Duluth Area Family YMCA

Last week, we were honored to welcome two guests from the East Jerusalem YMCA to our Duluth Area Family YMCA. Their visit was part of a powerful coalition connecting a handful of other Ys across the U.S. with the East Jerusalem YMCA, rooted in a shared mission of strengthening communities. During their time here, we exchanged stories, shared challenges, and deepened our understanding of one another’s work. This visit was a meaningful reminder of the global strength of the YMCA movement and the importance of building bridges through connection, learning, and collaboration.

From 37,000 diapers changed in our early childhood education centers, to circling the globe 8 and a half times on our cardio equipment, you made more possible in 2024. Read more about our impact here: https://ow.ly/hvvK50VFKQa

In February, five staff were able to attend the virtual training Dimensions of Diversity, taught by our CEO, Sara Cole and Regional Training Director, Elli Grapp! In addition to staff attending Dimensions of Diversity, four other team members traveled to Minneapolis to attend the Y-USA Course Annual Giving. This class focused on giving staff a renewed focus on connecting with potential donors to ask for their support, provide strategies that offer donors the opportunity to contribute to a cause they care about, and more!

Congratulations to our President & CEO, Sara Cole and our incredible YMCA staff for winning the 3rd Annual Singing with the Stars at the Duluth Playhouse last Friday! 🎤🏆 We are so proud of your talent, dedication, and enthusiasm, and we’re thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved victory! Your performance not only showcased your amazing voices but also highlighted the Y’s unwavering commitment to community and collaboration. A huge thank you to the Duluth Playhouse for hosting such a fantastic event—we’re honored to support our community partners and be part of something so special. Way to go, team!

From early-morning runs to lifelong friendships, the Downtown Duluth YMCA has been a hub for fitness, community, and connection since the '70s and '80s. The Y wasn’t just about running—it was about building relationships and creating memories. Whether through volunteer work, social gatherings, or supporting causes like Camp Miller, the Y’s impact has lasted generations. Follow the link to read more about Steve, Terry, and Jim and their Y stories: https://ow.ly/LHhF50UYMXk

At the Downtown Duluth YMCA, Safety Around Water (SAW) is a free aquatic program designed to teach children that water should be fun, not feared, through basic water safety skills. Being able to partner with our local Elementary schools to teach water safety is something the Y prides itself on. Check out the story MPR did on SAW! https://lnkd.in/gdWBe3B4

Love numbers and being organized? Looking for an accounting job where you can make a difference? We are hiring an Accounts Payable Specialist at the Y. Join our growing team and see all of the great benefits the Y has to offer! https://ow.ly/nn5f50Upbeo

The Duluth YMCA Community Services Branch is hiring! We are looking for our new Harbor Highlands & Food Access Director. This position requires an individual to lead a team of staff to deliver, plan and provide programming at the Harbor Highlands Community Center and manage programmatic aspects of the food access programs. If this sounds like something you are interested in, please use the link to learn more and apply: https://ow.ly/4LLX50U2zZa

Thank you to Esko Public Schools for coming out to the YMCA Camp Miller and helping us reclaim our trails to get ready for Fall and our Monster Bash (coming up this Saturday and open to all!) We greatly appreciate all of the hard work this group of kids put in. One student said that coming to YMCA Camp Miller is her favorite day of the year! We always appreciate the help of volunteers. If you're interested in volunteering at the Camp Miller Monster Bash or any other volunteering opportunities, visit https://lnkd.in/gyNDA6ad to learn more!

Meet Sue Hakes! A lifelong YMCA enthusiast, Sue moved to Grand Marais to make a difference in the community. She played a key role in creating the Cook County Community YMCA, which opened in 2014. Now retired, she stays active and connected at the Y, supporting its mission. “It feels really good to give back,” she says. “We want the Y to be successful!” Read more about her story by clicking the link to our blog! https://lnkd.in/evPQETMw