Coffee Break with Judi Allen, COO
(December 30, 2020) Helena Family YMCA’s, COO, Judi Allen, fills us in on what’s happened in 2020 and what is ahead in 2021 for the Y.
Read more
Swimmers Started Off 2021 by Swimming a Mile
Twelve swimmers rang in 2021 by swimming in the Ed Kellner New Year’s Eve Mile Swim (1800-yard swim) at the Helena Family YMCA on December 31, 2020. The YMCA Mile Swim is held in honor of Ed Kellner, who inspired others to swim by mapping his miles along several U.S. waterways, including all 2,341…
Construction
Starting on Monday, January 4th, from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm, our pool area will be under construction. We are creating another access to the pool from the family locker room and will be drilling through heavy concrete. Master Swim class will not be offered on Monday, January 4th. All other swimming is still scheduled.…
You Shop. Amazon gives.
Support the Helena Family YMCA by shopping on AmazonSmile! Amazon will donate 0.5% of eligible purchases to the Helena Family YMCA at no extra fees or cost to you. Click here to start making an impact!
Winter Sports Update
November 16, 2020 Hi Members, I am writing this update as I listen to the sounds of pickleball being played in the gym. Earlier, I witnessed the pool at maximum capacity during the 9-10 am master swim class with Paul and Peggy. Absent are the sounds I miss the most, the ladies arriving for Leslie’s water aerobics…
Helena YMCA Welcomes New CEO
November 20, 2020 Dear Helena Family YMCA members, donors, and Helena community: “A year like no other”. You can say that again. While 2020 has brought numerous challenges requiring organizations to adapt, your Helena Family YMCA continues to focus on a long-term goal of strengthening our sustainability and enhancing our relevancy within our community.…
Pool Update
I am pleased to announce that we will begin phase one of our pool opening process. Please note that, due to Governor Bullock’s directive earlier this year, only current Helena Family YMCA members are allowed into our facility. Because of this, all swimmers must be members of our Helena Family YMCA. Joiner’s fees will be…
Fall Sports Update from the Interim CEO, Judi Allen
Judi Allen, Interim CEO For those who do not know me, I love kids sports and it saddens me that we will not be able to offer fall soccer, basketball, or volleyball. In order for the YMCA to fund most sports or program activities we need to have a high level of participants. The recent…
Virtual Learning Leader/Tutor
Virtual Learning Leader/Tutor Must be 18 years or older. Must have a desire and attitude to work with children of all ages in small or large group settings. Preferred 2-3 years of some type of childcare experience. Virtual Learning Leaders/Tutors must have good communication, organizational, and creative skills Training All staff are required to…
Reopening Updates
(Updated: July 15th, 2020) Per Governor Bullock’s order, Face masks are to be worn at all times in any of our facilities. Masks can be removed while physically working out or swimming but must be worn when moving from machine-to-machine, in locker rooms, and in common areas throughout our facilities. What will the hours be?…
Family Activities
Daily Tips Week 1 Daily Tips Day 1 Daily Tips Day 2 Daily Tips Day 3 Daily Tips Day 4 Daily Tips Day 5 Daily Tips Day 6 Daily Tips Day 7 Daily Tips Week 2 Daily Tips Day 8 Daily Tips Day 9 Daily Tips Day 10 Daily Tips Day 11 Daily Tips Day…
National Resources
Testing for COVID-19 American Red Cross Safety Tips National Domestic Violance Hotline Disaster Distress Helpline
State Resources
Montana/County Case Map State by State Projections Governor Bullock’s Phase Opening Directive
City & County Resources
City Commissioner Emily Dean Local COVID-19 Resources Lewis & Clark County Public Health Lewis & Clark Community Resources St. Peter’s Health COVID-19 Information Grocery Service List Volunteer Opportunities
Edge Training
Edge provides young adults with training on foundational career skills that create a solid foundation to launch a career. These online modules are all available on any device at any time, at no cost to learners. Click here to get started and learn more!
Mindful Tips
Managing Stress and Anxiety How to Eat for Better Sleep 7 Foods to Boost Your Mood Mental Well-being During Quarantine Social Distancing? How to Prioritize Self-Care Mindful Online Learning
Mindful Activities
Printable Motivating Mantras to Inspire Healthy Living Awaken Your Imagination Printable Coloring Page Best Meditation Apps
Local Resources
Center for Mental Health NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide Montana Crisis Text Line (Text “MT” to 741-741) Montana Suicide Prevention Hotlines and Chat Montana Warmline (877-688-3377)
For Employees
Unemployment Resources Montana Dept. of Labor & Industry Unemployment Insurance Benefits Helena Job Service Helena Chamber of Commerce Job Listings Working from Home 4 Ways to Refresh Your Routine When Working From Home 5 Tips for Staying Productive While Working from Home 20 Tips for Working at Home Work from Home 101 8 Tips to…
For Businesses
Business Loan Assistance SBA Funding Options U.S. Chamber of Commerce Emergency Loans Checklist Paycheck Protection Program Economic Injury Disaster Loans Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Business Resources Facebook Small Business Grants Program Business Marketing Resources U.S. Chamber Communication Toolkit Constant Contact Business Support Kit Creating a Crisis Management Plan Workplace Flyers Local Conversation(s) &…
Membership and Programs
You probably have a lot of questions about your Y membership or enrollment in a Y program. Below, we give you four options for your Y membership, as well as action steps to take depending on which one you choose. Option 1: I want to support my Y during this time. Please use my…
Virtual Field Trips
Van Gogh Museum Ancient Rome with Virtual Lessons Anne Frank House Discovery Virtual Trips Field Museum: Chicago
7 Foods to Boost Your Mood
7 FOODS TO BOOST YOUR MOOD A diet rich in plant-based foods, complex carbohydrates, and lean proteins can keep depression, anxiety, and stress at bay. By Jen Hartman, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist The link is true. What we eat impacts our behavior and mood. You may not realize that a healthy diet has been shown to improve…
Fun Recipies
Amazon Slug Soda Ants in the Sand Edible Glacier Edible Map Igneous Rocks Parrot Eggs Rain Forest Dirt
S.T.E.M. Building
National Monument Challenge Float Your Boat Rainbow Jar Dancing Rice Lemon Invisible Ink Marble Run Strawberry DNA Extraction Jungle Slime ExplorationWorks! at Home Science Experiments
Arts & Crafts
Lemon Invisible Ink Crayon Scratching Build Your Own Lizard Key Chain Make Your Own Snow Paper Landscapes Paper Plate Ladybug Build Your Own Paper Plate Parrot Rainbow Preschool Craft 52 Creative Ideas for 52 Weeks of Fun 1000 FREE Coloring Pages & Activties Lego Challenge Cards Wild About Weight Frog Life Cycle Spinner
The Brand X Method at Home
Together with The Brand X Method, we at the Helena Family YMCA, imagine a better future for our kids. We know you do too. Together we want what is best for kids and teens and we are bringing some exercises that your kids (and YOU) can do at home! Brand X Games Bodyweight Workouts PE…
Printable Motivating Mantras to Inspire Healthy Living
PRINTABLE MOTIVATING MANTRAS TO INSPIRE HEALTHY LIVING Start off each day the right way! These positive sayings will encourage you to keep growing stronger and healthier. By: Lindsey Joe, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Imagine this: you come home after a hard day at work and think to yourself, “I’m too tired to go to…
HOW TO EAT FOR BETTER SLEEP: Try these 3 tweaks to get more z’s.
HOW TO EAT FOR BETTER SLEEP Try these 3 tweaks to get more z’s. By: Casey Seamon, YMCA Registered Dietitian Doctors recommend the average adult should get anywhere from 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Yet, 1 in 3 people aren’t meeting that goal! We’ve all been there: tossing and turning, making trips to…
YMCA FREE Stay Health-Y Fitness Challenge!
Our fitness team friends at the Helena Family YMCA have been working to create an all-new, month-long virtual fitness challenge, Stay Health-Y. The challenge begins Monday, March 23rd! This fitness challenge is designed for members to keep moving and be active in ways that may have never been thought of before. Participants log, track and…
Managing Stress and Anxiety
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Thanks to the CDC, here are some tips you can take…
5 Ways to Spice Up Indoor Play
It’s recommended that children ages 6 and older get at least an hour of physical activity each day, and play is one way kids can stay active and healthy. Here are some creative ways to make indoor play fun and engaging, while keeping kids moving. 1. Play simple games Classic games like Duck, Duck, Goose…
The Spell-Your-Name Workout
Looking for something new and challenging? Try the Spell-Your-Name workout. It’s simple. Do the exercises associated with each letter of your name, in order. Don’t skip any, and don’t stop until you’re finished! (Save the image to your phone for easy access.) This unique routine is can be done at home, at the park or…
Helena Family YMCA COVID-19 Closure
The Lewis and Clark Public Health Officer issued an order Monday afternoon closing most food, drink, and fitness establishments in Lewis and Clark County, beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 17. The order specifically applies to bars, breweries, distilleries, casinos, restaurants, fitness centers, athletic centers, gyms, and workout studios. It exempts food establishments that provide…
Helena Family YMCA COVID-19 Update – March 15, 2020
Dear Members and Community, At the Y, we’re here for your health and to serve the community (especially in times of need), which means we’re working hard to keep our YMCA open and safe so our members and the community can pursue wellness in the short and long term. On Friday, a number of Federal…
Helena Family YMCA COVID-19 Update – March 12, 2020
Greetings Helena Community, As with the rest of the world, The Helena Family YMCA is closely monitoring the on-going developments related to Covid-19. First and foremost, our number one priority is the safety and well-being of our Members, our Youth, our Staff, and the communities in which we offer programs. We are following the Centers…
Hope, civility, trust and community
I was recently reminded of lessons I took away from my 23 years in the military, 10 of which were spent in persistent conflict serving multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. In these nations, it was easy to see how people lose hope and trust in their society. My purpose in reflecting on these lessons…
Top 10 Reasons to Join Your Helena Family YMCA
In trying to keep juggling all the things, we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. Here at the Helena Family YMCA, we can help you keep the kids active while you get some time for YOU too! Here are the Top 10 Reasons Every Mom Needs the YMCA: 10) Reduce Stress – exercise is…
Support the YMCA during Annual Fundraising Campaign
Dear Friends and Families, I am asking for A Call to Action to support your YMCA during our upcoming Annual Fundraising Campaign. On Feb. 5 we will officially start our Helena Family YMCA Annual Fundraising Campaign. I am asking for your support to help us bring Helena and our surrounding communities the quality…
The Power of Sleep: Nature’s Greatest Health and Performance Enhancer
The Power of Sleep: Nature’s Greatest Health and Performance Enhancer “I never sleep, ‘cause sleep is the cousin of death.” – Nasir Jones, “NY State of Mind Working at a gym in a city like San Francisco is an interesting experience. Being financial and technical hub, there are a lot of high achievers with a lot…
5 Healthy Habits to Start in the New Year
A healthy, active, sustainable lifestyle must have a strong foundation. This short guide will teach you 5 healthy habits to start in the new year. It’s based on foundational principles and associated habits that will help you keep crushing life on a daily basis in this new year and for years to come. As the…
2020 Helena Family YMCA Annual Fundraising Campaign
Dear Friends and Families, I am asking for A Call to Action to support your YMCA during our upcoming Annual Fundraising Campaign. On February 5th we will officially start our Helena Family YMCA Annual Fundraising Campaign. I am asking for your support to help us bring Helena and our surrounding communities the quality services you deserve. Everyone…
Finding the Y
In 1844, industrialized London was a place of great turmoil and despair. For the young men who migrated to the city from rural areas to find jobs, London offered a bleak landscape of tenement housing and dangerous influences. Twenty-two-year-old George Williams, a farmer-turned-department store worker, was troubled by what he saw. He joined 11 friends…
Coffee Break Postcast 12/12
YMCA CEO David Oclander and Senior Programs Manager Alana Cunningham stop by. Listen in below for David’s incredible resume and find out what’s coming up at the Y.
Helena Family YMCA and St. Peter’s Health Partner on New Youth Fitness Program
Helena Family YMCA announces the official launch of the Brand X Method™, a world-class strength, and conditioning program specifically designed to improve youth wellness. St. Peter’s Health provided seed funding to launch the innovative program, which incorporates fitness and fun for youth ages three to 18 and helps young people develop a life-long love of…
St. Peter’s Health & Helena Family YMCA Launch Brand X
Helena Family YMCA announces the official launch of the Brand X Method™, a world-class strength, and conditioning program specifically designed to improve youth wellness. St. Peter’s Health provided seed funding to launch the innovative program, which incorporates fitness and fun for youth ages three to 18 and helps young people develop a life-long love of…
Updates, Improvements, New Staff
Dear Families and Members, Greetings! Have you heard about all of the updates, improvements, and highly skilled new staff we are adding at the Helena YMCA? I am excited to share our continued efforts to remake your YMCA. Since arriving, I have stressed the importance of our people. Our people will make a difference in…
Helena, you spoke and we listened
“It’s no secret the Helena YMCA has gone through transitions and we tripped more often than we should, but that is changing. You spoke and we listened.” Click here to read the full article.
Meet the new CEO of the Helena Family YMCA
“Playing Two Truths and a Lie with retired Lt. Col. David Oclander is tricky. Oclander, who began Monday his tenure as chief executive officer of the Helena Family YMCA, has plenty to draw from. He might use as his three statements that he served as a battalion commander in the 82nd Airborne Division; that he…