The Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA provides a place to be healthy, to learn, and to give back. The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body. Four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are taught and modeled in all of our programs and activities, as we strive for youth development, healthy lving and social responsibility.The Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA was organized in 1996 to serve young people, families and senior citizens throughout the area. That vision dramatically expanded over the next 10 years. Today the YMCA is one of the largest and most respected social service agencies in our Central Minnesota region, serving boys and girls and men and women of all ages, faiths, races, ability levels and ethnic backgrounds.The YMCA is comprised of its main facility and an off-site childcare center. The present facility, which opened in 2002 was designed and developed for 3,000 members. In 2012, the YMCA had nearly 5,800 members and there were over 202,000 visits. This is a reflection, not on poor planning but rather the successful programs and opportunities that are meeting the needs of the population within the area. People come to the Y from all over the county to engage in YMCA activities, education and recreation. In late 2012, an expansion campaign was developed to expand space for community need.The YMCA has a special commitment to serve children and families most in need and does this through our Annual Partners Program, whose funds are raised by local community volunteers. The Partner Program offers financial assistance to help people of all economic backgrounds participate in membership, programs and activities. In 2012 the Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA awarded in financial program and membership assistance to 1,558 qualifying applicants, 13% who were disabled and 34% were minorities. The average annual income for family scholarship members was $16,754 and $12,221 for individuals.Another strong commitment is to provide for the unprecedented growth in the diverse population seen in Kandiyohi County. The YMCA is open to all people but is going beyond that. It is teaching and encouraging through its programs and values understanding, acceptance, and positive interaction between people. Volunteers and partners have always been vital to the YMCA’s success. In 2012, 419 local people volunteered at the YMCA. From youth programs to child care, to camp to committees, the YMCA is a community-based organization led by local volunteers. The Y also actively partners with dozens of like-minded agencies, nonprofits and foundations to reach the shared goal of helping people and families lead healthy, productive and fulfilling lives. The YMCA collaborates with over 70 local non-profits as far ranging as the Willmar Food Shelf to Meals on Wheels and Child Guides. The YMCA Mentor program is the only one in Kandiyohi County.