IN HONOR OF THE SPECIAL MEN IN OUR LIVES: We are offering a special opportunity for men. Thinking you'd like to see if the Y is a good fit for you? TRY THE Y WEEKEND June 19, 20 and 21 for free. Must be 18+ years. Have friends and/or relatives that are thinking to join the Y? Let them know about this promotion!
NON-MEMBERS: You're invited to experience the Y for free. If you decide to join, we'll wave the JOINER FEE, a $60 savings. Our free weekend invitation includes access to:
- Available at the Maple and Portage Ys
- Strength, Free-Weights, and Cardio Equipment
- Pools (check schedule availability)
- Hot tub (available at Maple Y, only)
- Walk-on Group Exercise classes per space availability
- General locker room amenities
Come join us this weekend!
MEMBERS: In honor of Father's Day, all men members (18+) are invited to use the Full Service locker room at Maple during Father's Day weekend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 19, 20, and 21. Full Service amenities include steam and sauna rooms.
INTERESTING Y HISTORY! Inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon over 100 years ago, Sonora Louis Smart Dodd wondered why there was no similar holiday for fathers. One of six children, Dodd’s father was a single father and she felt he and others deserved to be honored. After securing support from ministers in Spokane, Wash., her idea came to fruition with the first Father’s Day celebration at the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. Many years passed before the day became a national holiday, but today we use the day to honor the fathers and father figures in our lives.
HONORING FATHERS AND MALE ROLE MODELS: On Sunday, June 21, the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo joins the nation in celebrating Father’s Day and recognizing the influence fathers and adult male role models have in children’s lives. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 24 million—or one in three—children live without their biological fathers. Societal factors such as unemployment, work-life balance, or a lack of resources can affect a father’s ability to seek support in strengthening his parenting skills and becoming more engaged in the lives of his children. The Y, a leading nonprofit in fostering positive youth development, is dedicated to providing both resources and opportunities for fathers to further involve themselves in the well-being and development of their children.
Studies show that children with close relationships with their fathers and other adult male role models have more self-confidence and exhibit less depression, perform better academically and engage in significantly less drug and alcohol use.
We celebrate dads on Father’s Day and we recognize how important it is for children to grow up with adult role models who are committed, responsible and involved. Dads need support to be the best parents and caregivers they can be, and this holiday helps to remind us of that.
We offer a variety of programs that foster understanding and companionship between children and their caregivers. We’re committed to ensuring the children and teens in our programs reach their full potential by helping them grow—physically, mentally, and socially—from young children into active, engaged members of our community. Learn more about our programs on our website.
