The end of October is fast approaching and November is just around the corner. I’m looking forward to the holidays that will soon be gracing our calendars with family fun, food, and quality moments that help shape our memories.
The end of October also marks the annual birthday of the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties in Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN. We have celebrated that moment 135 times so far. Yes, the Y is 135 years old (really 136 years old because of the pandemic!) We became a Y before the state of North Dakota was a state. Again, yes, you read that right. We are known as a railroad YMCA because we followed the building of the railroad out to the west. Burlington Northern brought the Y along as they were working to help with the lives of the people who were working the lines. Over those years, we have owned multiple facilities, ran a hotel, had a resident camp since 1903, and have served so many young people, families, and seniors over the years.
But why is the Y important to the community? Why has it lasted 135 years while there are changes with wars, pandemics, economic booms and busts, and other challenges?
I believe that it has to do with a key word. Community.
The Y is a community. It brings varying people from different walks of life together. You might not go to the same church, believe the same things, you may not believe anything, you may support a different political party, you may have different needs, different challenges, and the list goes on, but none of that matters at the Y. You may be from a different socioeconomic group then the person next to you on a treadmill and it doesn’t matter. You are welcome at the Y.
I often say that we are closer to a church than a fitness center. Our pews just happen to be treadmills. And, I believe that statement more and more each year.
When you come to the Y, you have the opportunity to connect with that friend that you exercise next to each day but would never see in the community unless you saw them at the same time each day. You can come to the Y and grab a cup of coffee with the ladies who all participate in the water exercise class and not see them again until the next time you come to the Y. And, I can guarantee that even if it has been three months since you’ve seen these ladies, they will welcome you back with open arms like you haven’t missed a day. It all comes back to community.
When we offer fitness classes, it is to build the community. When we offer child care, it helps build the community. Food programs? Community. Family programs? Community. Camp? Community….I think you see a pattern here.
Our mission statement says that we strengthen the community through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body. We do this through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. I don’t think this is happening at the Y, I know it is!
Not bad for 135 years, right?
See you at the Y!
Steve Smith, President and CEO
Posted on: October 26th, 2022