth Area Family YMCA. (72 hours of time per certification)
Management Agreement not represented on map: Superior Douglas County Family YMCA
classes have been coordinated by The Mountain Midwest Hub for our region alone.
people completed their Global Leader Certification. All were completed by staff of the Duluth Area Family YMCA
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Even though you can be depressed and down and low, there’s still a way out of everything. And there’s a community out there that will help you and wants to see the best out of you.
Cook County Community YMCA 105 5th Street Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-3386 Downtown Duluth YMCA 302 W. 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4745 The YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center 4289 Ugstad Road Hermantown, MN 55811 (218) 241-8008
-Open Doors Member
Duluth Area Family YMCA 302 W. 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802
Community Services YMCA 28 E. Village View Dr. Duluth, MN 55806 (218) 722-4745 ext. 120 YMCA Camp Miller 89382 E. Frontage Road Sturgeon Lake, MN 55783 (218) 722-4745 ext. 170