Moving ahead to 2026 after a successful year at the Y

By Kim Jass-Ramirez, CEO of the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA

In 2025, the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA continued to be a welcoming place where people of all ages could build confidence, connections, and healthy habits.  I will share some highlights below which tell the story of how the Y strengthened our community in ways that go beyond programs; because there’s no place like the Y to belong, grow, and thrive together.

More than 500 youth participated in Y sports, learning teamwork and resilience in an environment grounded in encouragement and belonging. Youth programs extended beyond sports, with 270 children engaged in summer camp, preschool, after-school programs, and school’s out fun days—creating safe, enriching spaces where young people could learn, play, and grow while families felt supported.

Healthy living was a powerful thread throughout the year. Members logged more than 30,000 check-ins to group exercise classes in the pool and on land, reflecting a strong commitment to physical and mental well-being. Aquatics programs alone served 3,259 people, including swim lessons, water safety education, adaptive swim lessons, and lifeguard certifications, helping participants build life-saving skills and confidence in the water.

The addition of EGYM made an immediate impact, with more than 850 members enrolling in its first year. By offering personalized, accessible strength training, EGYM supported members at every stage of their wellness journey.  Perhaps most powerfully, 2025 showcased the Y’s impact through personal transformation and shared responsibility. One member’s experience of losing nearly 200 pounds through consistency, support, and access to Y resources illustrated how the Y helps individuals reach their full potential with dignity.

The Y also demonstrated its role as a community connector through inclusive events and innovative programming. Pickleball beginner classes introduced more than 100 people to a sport that fosters fun and social connection. Community events such as the Halloween Carnival welcomed more than 300 attendees, reinforcing the Y as a place where neighbors come together to celebrate and belong. Hosting the Special Olympics Iowa state swim meet further highlighted the Y’s commitment to creating spaces where athletes of all abilities are celebrated and supported.

In 2026, we will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the YMCA in Marshalltown.  This anniversary is a milestone that honors a legacy of service, connection, and community impact that spans generations. None of this impact would be possible without the generous support of donors who help ensure programs remain affordable and inclusive, the dedication of volunteers who bring energy and heart to every space, and community partners who amplify the Y’s reach and impact. Together, this collective support strengthens the Y’s ability to serve and reminds us that when a community comes together, there truly is no place like the Y.