Kearney Family Ymca
About Kearney Family Ymca
The Kearney Family YMCA is built for real life in Kearney and the surrounding area. One day that might mean preschool or after-school child care, and the next it might mean swim lessons, fitness classes, or a place for a family gathering. Its reach stretches across ages, incomes, and abilities, which is a big part of why it matters. Donors help keep those doors open for people who need a welcoming place to belong, move, and connect.
What sets the Kearney Family YMCA apart is how much it does under one local branch without losing sight of access. It serves children, families, seniors, active military and veterans, and people with disabilities through programs that are built for everyday use, not just occasional drop-ins.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Child care and preschool
Preschool and school-age child care, before school, after school, full-time care, child watch, and School’s Day Out Club.
Aquatics and swim lessons
Swim lessons, swim team, private swim lessons, water fitness, Boga, and water challenges.
Fitness and training
Fitness classes, GX, personal training, and small group training.
Youth and family sports
Sporting leagues and youth sports activities, including flag football, soccer, and t-ball.
Creative arts
Visual and performing arts programs, private lessons, homeschool program, Rookie Creative Arts, and acting classes.
Healthy living programs
Livestrong, Brain, Body, & Beyond Diabetes Prevention Program, and Prime Time Yoga and Cardio.
Community kitchen and room rentals
Community kitchen, meeting room, and conference room rentals for classes, meetings, showers, family gatherings, and special events.
Birthday parties
Two-hour birthday party packages with party room use, Super Gym activities, inflatable options, and pool parties.
Togetherhood volunteer projects
Volunteer projects that support neighbors, including community garden, backpack drives, coat drives, Christmas Giving Tree, blood drives, and the Christmas store.
Membership assistance and Operation Hero
Membership assistance, including assistance for active military and veterans through Operation Hero.
Adaptive programs
Adaptive open swim and adaptive creative arts for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities who may need extra support.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
The Y’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Who they serve
People of all ages, incomes, and abilities in Kearney and the surrounding area, including children, families, seniors, active military and veterans, and people with disabilities.
Their impact
- Membership base grew to over 5,000 members.
- The expansion helped increase membership to over 6,000 members.
- Almost 30,000 square feet was added to the building.
- Thousands of children have participated in youth sports, and thousands more have learned to swim.
How your donation helps
- Unrestricted gifts where they can do the most good
- Membership and program assistance
- The Strong Families Scholarship Campaign
- The Healthier Tomorrow facility expansion
- Youth sports participation through Get a Kid in the Game
Our story
The Kearney Family YMCA started in the late 1980s, when Scott Morris donated a downtown building that became the first location, known as The Storefront. In 1993, construction began at the current site at 4500 6th Ave on land donated by Calvin Johnson of Hastings, Nebraska. Over time, capital campaigns helped the organization grow with the Family Center, the Super Gym, the Ron and Carol Cope Child Development Center, and later additional space and new programming such as a community kitchen.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Kearney Family Ymca’s services.
Families can schedule a child care tour by calling (308) 251-5900. Membership assistance, including Operation Hero for active military and veterans, is handled through the Welcome Center with proof of eligibility where required.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
"There are a lot of different ways to become involved with the Y. Volunteering, employment, and donations are just the beginning!"
"We want to focus on what the expansion is going to do to our community, how it’s going to impact people in our community."
"Stay with it. Stay with it. You'll be glad you did."
Events
Strong Families Scholarship Campaign
AnnualAnnual campaign to support membership and program assistance for local families and youth.
Turkey Trot and Gobble Wobble
AnnualRace fundraiser that supports the Strong Families Scholarship Campaign.
Get a Kid in the Game fundraisers
SeasonalSeasonal fundraisers including the Basketball Free Throw Challenge, Football Throw and Volleyball Serve Challenge, and Soccer Shot Challenge.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Kearney Family Ymca has shared.
Current needs
- Donations to complete the Healthier Tomorrow expansion
- Volunteers for reading, youth sports coaching, and special events
- Support for the Strong Families Scholarship Campaign
- Sponsorships for 2026 programs and events
Volunteer opportunities
- Reading to students
- Coaching youth sports
- Assisting at special events
- Internship and practicum placements
- Sports intern
- Marketing intern
- Health and wellness intern
- Togetherhood projects such as backpack drives, coat drives, and blood drives
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Kearney YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program earns Healthy Community Award
In the media
- NTV News, Kearney YMCA announces plan for facility expansion focused on a healthier tomorrow
- NTV News, Kearney YMCA offers financial assistance for memberships
- NTV News, YMCA uses modified holiday event to spread cheer
- NTV News, Cancer survivor shares her story and the importance of being mindful of the disease
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What child care options are available?
The Kearney Family YMCA offers preschool, school-age child care, before school care, after school care, full-time care, child watch, and School’s Day Out Club.
What aquatics programs are offered?
Aquatics programs include swim lessons, swim team, private swim lessons, water fitness, Boga, and water challenges.
What does Operation Hero provide?
Operation Hero waives the join fee and gives active military members and veterans a 10% assistance award on membership dues when they bring proof of status to the Welcome Center.
What spaces can be rented for group use?
The organization offers a community kitchen, meeting room, and conference room for cooking classes, showers, team meetings, family reunions, and special events.
Similar nonprofits
Other young mens or womens associations nonprofits in NE.