YMCA OF WASHINGTON COUNTY  
August 27 2015 

MESSAGE FROM CEO: BECKY HARKEMA
   
August is behind us and it is an exciting time for kids to go to school. I love the sound of kids laughing, standing in line to get on the school bus, football pads hitting and lots of kids coming into the Y after school waiting for their parents to pick them up. As the YMCA of Washington County has grown we have had many opportunities to develop more friendships and have opportunities for collaborations. Below are stories that have just done that:

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Unfortunately the indoor pool is having difficulties and is closed. We feel that there is another leak in the main drain. It is so unfortunate to cancel classes. One opportunity we have taken advantage of is to offer our swim lessons at the Steele Aquatic Family Center. This arrangement has been a wonderful collaborative effort with the City of Washington. With the indoor pool closed this arrangement is even more important. I worked at the outdoor pool on August 25, 2015 and it was a very rewarding experience. We had four youth have a wonderful swimming experience. They were brave and went down the big red slide. They put their faces in the water and swam across the pool. What was most important is that they are learning to be safe around the water. I was so happy to meet these four beautiful swimmers and their parents!


HEALTHY LIVING
 
As many of you know running is a hobby of mine. We develop deep friendships through our hobbies. And it is a wonderful thing. On Saturday, August 22, 2015 I ran a 7 mile race in Iowa City. I was disappointed in how I ran but my friends lifted me up. I have met them all through the YMCA and actually the collaboration with the YMCA on the Square (or what many people call Bodywxs). It was so great to see friends from the Wellman YMCA and the YMCA on the Square. Thanks for being there!


 
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
 
We are beginning our processes with the capital campaign to build a new YMCA. This is such an important cause for the community of Washington! It cannot be completed without the support of everyone! Right now, I want to particularly thank the time and efforts of the following people who have been working hard on our committees. We are in a great place and I feel that we will meet our goal of $10.8M to build a new YMCA!

 


Becky Harkema
319.653.2141
Our Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.


 

Our Cause

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. That's why we focus our work in three areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.