Exergaming Comes to the YMCA

It’s the latest in exercise technology. It’s an investment in the fitness of the young video game-loving generation known as the “millenials.” And it’s coming to the YMCA. So just what is “exergaming”?

Exergaming is the latest fitness activity that uses the human body as a “joystick” to physically drive, and compete with others if one desires, on computer-assisted games, simulating activities such as snowboarding, upright or recumbent bicycling, kick-boxing and dancing . It’s done using handheld remote control devices, or by standing on special electronic mats and directing movements toward a wall screen or console. In the bicycling game, for example, riders control options and track performance while speeding like a race car or experiencing bumpy off-road and mountainous terrain.

The blog PETER (Physical Education Teacher's Exergaming Resource) has several articles on the benefits of exergaming, including this piece that points out how exergaming is breaking link between video games and childhood obesity (one of the five critical community needs that are addressed by the Minneapolis YMCA through our Y Partners annual support campaign).

The Y has already introduced exergaming at the new Elk River branch, with plans to be up and running at the Blaisdell and North Community locations this winter. The goal is to promote fitness and physical activity particularly for children ages eight through ten – an age group considered a critical audience for the Y.

It's another example of how the YMCA continues to invest in the needs of our communities. A big thank-you goes to United Healthcare, whose financial support makes installation of the equipment possible.

Youth in Government - Your Y Partners Contributions In Action!

For those of you who wonder if your Y Partners contribution really makes that much of a difference, check out this testimonial from a parent whose child recently received a scholarship to Youth in Government:

I just received word that my daughter received a scholarship and I am so very thankful for the help. I am recently divorced and am struggling to keep life "normal" , as much as possible, for my daughters. I truly truly appreciate this wonderful Thanksgiving Gift! Your generosity means very much to me. I know I will be
offering a prayer of Thanks for this and for this program. My daughter is learning so much already and I am very impressed with the way it is run.

Again, I thank you so very very much for your help. I have been blessed beyond measure. I pray that your kindness will be returned to you 10x!

The Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government program is among the top programs, nationally, in terms of quality and number of students. 60% of participants and 55% of youth program leaders are girls. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of all eligible students return the next year.

Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government builds a sense of responsibility and passion for issues, the desire to make a difference, citizenship skills, and values in the lives of teens. Ultimately, Youth in Government programs help mold character in students with a strong focus on leadership development and citizenship-building.

Check out more about this program here. And remember that your contribution to the YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis really does make a difference!

Building a Downtown Community!

On June 25, 2008 at Joe’s Garage the Downtown YMCA showed people that it is more than just a fitness facility, by hosting the first annual “Wines of the World, the World of the YMCA” wine-tasting event. Proceeds raised went to support the YMCA’s mission to build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities. Last year, the Downtown YMCA gave $280,000.00 in membership financial assistance, $22,000.00 in child care financial assistance and $5,000.00 in Youth leadership financial assistance.

What else did we do that night? A community was built- a community of new friends that share a common interest. Healthy people taking time to learn the names of people they see everyday. People who they may not have known have children, long hair or learned to swim at a YMCA. People they see now and can greet by first name. Relationships were taken to a new level…friendships with common interests were formed. A new swim partner, runner partner or coffee date. This was just a few of the things that happened that night.

A successful first annual “friend”raising event...we raised $17,000.00 + dollars. We raised awareness of the mission of the YMCA, and we built a community of philanthropy at the Downtown YMCA.

Please join us for our second annual Wine-Tasting event next year, June 25, 2009 from 4:30-8:00 p.m. at Joe’s Garage. I guaranteed this year’s event to be the event of the year and it was. I will guarantee it again for 2009! See you there!

YMCA Beacons - Making a Difference!

The YMCA Beacons Center at Anne Sullivan School in South Minneapolis served nearly 350 kids last year. Now in its fourth year, the after-school Center offers academic support, leadership development opportunities, arts, music, drama, dance, sports and recreation, and more.

One example of a young person whose life has been changed is Ladan (she is the staff member on the left of the picture in blue). She is a freshman at Edison High School who works part-time at Sullivan Beacons. The neat thing is that she is a "Beacons alumni," having gone through three years of Sullivan Beacons herself. (In fact, she has been involved at Sullivan Beacons every year it has been in existence).

Ladan is very excited about the program, and thankful for what it has done in her life. "Beacons helped me in so many ways," she says. "I was having a difficult time in middle school. My grades weren't good and I was getting in trouble. But then I joined Beacons. It was something to look forward to every day, and it really helped me turn things around. It kept me on track. And now I'm happy that I can come back and help the little kids enjoy Beacons, too."

The Spring Talent Show is a huge event at Sullivan Beacons. Many of the project areas are working now on what they'll present that day (such as Hip Hop Dance and the new drum group). The Talent Show will be held on March 27th.

Young people are able to participate in Beacons at not cost due to the generosity of our Y Partners donors and local foundations. YMCA Beacons is making a difference!

A Life Changing Story About Giving Back at the Ridgedale YMCA

A couple of months ago I awarded a scholarship to Harold Stafford. He was a successful attorney, his star still rising, when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. After a treatment regimen that included surgery, several courses of chemotherapy, and radiation, he was left with enough brain damage to end his career. Although he’s worked on some fairly strenuous rehabilitation therapies, his memory will never be good enough for him to return to law. He’s been looking for work, but isn’t having much luck.

This morning he stopped at the desk to ask if I had any Financial Assistance clients who needed a bit of help. He’d received a check for $100.00, a gift from a family member, and he wanted to help someone who was struggling, as he’s struggled. He left $20 for Y-Partners. He said that he’s so grateful to have the Y at a price he can afford that he wanted to pass his good fortune along.

Harold is a blessing – when he comes in he’s cheerful, gentle, grateful to be here, and to be alive. It’s enormously inspiring that someone who lives on disability, which is WELL below the poverty level, is willing to give so much. Working with someone like Harold is what makes working at the Y so rewarding!