The first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, December 2, marks Giving Tuesday, a day that reminds us of the power of coming together to create something bigger than ourselves.
At the YMCA of Greater Omaha, we witness that power daily—across 14 branches, four early learning centers, in programs from youth sports to LIVESTRONG, and in the countless connections formed within our walls and beyond.
Across the Metro Area, we are united by a shared purpose: strengthening the foundations of community through
youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
This season of giving and gratitude is the perfect time to reflect on the Y’s impact and the communities that make it special. From the sportsmanship, teamwork, and sense of belonging children build in youth sports, to the strength and connection seniors find in our Silver Sneakers classes, the Y is a place where individuals and families of all ages can find support, purpose, and community.
Each member, participant, donor, and volunteer is a piece of the larger picture of who we are at the Y—a picture of compassion, opportunity, and belonging. Your support completes that picture. Your gift, no matter the size, helps ensure that people throughout our communities have a chance to thrive.
We hear stories every day that remind us why the Y matters. One member recently shared:
“There is nothing I don’t like about your activities and programs. The Y has been a big part of my life for the last 20 years and continues to improve in every way. The instructors are knowledgeable and personable, and the manager is a caring, generous individual. I would recommend this facility to anyone, including seniors, who wants to live a happy, healthy life with peers. We all have different goals, but our ultimate goal is to stay fit and healthy for our children, grandchildren, and families.”
Stories like this show that the Y is far more than just a gym—it is a community for life. Whether helping a senior stay active and connected, offering swim lessons that build confidence and save lives, or providing financial assistance so a child has a place to belong, the Y’s mission is lived out across the Metro Area.
From Mills County, Iowa, to Blair, Nebraska, we are one Y serving many communities, each with its own unique values and needs. When all the pieces come together, we build something truly extraordinary.
This Giving Tuesday, let’s celebrate the strength of community and the impact we can make together. With your help, the Y will continue to be a place where everyone belongs—a place where kindness, connection, and hope grow stronger each day.
Be the piece that makes a difference and give today!
—Bailey W., Advancement Intern, and Jennifer J., Mission Advancement Specialist
