Dow Westside YMCA

From first splashes to stronger strokes, the YMCA of the Capital Area offers swim lessons for every age and skill level. Build confidence, improve water safety, and enjoy all the benefits of learning to swim. Dive in and learn more: https://www.ymcabr.org/swim

Did you know Father’s Day was founded at the YMCA?

In 1910, Sonora Smart Dodd held the very first Father’s Day celebration at the Spokane YMCA to honor her dad - a single father who raised six children. Her love for her father sparked a national tradition that we still celebrate today!

Today, we continue to celebrate and support fathers, father figures and families of all kinds - building strong communities together. , from our Y family to yours!

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, celebrates the emancipation of those who were enslaved—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. To celebrate, the Y invites you to learn more about this day of freedom: https://ow.ly/37SK50Z3hv7

We’re halfway through the Jump Into June Challenge! There's still plenty of time to reach your goal of attending 8 group exercise classes in June and earn a chance to win a Y prize!

Track your progress in the YMCA360 app, stay motivated, and finish the month strong. Best of all, it's FREE for all Y members to participate.

Let's keep moving and make the second half of June count!

Our Y Summer Campers were excited to say the Pledge of Allegiance on TV! Thank you to WBRZ Channel 2 for this special opportunity. Be sure to watch for our camp groups on air throughout the summer!

This month, we're excited to shine the spotlight on Bobby!

Bobby has been a valued member of the Y for the past two years. Inspired by his wife and children after they joined, he decided to become part of the Y family as well.

One of Bobby's favorite ways to unwind at the Y is relaxing in the sauna. He shares that the Y has positively impacted his life by giving him an enjoyable place to stay active and engaged.

Some of Bobby's favorite memories come from the connections he's made with our lifeguard staff, highlighting the welcoming community that makes the Y so special.

When asked what he would tell someone considering joining the Y, Bobby emphasized the accessibility of the YMCA and the friendliness of its staff.

Thank you, Bobby, for being a part of our Y community!

Have you explored our new app yet?

With YMCA 360, staying connected and motivated has never been easier. Earn points for staying active, logging workouts, completing challenges, and participating in YMCA programs. The more you engage, the more you earn!

Be sure to check the app regularly to track your points, see your progress, and take advantage of everything YMCA 360 has to offer.

Open or download YMCA 360 today and start earning while you move!

This month's Employee Spotlight is Mia Davis!

Mia Davis joined the Dow Westside YMCA team in June 2023 after moving to the community and being encouraged to apply by family friends who were already members of the Y. Since then, she has become an incredible asset to our facility through her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to always step in and help others. Mia is known for taking initiative, caring for our members, and handling things without needing to be asked.

While working at the Y, Mia also earned her Associate Degree in Nursing. Her last day with us will be June 12 as she begins her new career as a registered nurse.

As Mia prepares for this exciting next chapter, she shared this message:

“I would like to thank my boss, Mrs. Kelli — thank you for your guidance, encouragement, and for believing in me throughout my time here. I’m especially thankful for the support and flexibility while I balanced work and nursing school. That support meant so much to me.

And to all of our members — thank you. Getting to know so many of you over the past few years has truly been one of the best parts of being here.

The YMCA has been such a meaningful part of my life and a place where I’ve learned so much — not only professionally, but personally too. The values here and the people here have helped shape me into the person I am today, and I’ll carry that with me as I begin my journey as a registered nurse.”

We are incredibly proud of Mia and grateful for the impact she has made on our YMCA family. We wish her the very best in her nursing career!

Congratulations to two of our YMCA360 App winners! Caprice was the winner of our May App Challenge, and Karen redeemed her points for a Y reward. Way to go!