Water Safety Week at the YMCA

We live in a state famous for all its lakes, not to mention our many ponds, rivers, creeks—and backyard swimming pools! It’s definitely a place where water safety is important, especially for children. Statistics point out that children from minority and immigrant backgrounds are the most vulnerable to drowning and water accidents.

The Minneapolis YMCA is doing something about that! You may know that the Y invented organized lessons more than a century ago, and that our local YMCAs teach thousands of people of all ages to swim every year. But did you know that in partnership with Hawkins Inc., a locally-based chemical firm, the YMCA offers water safety lessons to more than a thousand Twin Cities kids each summer? And that those lessons are free to all the kids?

Some of the children participating in this year’s water safety courses had never been in a pool. Many begin with lots of fear and trepidation, but by the end of the week they’re brimming with new confidence and big smiles! Most important they’ve learned basic water safety skills that build a foundation for a lifetime of safe swimming, good exercise, and lots of fun. Thank you, Hawkins, for helping the YMCA provide this critically-needed service to our community.

Angela Gibbs, YMCA Success Story!

Here’s a very special YMCA Mission Moment. Take a moment to read this story from Fatima Muhammad from the Minneapolis YMCA Black Achievers Program.

I nominated a Black Achiever from North High School for a “Dream Prom” contest with the Morning Show with Mike & Juliet on Fox 9. Angela Grubbs was selected as a finalist for the contest and won! We were flown out to New York this past Sunday and taped the show on Monday. The show will air this Thursday, May 8th at 9 am on Fox Channel 9. North High School’s Prom will also be taped on Saturday for a follow up story. Angela’s amazing story will highlight her accomplishments, the YMCA Black Achievers Program, and North High School.

I recommended Angela for the "Dream Prom" because she deserves to have something given to her. Angela Grubbs has endured a lot of obstacles in her lifetime. Her father has been incarcerated for most of her life and her mother is often out of the home due to her chemical dependency issues. Angela has moved around a lot in her childhood and at one point has spent time in foster care. Angela has always put everyone else before herself. She currently works two jobs to support herself and her younger brother. She is financially responsible for everything in her life and I was afraid Angela would not be able to enjoy her first and last prom because of her life circumstances.

Through it all, Angela is a very mature, bright, and resilient young woman. Angela will be graduating from North High School in June and has been accepted to Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA. She has worked so hard throughout her life and it is so nice to see her be rewarded for just being an awesome teen.

This contest came along at the perfect time and to a student that is ever-so deserving. The “Dream Prom” includes a formal dress, shoes, accessories, hair and make-up from professionals, a stretch limo to prom and a photography session from world-renown photographer, Nigel Barker of America’s Next Top Model.

Paul Wilson, Minnesota Valley YMCA Community Hero!

The Minnesota Valley Family YMCA was pleased to present Paul Wilson with a 2008 Community Hero Award on January 16th, 2008. Paul was presented with this award at the end of turbo kick class in front of his fellow exercise fanatics including his daughter and son-in-law. Paul is a member of the Community Board for the Minnesota Valley YMCA and has chaired the past two Y Partner Annual Support Campaigns successfully. “We appreciate the energy and passion Paul brings to the Minnesota Valley YMCA as a member, board member and volunteer,” said Executive Director Scott Peterson as he presented the award.

Paul’s volunteer experience runs deep in the Minnesota Valley community. He was a board member 10 years ago when the Minnesota Valley Family YMCA was first opened. Paul also chaired the successful Y Partner campaign to kickoff the grand opening of a full facility from a community branch. Paul took a break from the board to concentrate as a financial advisor for ING Financial Services. Paul recently received his Certified Financial Planner designation.

Paul and his wife Barbara are actively involved with Hosanna! Lutheran Church in Lakeville. Paul has also volunteered in multiple ministries at Hosanna! while Barb is a past congregation president. The YMCA’s Scott Peterson noted, “Paul brings a great attitude, perspective and passion to the YMCA in helping it serve the communities south of the river. We want to thank you Paul for helping with our commitment to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities every day.”

Andover YMCA Presents Valerie Holthus with Community Hero Award

The Andover YMCA presented Valerie Holthus of Andover High School with the 2008 Community Hero Award on January 11, 2008. Valerie is honored for her volunteer contributions to the Andover YMCA. Valerie Holthus has been a Andover YMCA Community Board member since the Andover branch opened in July of 2005. She has been active in the Y Partners Annual Support Campaign and has developed many partnerships in the community. Valerie was the Special Events Chair for the 1st Andover YMCA Wine Tasting & Silent Auction fundraiser held at the Courtyards of Andover this past November. Thanks to Valerie’s hard work and dedication the event was a tremendous success, netting over $6,000 and providing an opportunity for the community to come together and learn more about the YMCA . Valerie has worked with organizations such as the Timberwolves, WCCO Star Gazing and has volunteered for a number of Andover YMCA community events, such as the Andover Fun Fest and Harvest Festival. Valerie brings positive experiences and joy to many through her enthusiasm, passion, and dedication. We thank Valerie for her commitment to the Andover Community, the YMCA and the individuals, children and families we serve each day.

Operation Holiday Basket – Hiawatha YMCA Community Service Project with Roosevelt High School

UPDATED DECEMBER 21:

Operation Holiday Basket (OHB) has been in existence for 36 years. Gedric Merritt has been fortunate to have his champion volunteer on the front line with him to help assist in coordinating this Operation. This person is a fellow by the name of Freeman “Mac” McInroy. Mac has been a great contributor to the program for 37 years. He is a retired Roosevelt Teacher, Football and Track Coach. Last year we served 300 families in North and South Minneapolis. Mac and Gary Lewis have been long-time supporters of Hiawatha YMCA and the founders of this dynamic community service project. Many families have been impacted by their caring and sharing to feed families in need. Mac’s story is that he wanted to give back to others, because his family was served at a time when they were down on their luck.

The food is distributed to diverse groups of low income families and individuals who are mostly East African and people of color. We also help some people who are disabled and they benefit greatly from this generous opportunity. There are just over 200 volunteers that help in this endeavor; they come from area schools in the south Minneapolis. They support this event by doing food drives within the school and then they transport the items to the Hiawatha YMCA. Ameri-Corp and the Vista program also send volunteers who help support the cause.

The Baskets were assembled on the morning of December 21st, 2007 by volunteers from Roosevelt High school (students and alumni), Ameri-Corps Volunteers, Vista Program Volunteers, Community volunteers and many other volunteers from various organizations and schools. Volunteers form a supply chain from the storage area to the lower level, where the baskets are filled by other volunteers. Completed baskets are then moved to the final staging areas where a donated turkey from Cub Foods in added to complete the process.

The baskets are delivered to the families or they can pick them up from the Hiawatha YMCA on Friday, December 21st, 2007. Baskets that are being picked up will be available starting at 10am and delivery of all other baskets begins at 11.