YMCA of Greater Omaha

?? Wow! $65,000+ in 48 hours! ?? A huge THANK YOU to the hundreds of donors across the metro who showed up for YMCA Days of Giving! Your generosity is making a lifetime of positive memories possible for kids, families, and seniors who rely on YMCA financial assistance. We couldn’t do this without our dedicated staff and volunteers who poured their hearts into making these 48 hours a success. But we’re not stopping here—this is just the beginning! YMCA Days of Giving marks the public launch of our city-wide commitment to raising over $720,000 to ensure everyone has access to the Y, no matter their circumstances. There’s still time to invest in your neighbors today! ?? Join us and make an impact: metroymca.org/give #YMCA #StrongCommunities #YMCADayofGiving #MakeEverythingPossibleYMCA Jolene Becher DeValon Whitcomb Amber Cornist Amanda Sindelar Brandon Brugger Lindy Pfingsten Diana Burchett Katlin Wilson Mike Robinson Jerry Rinne Shelby Bottolfsen Jennifer Johnson, MPA

Thanks to our incredible community, we’re making teamwork, friendship, belonging, leadership—and yes, even belly flops—possible at the YMCA! ?? But we’re not done yet! There’s still time to be part of something bigger. Make Everything Possible by making a gift today and helping us create opportunities for all during YMCA Days of Giving. Metroymca.org/Give #MakeEverythingPossibleYMCA #YMCA #CommunityImpact #ymcadayofgiving Macy DeWispelare Shelby Bottolfsen Amanda Sindelar Amber Cornist DeValon Whitcomb Tawny Bruyette Jolene Becher

YMCA Days of Giving is underway! Miles will be biked, paintings will be sold, bellyflops will be seen, and awareness will be created! Over March 3rd & 4th, the YMCA of Greater Omaha is kicking off the public phase of its Strong Communities campaign, raising over $60,000 in 48 hours! This year, we’ve committed to raising over $720,000 to provide financial assistance for programs & services across the metro throughout our campaign season. Visit a YMCA! Share a social post! And give, helping to ensure that together we can MAKE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE!? Metroymca.org/give #MakeEverythingPossibleYMCA #ymcadayofgiving Katlin Wilson Brandon Brugger Shelby Bottolfsen Macy DeWispelare

?? Investing in Mental Health ?? At the YMCA of Greater Omaha, we are committed to fostering a culture of care and support—both for our staff and the communities we serve. This week, 24 of our dedicated team members participated in the Mental Health Community Care Training, a YMCA of the USA grant-funded program designed to equip staff with knowledge, confidence, and resources to support mental health. A huge thank you to Karen Friedman (Y-USA) and Sarah Johnson (The Joy Labs) for leading this impactful session, and to United Way of the Midlands for hosting and sharing valuable insights about their 211 services. This training reinforces the importance of normalizing mental health conversations, breaking down stigma, and ensuring we all have the tools to care for ourselves and others. By strengthening our understanding of mental health, we continue our mission of empowering individuals and strengthening communities. #BeCauseY #MentalHealthMatters #WeAllHaveMentalHealth Rebecca Deterding Suzanne McCormick Sha Foland Bemba, SHRM-CP Jennifer Johnson, MPA Missy Kinzie Jennifer McCarthy Anna Rodriguez-Popp

Make Everything Possible! What a special morning at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center-PACE, as we kicked off the community phase of our 2025 Strong Communities campaign! From organizational updates, testimonials, networking, and a call to pour into our community, attendees were reminded that together we Make Everthing Possible! -Make Hope Possible -Make Courage Possible -Make Connections Possible -Make Confidence Possible -We Make More Possible Thank you to all of the staff, volunteers, donors & partners that attended & for strengthening communities with us! The YMCA of Greater Omaha will be raising over $720,000 to provide scholarships for Y programs & services in 2025! This ensures that everyone can thrive, regardless of their income or background. Learn more at metroymca.org/give #MakeEverythingPossibleYMCA Leo McIntosh, Trent Bottolfsen, Sha Foland Bemba, SHRM-CP, Rebecca Deterding, Anne Loudenback, Lindy Pfingsten Brandon Brugger Jerry Rinne Diana Burchett Missy Kinzie Macy DeWispelare Shelby Bottolfsen DeValon Whitcomb Mike Robinson Jolene Becher Amanda SindelarJennifer Johnson, MPA Jodi Cramer

For over a decade, the Butler-Gast YMCA’s Black History Month Luncheon has been a powerful tradition, celebrating history, community, and the leaders shaping our future. This year, Omaha’s own Terence “Bud” Crawford shared his deep connection to the Y, proving that the impact of this space lasts a lifetime. From young members finding inspiration to YMCA leaders like DeValon Whitcomb coming full circle, this event is a testament to the strength, resilience, and excellence that define North Omaha. Thank you to all of our volunteers, staff, members, partners, community leaders & sponsors for investing in this important experience. Here’s to 11 years of honoring history and building a brighter future together. Lindy Pfingsten Leo McIntosh Louie Warren Sha Foland Bemba, SHRM-CP Rebecca Deterding

Thank you to 3M Valley for hosting their annual “Math Counts” event at the Twin Rivers YMCA! Each year, 3M hosts dozens of students who compete in this math event! Thank you to all the schools who were represented! Jerry Rinne Cole Buffington

Special thank you to the Community Foundation for Western Iowa for their YMCA Healthy Living Center investment! The foundation shared, “We were proud to award the YMCA Healthy Living Center with a $10,000 grant from the Women's Fund of Southwest Iowa to support preventative health and social connections for women aging in place. ?? "Aging in Place" is one of the Women's Fund of Southwest Iowa's focus areas, and grant funding supports programs and services designed to help women age gracefully in their communities, including access to quality and affordable healthcare, healthy foods, exercise, placemaking, family resources, and volunteer services. According to our friends at the YMCA, loneliness and social isolation in older adults are gaining greater recognition for the serious public health risks they pose, affecting a significant number of people in our community and putting them at risk for serious medical conditions. Due to differences in life expectancy, women are more likely to experience widowhood and the accompanying isolation and financial hardships. The YMCA Healthy Living Center serves primarily seniors over age 55, many of whom are retired, veterans, living with physical limitations or mental acuity challenges that come with age, or are living on a fixed income in Pottawattamie County, IA. Learn more about the benefits of a membership at the YMCA Healthy Living Center by visiting: https://lnkd.in/e73tj5c https://lnkd.in/gPYjy-U4 Amanda Sindelar Rochelle Borgaila Leo McIntosh

?? A Huge Thank You to the Gretna Community Foundation! ?? We are beyond thrilled and grateful to announce that the Gretna Community Foundation has awarded the Gretna Crossing YMCA with a $5,000 grant for their Summer Day Camp program! Thanks to their incredible generosity, the Gretna Crossing YMCA team will be able to enhance their fishing programs by providing campers with fishing poles, gear, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. This support means so much to us and will help create lasting memories and learning opportunities for the kids in our community. ???? Here’s to casting new lines, catching big dreams, and making a splash this summer—all thanks to the Gretna Community Foundation! Together, we’re building stronger kids and stronger communities! Brandon Brugger Carrie Walter

Celebrating Local Leadership! The YMCA of Greater Omaha is thrilled to announce that our very own Senior Aquatics Director, Jasmin Samano-Gretna Crossing YMCA, has been named to the Empowered Leaders Resource Network (ELRN) - YMCA of the USA 30 Under 30 list! This national recognition showcases Jasmin’s incredible dedication to water safety, aquatics education, and creating a stronger community through the YMCA mission. Her leadership and passion continue to make waves at Gretna Crossing YMCA and beyond. Join us in celebrating Jasmin’s outstanding accomplishment! #youthdevelopment #becauseY #ELRNation Jasmin Samano Brandon Brugger Sha Foland Bemba, SHRM-CP