OUR YMCA
Our Y
The Minot Family YMCA began with humble beginnings as a bible study in 1943. A few short years later plans were drafted to build a facility in downtown Minot. The Colin Brown Y's Men's Club was formed at this time to help the fundraising efforts for the new building.
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In 1949, the Y opened on the corner of 1st and 1st in downtown Minot. This facility served as a place for young men to go and engage in healthy activities other than drinking at the local pub and later served as temporary housing for returning recruits from the war.
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In 1960 the Y began exploring resident camp options. The Minot Y’s Men’s Club was then formed to help fundraise for and build Triangle Y Camp out on scenic Lake Sakakawea near Garrison.
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As time went on, women were allowed to join the YMCA, which led to the creation of our Women's Health Center and additional women's programming. We quickly outgrew our space and plans were drafted in 1996 to build a new facility and relocate.
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In 2001, the current facility was built and was opened to the public. In 2008, the YMCA expanded by adding an addition to include another gymnasium, climbing wall, fitness studios, additional locker rooms, and more.
In 2022, the YMCA entered a strategic partnership with Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports (PGAS), a local organization that is partial owner of and headquartered out of the YMCA facility. PGAS opened a pediatric occupational and physical therapy clinic within the YMCA and is actively involved in the programming events put on by the YMCA to ensure they are adaptive.
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Mission
The purpose of the Minot Family YMCA shall be to develop Christian character and to aid in building a Christian society by the maintenance of such activities and services that contribute to physical, social, mental and spiritual growth.
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To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
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Our Cause
We know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That’s why, at the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
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Our Focus
We believe that to bring about meaningful change in individuals, families and our community, we must be focused and accountable. We measure the success of our cause by how well we engage in our three areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. That’s because a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.
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Defining our areas of focus:
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Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child & teen.
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Healthy Living: Improving the nation’s health and well-being.
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Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors.
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The YMCA is for everyone. Our programs, services and initiatives enable kids to realize their potential, offer ways for families to have fun together, empower people to be healthier in spirit, mind and body; welcome and embrace newcomers and help foster a community-wide service ethic. And that’s just the beginning.