YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties

Child care and family life program- the Ymca is the largest provider of child care and family programming in the area. Programs are provided for infant care through school age. Over 3,853 children participated in our programs and through support for the united way, grants (including 21st century grand) and our partner of youth drive 520 children received scholarships. We operate 30 child care sites and many of the school age sites are done in cooperation with elementary schools. Ymca child care is designed to build mind, spirit and body in each child. The values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and health are incorporated into the curriculum. All staff are properly trained and attend ongoing training. In addition to child care, the Ymca provides a variety of family activities and trainings. The Ymca operates child care programs at the following locations: Ymca fercho; Ymca schlossman; Ymca child care south; Ymca child care at calvary; Ymca child care at west fargo; Ymca school age at eastwood; Ymca school age at l.e. Berger; Ymca school age at westside; Ymca school age at aurora; Ymca school age at horace; Ymca school age at harwood; Ymca school age at oak grove; Ymca school age at madison; Ymca school age at jefferson; Ymca school age at mckinley; Ymca school age at horace mann; Ymca school age at osgood; Ymca school age at freedom; Ymca school age at west fargo; Ymca school age at deer creek; Ymca school age at brooks harbor; Ymca school age at south elementary; Ymca school age at willow park; Ymca school age at independence; and Ymca school age at all moorhead schools. All programs are fully licensed and two school age sites and five early childhood sites have received naeyc certification. The Ymca strives to create an environment where parents and staff are partners in helping all children grow up healthy, happy and strong. Like all Ymca programs, scholarship assistance is available.

Youth activities program- the Ymca serves youth with a variety of programs. Programs help youth build mind, body and spirit. The values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and heath are incorporated into programs and activities. The Ymca collaborates with a variety of organizations to provide these programs. Scholarship assistance is available for all youth programs through united way funding and our partner of youth drive. The following are some of the programs offered: camping program- camps include camp koda, a day camp experience and camp cormorant, a residence camp experience. The goal of camp is to provide a safe, enjoyable, creative and challenging opportunity that fosters individual growth in the areas of self-esteem, responsibility, communication, independence, leadership, environmental awareness and christian values, concern for the children is the top priority. Camp cormorant is an american camping association (aca) accredited camp. Activities include crafts, sports, water skiing, horseback riding, ropes course, kayaking and much more. Camp cormorant was established in 1903. Specific campers outcomes include: helping participants build self-esteem; provide positive, caring adult role models; and promoting and developing environmental awareness. Swimming lessons for youth of all ages; swim team; youth basketball program in collaboration with area schools; xerzone- a workout area just for youth, youth are encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle; baton; gymnastics; special trips and overnights; healthy kid's day; youth fitness; teen leaders; climbing wall; and youth/teen center. Our Ymca has been a leader in providing youth activities for many years. We receive a variety of grants each year to help support our programming. All Ymca youth programs help build self-esteem in our children and work to help each person reach their full potential

Health enhancement program- since its inception in 1886, the Ymca of Cass and Clay Counties has been a leader in healthy activity for our community. Programs build mind, spirit and body for all persons. There are programs for youth, teens, adults, and seniors. Health enhancement programs are available for people at all levels of fitness, group fitness classes are available with a Ymca membership. Classes for seniors are helping keep individuals active into their 90's. The Ymca of Cass and Clay Counties is an activate america Ymca and also a pioneering healthy communities (phc) Ymca. Activate america is a program designed to reach out and encourage health seekers to get involved in a healthier lifestyle. Our Ymca is one of 81 Ymca's in the country to be part of pioneering healthy communities. The phc is a collaboration between the national Ymca and the center for disease control. Its purpose is to bring community leaders together to focus on policy and environmental change in communities to promote healthy lifestyles. This effort has created the cass-clay healthy initiative. The initiative has broad based support. All programs and membership at the Ymca have scholarship funding available. The following agencies bring clients to use the Ymca at reduced cost: access of the red river valley; anne carlson center; ccri; chi friendship; connections; dakota boys and girls ranch; easterseals; encompass; friends of the children; jeremiah program; klgo; lakeland mental health center; legacy children's foundation; lirs - lutheran immigration and refugee service; lotus center; luther hall; nd autism center; sharehouse.