Media & Blog

According to the CDC, “older adults can obtain significant health benefits with moderate physical activity.” No matter how you start moving, it is important that you do so. At the Y, we understand the importance of providing our community with programs and activities that promote healthy living. For older adults we offer Chair Yoga.

The first time I got diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis I was 22. 8 years later the arthritis is here, but not stronger than ever. The road has been and difficult, but when you have the mentality prepared to face it all, everything changes.

Childhood drownings are the leading cause of accidental death of children in Arizona under the age of five. At the YMCA, we strive to provide programs that provide critical safety around water knowledge and teach swimming skills.

At the YMCA, you’ve probably heard of some other case of someone who has volunteered and then got to start their career with us. It is essential to provide opportunities to our community.

At the YMCA, we are a hard-working organization that strives to offer the best to the community. When you are part of us, you are part of a family that seeks to give the best and always makes you feel welcome. Each employee delivers dedication and love to each member through our programs, activities, and services.

At the Y, we have opportunities for everyone to share their time, dedication and expertise while serving their community. A volunteer’s time and talent can go a long way to help a child, mentor a teen or being a sport coach.

In 1987, the United States Congress designated March 1987 as Women’s History Month. However, it was only the year before, in 1988, that the president officially issued proclamations of its celebration. Previously it was held for just one week and was an initiative organized by the school district of Sonoma, California in 1978.

If you’ve ever been to the Northwest Valley Family YMCA or the Southwest Valley Family YMCA, you’ve probably seen a little box of books found at the entrance. This little box is called the Little Free Library and it is a nonprofit organization that focuses on “building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for all through a global network of volunteer-led Little Free Libraries.”

In February, the Valley of the Sun YMCA celebrates and honors Black History Month by spotlighting our super talented employees of the Black community. Meet Fred Quarles, Executive Director at Southwest Valley YMCA. Fred is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Performance Psychology at Grand Canyon University.

In February, the Valley of the Sun YMCA celebrates and honors Black History Month by spotlighting our super talented employees of the Black community. Meet Deontez Wimbley our Director of Teen Programs and Government Outreach.

In February, the Valley of the Sun YMCA celebrates and honors Black History Month by spotlighting our super talented employees of the Black community. Meet Amber Mayer, Program Director of Childcare at Southwest Valley Family YMCA who has been working for the Y for over a year.

Kathy holds a special place at the Desert Foothills Family YMCA! If you have ever spent time in the Desert Foothills Family YMCA, you have probably seen Kathy in the gym area or attending our Zumba classes with Shannon.

Since 1976, the month of February has been designated for every U.S president as a month to celebrate and recognize the contributions and achievements of African American in their central role in the U.S history.

What a year! We say goodbye to 2021, looking back recognizing everything the Valley of the Sun YMCA did for our community. A year in which the Y undoubtedly work nonstop to deliver the best programs, resources and activities for everyone.

On Monday, January 17, we invited Larry Kerby to spend the morning at Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA to train our association wide Youth Development staff on positive supportive behavior. Larry Kerby, MBA is a sought after entertaining and engaging speaker. He helps parents and teachers to create more joy, peace and happiness by understanding their role with children.

As we make our way through the month of January, it’s important to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a pioneer in the world of positive improvement and change, with the celebration of the MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 17.

The start of a new year is a great time to give yourself a fresh start with resolutions you can keep to pursue personal growth. When we make resolutions for this year, it is important to be mindful of what we want to achieve. Setting goals that are achievable, as well as making resolutions with friends, family and loved ones can help increase your odds of accomplishing them.

Manifestation is an act of mindfulness. The more aware we are of what we do, the more present we are. At the Y, our impact focuses on improving our community’s health and well-being by offering support, guidance, resources, facilities, and expertise. Our classes are designed to improve the mental, physical, and spiritual health of the members of our community.

The Y has undoubtedly supported me in that journey, ensuring that I have the necessary tools to stay healthy. One of those tools has been to strengthen my body and my mind through personal training.

At the Y, we thrive to improve our community’s health and well-being by offering support, guidance, resources, facilities and expertise. Throughout the Valley, each Y location has certified personal trainers who prioritizes your health and well-being while helping you achieve your health and fitness goals.

The Y is here to help keep you on track with healthy living habits. Our Healthy Living Executive Director, Paul McKim, has put together 10 tips to stay healthy in the holiday season.

On December 1st through December 3rd, Arizona students with different racial background, religious backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses came together to experiences civic engagement in the Arizona State Capitol. Through the Valley of the Sun YMCA’s Model Legislature program, 100 high school students debated 54 student drafted bills addressing education, gun safety, health, LGBTQ issues and more.

Our mission is to serve; to serve all individuals, regardless of age, income, or background. That means finding impactful ways to influence individuals from different economic backgrounds to help them achieve great success in their education and career paths. The Y Achiever’s program is just one avenue that the Valley of the Sun YMCA helps youth and young adults get started in a direction of life they might not have ever thought possible.

Making sure that older adults get psychical activity is very important to allow their muscles to grow stronger and avoid serious conditions that deteriorate their health. At the Y, we are committed to promoted exercise among our older adults’ members to contribute to maintaining their health and wellbeing.