Ymca Of Lincoln
About Ymca Of Lincoln
The YMCA of Lincoln is the kind of place where a child can learn to swim, a teen can show up for Teen Night, and a family can get help making camp, child care, or fitness more affordable. Through four branches and Camp Kitaki, it serves children, teens, adults, families, and older adults across Lincoln and nearby communities. Its Open Doors assistance helps keep those programs within reach for more people, which is a big part of why donor support matters here.
What stands out here is the range, and the way it all stays local. Four branches, Camp Kitaki, outreach in community settings, and Open Doors assistance give the YMCA of Lincoln a broad reach without losing the neighborhood feel.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
YMCA Camp Kitaki
An overnight resident camp that offers outdoor experiences, relationships, values, and skills in a natural setting.
Youth Sports
Youth leagues, clinics, camps, and tournaments that teach fundamentals, teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy competition.
Summer Day Camp
Licensed day camp for youth entering 1st through 8th grade with arts and crafts, sports, music, nature, swimming, STEM, and meals.
Swim Lessons
Swim instruction and water safety lessons for children and families of all ages and abilities.
Swim Teams and Swim Clubs
Recreational leagues, competitive swim team, and swim club opportunities for youth swimmers.
Water Fitness
Aquatic exercise classes and water-based fitness activities.
Child Watch
On-site child supervision for members while they work out.
Parents Night Out
Supervised evening childcare and activities for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.
Out of School Days
Licensed child care on selected non-school days for youth in kindergarten through 8th grade.
Preschool
Licensed preschool for children ages 3 to 5 with developmental learning experiences, swim lessons, and gym class.
Before & After School Programs
Before- and after-school care with homework help, arts and crafts, literacy, games, and outdoor play.
Healthy Living Outreach
Wellness classes offered in community settings such as recreation centers and community centers, including Fit for Life classes for older adults.
Group Exercise Classes
A wide range of member fitness classes such as cycling, yoga, Pilates, Zumba, kickboxing, and strength training.
Disease Prevention and Management
Programs and classes that support safe, healthy activity and help prevent or manage disease.
Health Coaching
Lifestyle coaching focused on emotional, physical, and nutritional goals.
Nutrition Services
Nutrition consultations and step-by-step support programs.
Personal Training
Individual and group training with certified professionals at YMCA locations.
Specialized Training
Targeted group training classes offered for specific goals.
Youth Training & Wellness
Fitness and wellness activities for children and teens, including Teen Fitness Training and Jr. Chefs.
Adaptive Sports
Inclusive sports opportunities for youth with physical or developmental disabilities.
Adaptive Swim Lessons
Private and small-group swim lessons tailored for swimmers of different abilities and needs.
Teen Night
Free evening activities for teens, including swimming, gym workouts, arts and crafts, and cooking classes.
Open Doors Financial Assistance
Reduced rates for YMCA memberships and programs based on household income and size.
YMCA360
A virtual fitness platform with on-demand and livestream workouts, youth enrichment, and wellbeing classes.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Who they serve
Children, teens, adults, families, and older adults in Lincoln and surrounding communities.
Their impact
- Since its inception in 2021, nearly 950 swimsuits have been collected.
- The swimsuit drive has benefited over 1,000 youth enrolled in grant-based swim lessons.
- The winter coat drive has collected and distributed nearly 11,000 coats since its inception.
- Over the last three years, 1,300 teens have participated in Teen Night.
- In 2023, more than 600 teens joined Teen Night.
- In 2023, the YMCA of Lincoln provided over $750,000 in financial assistance to over 1,200 families.
- The annual campaign reports 6,017 kids served through Y child care services.
- The annual campaign reports 3,556 children received essential skills through YMCA swim lessons.
- The annual campaign reports Youth Sports served 13,060 boys and girls.
- The annual campaign reports Camp Kitaki served 6,125 boys and girls.
- The annual campaign reports 590 children benefited from Youth Training and Wellness programs.
- The annual campaign reports more than 44,000 volunteer hours supporting mission-driven activities and programs.
- The annual campaign reports donations of over 2,000 Christmas gifts to nearly 700 students at Elliott and Pershing Elementary.
- The annual campaign reports a swimsuit drive benefiting 350 youth enrolled in grant-based swim lessons last summer.
How your donation helps
- Financial assistance for memberships and eligible programs through Open Doors
- Youth programs including preschool, before and after school, camps, swim lessons, and youth sports
- Camp Kitaki and other youth development programs
- Critical programs and activities that support kids, health, and families
- Community drives and outreach that help meet local needs
Our story
Founded in 1871, the Lincoln YMCA began with a focus on the safe and healthy development of young people. Over time, it grew into an association centered on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility through facilities, camps, and community programs.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Ymca Of Lincoln’s services.
Open Doors Financial Assistance provides reduced rates for memberships and programs based on household income and size. Families can apply online or at a Lincoln YMCA location, and assistance is available for many programs including youth sports, swim lessons, child care, and Camp Kitaki.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
"We are an association of people dedicated to enriching lives."
"I am deeply inspired by the YMCA’s commitment to empowering individuals, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility."
"The Achievery™ has given us a fresh, exciting way to connect with our kids on topics that really matter."
"Two of the biggest barriers families face when wanting to provide swim lessons for their children are transportation and cost."
"Our annual coat drive is one way we can extend care and compassion to our neighbors in need."
Events
Winter Coat Drive
annualAnnual coat collection benefiting People’s City Mission.
Community-wide Swimsuit Drive
annualAnnual drive to collect swimsuits for children enrolled in grant-based swim lessons.
Railyard Rims
annualA 3-on-3 basketball tournament that benefits the YMCA of Lincoln’s Annual Fundraising Campaign.
Give to Lincoln Day
annualAnnual giving day supporting youth programs and YMCA services.
Teen Night
monthly, last Saturday January through OctoberFree teen program offering activities such as swimming, gym workouts, arts and crafts, and cooking classes.
Turkey Trot
annualAnnual Cooper YMCA Thanksgiving Day run.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Ymca Of Lincoln has shared.
Current needs
- New or gently used coats for the annual coat drive
- New or gently used swimsuits in school-age XS to XL, one-piece preferred
- Monetary donations and gift cards for the swimsuit drive
Volunteer opportunities
- Youth Sports Volunteer Coaches
- Special Event Volunteers
- Policy Volunteers
- Program instructors
- Youth coaches
- Mentors
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- 2024 Corporate Partner Award to Lincoln Industries
- 2024 Outstanding Volunteer Award to Ann Ringlein
- 2024 Outstanding Youth Character Award to Claire Savage
- 2023 Corporate Partner Award to Lincoln Track Club
- 2023 Outstanding Volunteer Award to Frosty Chapman
- 2023 Outstanding Youth Character Award to Griffey Borges
In the media
- Lincoln Journal Star, historian Jim McKee on the history and growth of the Lincoln YMCA.
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How can someone apply for Open Doors financial assistance?
You can apply online, or drop off an application and the required documents at any Lincoln YMCA location.
What programs are eligible for financial assistance?
Most programs are eligible, including youth sports, swim lessons, child care, and Camp Kitaki.
What does adaptive swim lessons offer?
Adaptive swim lessons offer private and small-group instruction tailored to swimmers with physical, developmental, or sensory challenges.
What activities are included in Teen Night?
Teen Night includes swimming, gym workouts, arts and crafts, and cooking classes.
What kinds of volunteer roles are available?
Volunteer opportunities include youth sports coaching, special event support, and policy volunteer roles on committees or advisory boards.
Similar nonprofits
Other young mens or womens associations nonprofits in NE.