NORTHFIELD AREA FAMILY YMCA

Mission Statement

The Northfield Area Family YMCA builds strong kids, strong families, and a strong community

November 2011 Update

The Northfield Area Family YMCA is in its fifth year of programming, marking an exciting yet critical time in its development. Participation in our camps and programs continues to grow, the Health and Wellness center celebrates it’s third year anniversary, land has been acquired for the building of our future facility and the lead or 'quiet' phase of the capital fundraising campaign has begun with $2.7m already raised towards the building of the new facility - estimated to be open in 2013.

2011 Program Highlights

* 413 (280 in 2010) kids & adults participating or signed up for Y summer programs!

* 294 (202 in 2010) individual kids participated in Y Summer Camp:

* 283 people in our community already received scholarships through the 2010 Annual Campaign, which was funded by local businesses and individuals. !66 of these are kids!

* The YMCA now offers open swim, family swim and aquatics fitness classes to it’s members in collaboration with the Northfield Senior Center. * So far this year, the YMCA has provided jobs for over 75 people in our community and we have had 21 work study students participate in Y programs from both Carleton and St. Olaf. The YMCA is the largest community work study employer.

Community Collaborations (just a few)

* The YMCA has partnered with Rice County Public Health and Blue Cross, Blue Shield in a worksite wellness program that supports 26 businesses in Rice County. Impacting over 5000 employees in tobacco cessation, implementing physical fitness and health nutritional choices in your normal day.

* Carleton College and the YMCA collaborate in offering the Prairie & Wood 1/2 day camp program (we averaged 21 kids per day this past summer!) in exploring the outdoors, understanding nature and enjoying activities other-than 'screen time'.

* Just Foods Co-op and the YMCA collaborate to manage the Ron Griffith Young Leaders Scholarship Fund and to provide healthy snacks to camp participants.

* The YMCA and Northfield Senior Center together provide open swim for adults and families adding much needed physical activity options to adults and important family opportunities.

* The YMCA collaborates with Healthfinders to provide support for the Pura Vida program. This partnership will touch hundreds of lives in our community and promote a healthier and more active way of life for many not currently being served.

* The YMCA and Laura Baker Family Support Services are beginning to work together on a new youth and family collaboration, creating programs that are accessible for families raising kids with developmental disabilities. Studies indicate youth experience positive developmental growth when offered opportunities with child of all ability levels.

* The YMCA, the United Providers Association (in-home licensed child care providers) and Rice County have teamed up to provide healthy fall, winter and spring activities for over 12 providers and 80 individual kids. In-home providers often struggle to provide healthy physical activities during our cold winter months - especially to children in the toddler and preschool ages.

* Over 25 youth have participate in YMCA Boxing programs providing confident, discipline, the importance of having goals and good physical fitness.

* The YMCA provided soccer instruction to 50+ preschool children with the Northfield Soccer Association this past summer, providing kids with laughter, social interaction and physical fitness.

* The YMCA offers volleyball for grades 3-5 with the Northfield Volleyball Club addressing childhood obesity and providing healthy fun.