This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Family YMCA.

Simplified: The Sioux Falls Family YMCA launched its annual Strong Kids Campaign this week with a goal of raising $150,000 to support a diverse range of programs, all of which aim to build strong kids, strong families and a stronger Sioux Falls community.

Why it matters

  • The YMCA relies on donors to support programs like Camp Leif Ericson, youth sports and after-school programming – which impact more than 10,000 kids each year. No kids are turned away from YMCA activities, and that's only possible because of the generosity of the Sioux Falls community.
  • In 2024, the organization distributed more than $137,000 in scholarships so kids could participate in various activities. Without those scholarships – funded by donors – hundreds, if not thousands, of kids would be left without these formative childhood experiences.
  • It's also been a tough year for many nonprofits, especially with rising costs and increasingly stiff competition for limited donor and grant dollars. But a gift to the YMCA is a way to ensure all kids have access to experience the health, wellness and personal growth that comes from participating in YMCA programs.
"Everything we do is focused on making Sioux Falls stronger," CEO James Oppenheimer said. "To do that well, we need to be able to meet kids where they are and make sure our programs are accessible to everyone."

Tell me more

The Sioux Falls Family YMCA has been a part of the Sioux Falls community in one way or another since 1886, and it's hard to find someone in town who hasn't been impacted by the organization.

How the YMCA has been making Sioux Falls stronger for more than a century
The Sioux Falls YMCA has been a part of the Sioux Falls community in one way or another since 1886. Here’s how their mission to make strong kids, strong families and strong communities has evolved to fit the needs of today.
Sioux Falls SimplifiedMegan Raposa

The organization has four main focus areas:

  • Youth athletics,
  • Gym memberships,
  • Camp Leif Ericson,
  • And after-school care.

Most of the scholarships go to support kids' attendance at Camp Leif Ericson, as well as youth athletics including basketball and lacrosse.

"Even when finances are tough, we see it as our job as the adults in the room to figure out the funding piece so we can say yes to opportunities for the kids," Development Director Kadyn Wittman said. "We know our programs help empower kids, enrich families and positively impact all of Sioux Falls."

How can I help?

You can donate to the Strong Kids Campaign here.

Or, there are lots of other ways to support the work the YMCA is doing. You can learn more here about volunteer opportunities.