Recent History
Guided by the YMCA of the USA, a group of Northfield citizens joined together in the spring of 2005 to form the Northfield Area Family YMCA. Initially known as the Y Northfield Committee, this enthusiastic group led a community-wide effort to launch the YMCA you see today, with an office on Division Street and programs running in various locations around town.
In a few short years, the YMCA has grown from being a mere idea to complete reality. Below are the steps that have been taken to develop the YMCA you see today. For a vision of what the YMCA will look like in the future, see our Founders Report.
2005
• Presented Northfield as a potential site for a new YMCA to national YMCA representatives.
• Conducted a small scale feasibility test to measure the will of the community to develop and sustain a YMCA.
• Obtained 501(c)3 and provisional charter status as an independent YMCA (as opposed to a branch of an other established YMCA).
2006
• Organized and successfully completed a Founders Campaign to raise over $400,000 of seed money to cover the organizational set-up including hiring an experienced YMCA Executive Director, establishing a board of directors, and starting programs.
• Opened a storefront office on Division Street.
2007
• Launched several programs, ranging from Preschoolers in the Park to Tennis and Golf camps, flag football, basketball, Youth in Government, etc.
• Organized events including the Healthy Kids Day, the Corporate Challenge and the Fall Classic 5K Run. Recipient of proceeds from the Jingle Bell 5K Run.
• Hired Anderson Niebuhr, a professional research firm, to conduct a large-scale feasibility study. In this study, members of approximately 300 households in the Northfield community were interviewed about needs for programs and building amenities (pool, gyms, etc) for a future YMCA facility in Northfield.
2008
• Moved administrative offices to the top level of the Northfield Armory.
• Opened a Health and Wellness Center, which provides group fitness classes, strength and cardio equipment and a child watch area for YMCA members and non-members alike.
• Completed the first Annual Campaign to provide nearly $20,000 of aid for scholarships and critical programs.
• Offered summer camps and significantly expanded its program offerings.
• Established collaborations with other local non-profits such as Just Foods Coop, the Northfield Hospital, Northfield Public Schools and Northfield Retirement Community to provide healthy initiatives in the Northfield Community.
• Organized events including the Daddy Daughter Dance, Healthy Kids Day and Fall Classic 5K Run.
2009 and Beyond
The NAFY board and community volunteers are continuing to promote its mission by setting in place the foundational work necessary for the construction of a full facility. We are working with the guidance and support of the YMCA of the USA, which has built more than 2,700 YMCAs nationally. The national organization’s track record of success and its established planning process, plus our amazing group of local volunteer leaders, has set us off on a well-traveled path.
Soon the NAFY will conduct an important feasibility study to determine if there are sufficient funds are available through private donors to execute a Capital Campaign. The NAFY has hired a professional firm to guide this process. Due to the national economic crisis, this feasibility study has been placed on hold for now. In the meantime, substantial work is being done by volunteer committees such as developing a visual representation of the future building, determining potential sites for its construction, and learning the best practices for fundraising.
The strength of an independent YMCA is directly related to the support it receives from its community. So far, the Northfield Area Family YMCA has received tremendous support but it is important to note that the future of the organization depends totally on the wishes of the community. The more individuals that become members now, participate in programs now, donate to our campaigns now and become involved now, the brighter the future will be for the Northfield Area Family YMCA!
Below is a list of those who have volunteered their time and talents to help establish the Northfield Area Family YMCA.
“Y Northfield” Committee Members (Initial team who worked to incorporate the Northfield Area Family YMCA)
Amy Acheson, Jean Callister-Benson, Missy Donkers, Amy Etzell, Gretchen and Rich Falck, Natalie Fink, Jenn Hanlon, Karna Hasse, Annie Hauskins, Bryan Hoff, Tim & Tanya Jackson, Allison & Jonathan Jaranson, Randolph Jennings, Dave McBeain, Art & Emily Monaghan, Pat Murtha, Candy Nordine, Mike Puppe, Jane Runzheimer, Lee & Kitty Runzheimer, Jennifer Sawyer, Chris & Kristin Shimek, Linda Thornton, Anne Wolf
Advisors
Paul Beaumaster, Jim Egbert, Craig Ellingboe, Doug Fitzgerald, Katy Hargis, Will Healy, Charlie Kyte, Nalani McCutcheon, Mark Mohlke, John Noack, Kyle Nordine, Clay Ogelsbee, Jim Pokorney, Brett Reese, Steven Sanderson
Committee Members
Julie Nikolai-Sullivan, Patty Ciernia, Amy Acheson, Randy Jennings, Linda Thornton, Gary Wicks, Nathan Knudson, Bob Pfefferle, Joe Gaisor
PLUS HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS!!
