YMCA of the North to be Recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Organization
MEDIA ADVISORY: For Immediate Release
May 15, 2023
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The YMCA of the North, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, will be recognized as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization for its efforts in supporting the military community at a proclamation event tomorrow.
“The Minnesota National Guard and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program value our many partners across the state, like the YMCA of the North,” said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Sandra Best, former Minnesota National Guard Deputy Adjutant General, who will be speaking at the event. “These partnerships are critical to our service members. They provide them the peace of mind to focus on their military duties knowing they and their families have the support of their workplaces and communities.”
The YMCA of the North recognizes the importance of supporting the military community and is proud to receive the designation as a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization. The YMCA of the North will become the 80th active Yellow Ribbon organization in Minnesota.
“The Y is honored to connect with other committed organizations in Beyond the Yellow Ribbon to further build a community network that provides resources and support to Minnesota’s military veterans, service members, and families in all military branches,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “We are grateful for the military service of our YMCA employees, members, and participants for everything they have done to serve our community. Our YMCA is committed to providing wellbeing experiences that help them enjoy fulfilling lives.”
Through its community and corporate partnerships, the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program, known as BTYR, provides veterans, service members, and their families in all branches a wide range of support, including deployment readiness, family assistance and resources, youth programs, and more.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Media members are invited to the proclamation event on Tuesday, May 16, at 2 p.m. at the Midway YMCA located at 1761 University Avenue West, St. Paul, Minn., 55104. Media can RSVP to Cristina Oxtra at (763) 349=2047or cristina.f.oxtra.nfg@army.mil. To learn more about BTYR, go to https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil/btyr.
About the Minnesota National Guard –
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are ‘Always Ready’ to fight the nation’s wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more
information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.
About the YMCA of the North –
The YMCA of the North is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Established 167 years ago, the YMCA provides life-strengthening services across the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota, and western Wisconsin communities. The 29 YMCA locations and program sites, eight overnight camps, 10-day camps, and more than 90 childcare sites engage more than 370,000 men, women, and children of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds. To learn more about the YMCA’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.
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