The Waukee YMCA is a Y within the grouping of the YMCA Of Greater Des Moines. There are currently six operating Ys as of Dec 12, 2019, after two Ys were shut down (those being the Boone Family YMCA and the Ankeny Family YMCA).

Every year around late January through February the Greater Des Moines YMCA hosts an annual campaign and each branch formulates a  goal they want to meet. They raise funds to be used for their non-profit programs and to provide financial assistance to their lower-income members.

According to Suburban District Executive Director Eric Kress, the annual campaign donations are used “To strengthen the Y’s mission and areas of focus of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Y strives to make our programs and services available to everyone, and the annual campaign supports our efforts.” One program that benefits greatly is the financial assistance program, Kress said “We want the Y to be an inclusive place, accessible to everyone. We strive to not turn anyone away due to inability to pay. Our donors support those scholarship dollars.”

The annual campaign helps strengthen the delivery and extend the reach of services that helps people, live healthier,  find community, and youth develop their potential.

Many employees of the Y donate. Kress said ” The Y is a non-profit organization, and many of our employees join the cause because they believe in our mission. We have a caring and generous staff that contributes in many ways.” The Waukee Y has come up with a branch goal of $200,000.

The programs that raise the most money for the annual campaign are raised mainly by individuals gifting to the campaign. Volunteers lead a people to people effort to ask for support from individuals, as well as business community.

Kress has been working at the Y since college, in 1999. So about 20 years. The Y was a place to volunteer to coach basketball, and get a part-time job in an after school program while in school and has since become a career.

To end things off Kress said “The Y is a safe and healthy place for all. Consider coming with your friends and family, or come and meet new friends. Also, consider the Y as a potential place for employment. We always have a need for lifeguards, swim instructors and before and after school counselors. While they are jobs that provide pay, they also provide a way to give back to your community and a positive work environment.”

Think about the impact that could be made just by donating to the YMCA Of Greater Des Moines. This link will take you the YMCA´s online donation page  https://www.dmymca.org/support-the-y/online-giving.