The YMCA is known for its swimming lessons, summer camps and fitness classes. But the Y is invested in another critical activity – advancing health equity.
After observing that many at-risk people were cut off from their health care and support system during the COVID pandemic, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee has seen an increased need for its healthy living programs. Currently, the Y provides six different evidence-based health interventions to delay or offset the effects of chronic diseases. The curriculum provided by Y-USA focuses on providing ongoing support for people at risk of developing heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure or pre-diabetes, as well as for individuals diagnosed with cancer or Parkinson’s disease.
“A lot of it is finding ways, tools and tricks that work for each individual,” says Hanna Misiak, a healthy living executive with the Y, about each program’s goal. “It’s about providing education and then helping problem-solve to figure out what’s going to work for them.”
For example, the Diabetes Prevention Program is a 12-month intensive on preventing diabetes, led by a health coach. Insurance may cover some of the cost for participants, who can also qualify for financial assistance from the Y. The group meets weekly for six months before transitioning to monthly meetings to discuss topics like handling stress, social support, sleep, eating healthy when dining out and maintaining lifestyle changes after the program is complete.
Another program, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA, provides a supportive community for adult cancer survivors. The group meets twice-weekly over 12 weeks with the goal of rebuilding strength after treatment. “We rely on grant funding and donations to be able to provide the program to participants for free,” says Misiak.
When YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee marketing executive Emily Salas’ mother-in-law entered the program, the family received a free membership. “That was an amazing outlet and opportunity to connect with those families,” says Salas. “It’s not just about the individual but the entire support system.”
Carolyn, a LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program graduate, adds, “The best thing about the LIVESTRONG [at the YMCA] program is that you can’t fail. It’s designed for you to succeed, and believe me, after diagnoses, biopsies, surgery, chemo and radiation, you just want to succeed at something.”
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What We Do
- The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee has been a part of the lives of children and families in the greater Milwaukee area since 1858, but it is now embarking on a new journey to strengthen the link between health care and community.
- The Y’s commitment to equity and inclusion is empowered by the organization’s vision “to become recognized as a leading community collaborator that achieves bold results in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, with an emphasis on youth, families and aging adults.”
Where Your Money Goes
- The YMCA relies on donations to ensure that everyone – no matter their income level – has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive at the Y.
- Financial support through grants, sponsorship and individual gifts helps the Y keep membership affordable and programs accessible for all.
YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee
P.O. BOX 2174, MILWAUKEE, WI 53201
