Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, has created the Center for Social Impact that partners with communities to advance equitable and sustainable transformation towards collective wellbeing.
The YMCA of the North’s Center for Social Impact continues the Y’s legacy of addressing community needs, disparities and access through innovative approaches and caring support that helps build a resilient foundation for wellbeing today and tomorrow. The Center will expand on its efforts to:
- Focus on human needs, healing and hope for the future
- Leverage relationships and collaboration with community partners to address the social determinants of health and social isolation
- Inspire innovative approaches that break down barriers to access and address disparities
- Champion systems change and social justice
“For over 167 years, the Y has been serving our community with our communities through meaningful collaborations to ensure all realize their potential,” said Glen Gunderson, president of the YMCA of the North. “The world has changed dramatically over the years and now is the time to build on our learning experiences and innovate even more together to ensure everyone’s wellbeing. We are committed to be more culturally responsive to the needs of our community through the YMCA of the North’s Center for Social Impact. Together with community we will further build a future that is bright for everyone.”
Gunderson added that the YMCA of the North’s Center for Social Impact includes life-changing programs that engaged with more than 76,000 community members in 2022. Research shows that wellbeing starts where people live, learn, work and play. “Together we eliminate barriers that lead to health disparities in our community by race, income and zip code.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Social Determinants of Health encompasses economic and social conditions that influence the health of people and communities. Social determinants of health outcomes for people and communities include Economic Stability, Education Access and Quality, Social and Community Context, and more.
To learn more, visit our website at ymcanorth.org/impact or contact Dr. Hedy Walls at hedy.walls@ymcamn.org.
About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 167 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 29 Y locations and program sites, eight overnight camps, 10-day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.