Key Understandings

No one is turned away because of the inability to pay for programs. Because of our local United Way and our Partners with Youth donations, we are able to say "yes" to disadvantaged persons.
The Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA is an organization dedicated to collaboration and filling voids in our community with quality programs.
We help build core values like caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
The Y is for everyone...people of all ages, races, religions, incomes and abilities. The Y builds community.
The YMCA movement is one of the premier not-for-profit organizations in the world and we make a positive difference in the lives of people every day.
Each YMCA is different and special because it reflects the community that it serves.
YMCA programs are unique and numerous. The Y is the nation's largest child care provider, the leader in camping programs and is America's swimming instructor. The Y was into fitness before fitness was "in." Other nationally recognized programs include Youth Sports, Active Older Adults, Youth in Government, After school Programs, Parent/Child Adventure Guides and more.

History

The Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA was officially incorporated in May of 1997 by an altruistic group of volunteers who felt the community could benefit from Y programs.
After a successful Founders Campaign, the board of directors hired Jeffrey Filipek in August of 1998 to serve as the organization's CEO. Filipek was the CEO of the Albert Lea Family YMCA for 6 years, and for 9 years prior to that worked for the YMCA of Metro Minneapolis. Filipek left the Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA in February of 2006 to accept the position of Regional Consultant for the YMCA of the USA. In May 2006, Theresa Wittenberg joined the YMCA team as the CEO.
In 1999 new programs were developed with attendance and evaluations exceeding expectations. Charter memberships to show support for our new YMCA are still being offered.
In 2001, the Capital Campaign was kicked off to raise funds for a new 50,000 square foot facility. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 7th 2001 and the new facility opened in November 2002.

For additional information about the YMCA, visit the YMCA of the USA website at www.ymca.net.