Welcome to the Y

The Y is a powerful association of men, women, and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come when we all work together to invest in our kids, health, and neighbors. That’s why at the Y, strengthening the community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

YMCA Announcements

Y Stories

This is 80. The Golden Gals of Holdrege

Exercise is proven to help people age more slowly and live healthier more vigorous lives. Three “Golden Gals” who are active at the Don Sjogren Community YMCA in Holdrege are prime examples. Marilyn Ellner, 85; Millie Jones, 85; and Betty Schroeder, 80; look forward to their exercise at the YMCA not only for the physical […]

Arapahoe Friends Put Brakes on Diabetes with Simple Solutions
Deb & JoDee

Two Arapahoe women are taking steps now to avoid diabetes problems that have affected both of their families. “We’d like to stop it with this generation,” JoDee Walbridge said. JoDee and her friend, Deb Eichenberger, registered together for Phelps Memorial Health Center’s Simple Solutions class, which is a National Diabetes Prevention Program that educates individuals […]

Carlson Drops 10 Sizes, Strengthens Heart at Gothenburg Y
Madeline Carlson

A simple switch from the Nu-Step to the stationary bicycle helped Gothenburg YMCA member Madeline Carlson lose 60 pounds and improve a heart condition. Madeline, who will be 74 in March, joined the YMCA shortly after it opened in Gothenburg. She had been walking outside when the weather was nice, but she tore her calf […]

YMCA Spin Class Helps Cozad Teacher Lose 60 Pounds
Mark Messner, Woody Blackmore, Paul Pack

Being involved in the Orthman Community YMCA has been life-changing for three area men who have found friendship and better health through their connection at YMCA spinning class. It started with Paul Pack, a Lexington photographer who has been teaching group cycling/spinning at the Orthman YMCA since it opened in 2010 (at the old library […]

YMCA Sparks Love of Running, Serving for Popple
Popple Family

For Ashley Popple, the journey to better health started with taking that first step on a treadmill at the Don Sjogren Community YMCA more than a decade ago. “After my pregnancy with my daughter, I had gained a lot of weight and hadn’t taken a lot of time for self-care,” Ashley said. “I looked in the mirror […]