News from the YMCA

NEW BUTLER-GAST YMCA AND NORTH HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM ANNOUNCEMENT

Omaha, NE: On April 4, 2025 retired North High Principal Gene Haynes, along with Mayor Jean Stothert, Omaha Public Schools, the YMCA of Greater Omaha and other city and community leaders, announced a plan to build North High a game-changing home field and a new stadium for football and soccer, among other sports and activities, along with a new Butler-Gast YMCA to better serve the North Omaha community.  

After years of community discussion and anticipation, both the YMCA and stadium will be ready for the public in the summer of 2027. These modern facilities will enhance athletics and school engagement at North High while creating accessible, affordable health, wellness and development opportunities for North Omaha communities. 

United Way of the Midlands Awards $165,000 to YMCA of Greater Omaha

Grant to Fund Early Learning Centers, Summer Day Camp, Out of School Time and Active Older Adult/Senior Wellness Programs

The YMCA of Greater Omaha is pleased to announce it was recently awarded a $165,000 grant from United Way of the Midlands. Thanks to the generosity of the United Way donors, this funding will support YMCA’s Early Learning Centers, the YMCA’s Summer Day Camp and Out of School programs, and active older adult programs provided to senior members at the YMCA Healthy Living Center located in Council Bluffs.

YMCA RECEIVES TOP TRAINING AWARD

May 2024 – The YMCA of Greater Omaha is proud to announce that we have been honored with The Top Training Provider Award from the American Red Cross for the fifth consecutive year. In 2023, we successfully trained 789 individuals in critical lifesaving skills such as Lifeguarding and First Aid CPR/AED.

IMPROVING WATER SAFETY WITH UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD

YMCA Continues to Improve Water Safety Thanks to Union Pacific Railroad

(Omaha, NE) May 12, 2024 – May is National Water Safety Month. From lifeguard training, swim lessons, to outreach across our community, water safety is a critical part of the YMCA’s work. We are incredibly grateful to have corporate partners join us in these efforts and invest in initiatives that make us all safer and stronger together.

Clarkson College & the Y

Omaha, Neb.: Clarkson College is pleased to announce a partnership with YMCA of Greater Omaha, a leader in providing youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility in the community for over 155 years. The partnership offers employees as well as their spouses and dependent children tuition savings and employment growth opportunities.

NEW! Gretna Crossing YMCA Opens

On Monday, September 18, 2023 the Gretna Crossing YMCA opened its doors for the first time, eager to serve thousands of new members in the state-of-the-art facility while educating the Gretna community on everything that the YMCA and the Gretna Crossing Park has to offer.  

YMCA of Greater Omaha’s President and CEO, Rebecca Deterding shared, “We are thrilled to extend our services in Sarpy County with the addition of the Gretna Crossing YMCA. The Gretna community had a vision for a large recreational facility that would create fellowship, gathering and connections for people of all ages. We are honored to provide highly demanded YMCA benefits to the residents.”  

LIFTING WEIGHTS & SPIRITS AT THE AGE OF 82

Bennington, Nebraska - Over 20 years ago, Elaine Waugh started working with a personal trainer in New Mexico and became a power lifter at the age of 60. She received first place in a lifting meet two decades ago, and following that victory, she declared that she was hooked. Today, you can find Elaine at the Westview YMCA, working as a coach on the wellness floor and inspiring people of all ages to live healthy, use good form and appropriate lifting techniques, and to “simply enjoy it.”

YMCA Wins BBB Torch Award for Business Ethics

The YMCA of Greater Omaha has been honored with the prestigious BBB Torch Award for Business Ethics, bestowed by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas Plains, and Southwest Iowa. Additionally, Rebecca Deterding, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Omaha, has been selected for the Spark Award, recognizing the Three C's of Trust in a young leader: Character, Culture, and Community. 

Reflections on One Year as CEO

May 2, 2023 - Rebecca Deterding, YMCA of Greater Omaha President and CEO, recently celebrated her one-year anniversary as the organization’s leader. We captured some of her thoughts and notable moments as she reflected on the last twelve months of strengthening the community and her vision for the future.  

100% Childcare Tuition Discount for Full-Time Non-Exempt YMCA Early Learning Center Teachers 

October 25, 2022 - Early learning center teachers are the backbone of a broad network of programs and services that keep Nebraska and Iowa communities and states working. These full-time front-line leaders play a critical role as 90% of a child’s brain growth happens before kindergarten. The economic impacts and wellbeing of our children are directly affected by access to consistent high-quality childcare.  
 

The YMCA of Greater Omaha is proud to announce that effective November 1, 2022, all full-time non-exempt YMCA Early Learning Center teachers working over 38 hours per week will qualify for a 100% childcare discount for up to two dependent children and all other dependent children receiving a 50% tuition discount.  

Paid Parental and Maternity Leave Policy

October 25, 2022 - The Y understands the need to support employees as they balance career, childbirth, and family life.In advancing our cause of strengthening community, we strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels invited to show up as their full selves. It is our hope that this policy allows employees to make a more enthusiastic, productive return to work, confident that their status as working parents is recognized and celebrated.

Buena Vista YMCA Express Ribbon Cutting

August 4, 2022 – The YMCA of Greater Omaha celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the new Buena Vista YMCA Express at 60th and L streets, which is in partnership with Omaha Public Schools and co-located with its new Buena Vista High School. This new branch is a technologically-enhanced, fitness-focused boutique location that offers personalized, goal-driven workout experiences for all levels of wellness seekers, age 14 and up.

Westview YMCA Ribbon Cutting

July 14, 2022 - The YMCA of Greater Omaha celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the new Westview YMCA location at 156th and Ida Street on Thursday, July 14, which is in partnership with Omaha Public Schools and its new Westview High School.

Grand Opening: Lakin Family Park

June 15, 2022 - The Charles E. Lakin YMCA will be celebrating the grand opening of the Lakin Family Park on Wednesday, June 15 at 10:00 am. The Lakin Family Park is connected to the existing YMCA facility and is a beautiful public space that will be used by both YMCA members and the general community as a place of gathering and recreation during YMCA operational hours.

YMCA OF GREATER OMAHA CEO ANNOUNCEMENT

April 2022 - YMCA of Greater Omaha Names Deterding as Next President and CEO   
Deterding will be the first woman to lead the YMCA of Greater Omaha   

 
Rebecca Deterding has been named president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Omaha, following an extensive nationwide candidate search. With a professional background in finance, strategic planning, operations, and leadership development, Deterding brings dynamic senior leadership and executive experiences to the organization. Over the last seven years, Deterding has served as the YMCA of Greater Omaha’s chief financial officer and became interim CEO in August 2021 after the previous CEO, Chris Tointon, departed and joined the YMCA of Middle Tennessee.

YMCA of Greater Omaha Names Deterding Interim CEO

August 2021 - The YMCA of Greater Omaha today announced that its board of directors has appointed current CFO Rebecca Deterding to serve as interim CEO. Deterding will replace outgoing CEO Chris Tointon, who is departing to join the YMCA of Middle Tennessee.

YMCA of Greater Omaha Announces Plans for $10 Million Gift From MacKenzie Scott

The generous donation will be distributed across five key initiatives throughout the Y. Learn more about how the Y will allocate the funds for the greatest possible impact.