For Immediate Release: August 9, 2024
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.
This funding was awarded thanks to a dedicated group of community volunteers who meticulously reviewed applications and highlighted our program's vital role in fostering a thriving community. Their commitment and insight underscore a collective effort through UWM to address pressing local needs, ensuring that this funding will directly contribute to meaningful, positive change.
The YMCA has worked to serve the community’s most vulnerable through consistent, quality services that focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Parents with young children rely on the Y’s Early Learning Centers for quality childcare and enrichment. Families rely on the Y’s Summer Day Camp and Out of School Time programs for socialization, mentorship, physical activity, and academic enrichment activities for youth when school is out. Older adults count on the YMCA Healthy Living Center, the only comprehensive senior-focused wellness facility in the metro, to remain physically active and socially engaged. The Y is here to provide these services and more, and support from the United Way of the Midlands allows the Y to ensure that these services are accessible to everybody.
With the help of this grant, the YMCA of Greater Omaha is able to continue its mission to strengthen the foundation of community by providing vital programs and services focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Rebecca Deterding, Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Greater Omaha, added: “The United Way’s ongoing partnership has significantly supported our capacity to meet the community’s needs. The Y is grateful to everyone who contributes to the United Way and makes this support possible. This United Way funding will help us serve thousands of families and seniors in the coming year with high-quality childcare, after-school, summer programming, and health and wellness services.”
About United Way of the Midlands:
Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – like 211 and JAG Nebraska – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. Learn more at UnitedWayMidlands.org.
About YMCA of Greater Omaha
YMCA of Greater Omaha, established in 1866, is a 501 (C)(3) not-for-profit organization that is governed by a volunteer board of directors with a geographic scope that covers four counties in a two-state area: Douglas and Sarpy counties in Nebraska; and Mills and Pottawattamie counties in Iowa, with 13 total metro Omaha area locations.