YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF FOND DU LAC WI INC

Healthy Living-the YMCA of Fond Du Lac served over 280,000 visits by members, guests, and community participants during 2025. The activities are designed to enhance the wellness of the community and include seminars, fitness evaluations, strength training, numerous classes, personal training, etc. Equipment options include cardio equipment (treadmills, cross trainers, bikes, rowing machines) and strength equipment (weight machines and free weights), as well as aquatics programs which provide good health through regular exercise. Over 200 people participated in paid fitness programs, while thousands participated in free classes. The Fond Du Lac YMCA offers free health and wellness orientations to members to help ensure that beginners in particular establish good exercise habits which can last a lifetime. 35 wellness seminars were conducted at the YMCA. Wellness initiatives with school districts, local government, and health organizations were also expanded. The Y has a total of about 140 cardio and strength stations at which members may exercise for fitness. The Y continued its collaboration with the SSM Health physical therapy department, allowing individuals to be treated at the Y with onsite staff. The Y continued offering of a Parkinson's exercise program in 2025 with 25 monthly participants. The Y received 130 referrals to the Healthy Living Program which is a healthcare-referred initiative that supports individuals in adopting sustainable lifestyle changes through exercise, education, and personalized guidance. Livestrong was introduced at the Fond Du Lac YMCA in 2016 which is a 12-week program for cancer survivors to meet, exercise, and socialize. This program continued through in 2025. Cardiac rehab (iii) was launched in 2018 for individuals who have survived a major heart event, to continue necessary therapy in a supervised setting. The active older adults program, ForeverWell, continued to grow in 2025. The ForeverWell program stresses a three-way approach to work with seniors, involving staying active, engaging and connecting. Seniors participated in land and water fitness classes, as well as pot luck lunches, monthly luncheons, and book clubs. There are over 1,000 ForeverWell members at the YMCA. "Virtual fitness" made its debut at the end of 2015 and continues to be popular. As of 2018 the virtual classes are now in 4 studios giving members an opportunity to take physical fitness classes. Classes may be geared toward adult, youth, or family fitness. The Y has expanded its personal training space and many people took advantage of the opportunity to get additional training in an individual or group setting. The Y purchased pickleball equipment in 2013 and created courts in one gym. More people are learning/playing this unique sport as extensive growth continued to occur and the Y now offers leagues and lessons. Using a grant received in 2014, the YMCA childcare fully implemented the HEPA (healthy eating and physical activity) standards into each classroom which helps children with healthy eating and physical activity options everyday.

In our preschool child care, a total of 94 children were served. The focus of the Fond Du Lac YMCA child care programs is to foster growth and development, not only in children, but also within the family. These educational programs help children develop moral and ethical behavior, self-esteem, and leadership. Physical development is achieved via gym and swim classes in which the children participate. Additionally, nutritious meals are served on a daily basis. In many instances, the YMCA child care allows the parent(s) of the child to remain gainfully employed or pursue an education, knowing that their child is thriving in a safe, supportive environment. Via support from the United Way, care is provided at a tuition assistance for those parents unable to afford the full cost of child care. Through collaboration with the Fond Du Lac school district, the Fond Du Lac YMCA is able to offer a half day 4K kindergarten program, as well as, child care for those children needing to stay for additional time during the day. In 2023 the Y's child care program, in collaboration with the Fond Du Lac School District, began offering Before School Care at 3 sites. 2025 had 8 sites and served over 58 children. The Y Child Care also offered a part time 3K opportunity to families. The Child Care program continued to receive Child Care Bridge assistance from the State of WI in 2025.