YMCA of Greater Des Moines

10/22/2026

Our YMCA Childcare programs at King Elementary and Findley Elementary are proud to join communities all across America celebrating Lights On Afterschool today to help showcase all the ways afterschool programs are serving our communities! 💡🏫

These programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn & grow, and give parents peace of mind.

10/22/2026

Meet Toni, our Pilates instructor at the Wellmark Y, and the dynamic resistance workout that builds core stability, balance, coordination, and spinal alignment.

Ready to try it out? Don’t miss our Fall Reformer Special!
🍂 Members: 10% off any Pilates Reformer package
🍂 New clients: 3 private sessions for $100

Hurry, these deals end October 31st!
https://tinyurl.com/4ubu8kxt

10/13/2026

Looking for a fun way to help support YMCA Supportive Housing Campus? Join us for Spooky Musical Bingo on Oct 20th at Big Grove! 👻

SPOOKY Musical Bingo at Big Grove! is coming up THIS MONTH!

Join us Tuesday, October 20 at Big Grove Brewery for a fun night of music by Elite DJ’s , bingo featuring classic hits, costumes, prizes, and plenty of fun!! All while supporting the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus!

Doors open at 6 PM and Bingo kicks off at 7 PM. Come dressed in your favorite costume for our costume contest, grab a drink, bring some friends, and get ready for a great night!

There is no cost to play, but at-will donations will be accepted to support the 140 men and women who call the YSHC home. We can't wait to see you there!

Want to reserve your spot? Contact [email protected]

09/29/2026

09/29/2026

Last week we celebrated the second annual YMCA Impact Awards sponsored by Nationwide, recognizing staff, supporters, volunteers, and partners across the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. ✨ Our theme, "No Place Like This Place," isn't just a tagline — it's a truth. From swimming lessons to summer camp, youth enrichment to supportive housing, the Y is where communities come together.

That spirit was on full display as we gathered to shine a light on the people who make our mission possible, including our 2026 honorees:

🌟 Community Partner Award: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, a dedicated supporter of the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus through their generosity, volunteerism, and steadfast belief that everyone deserves dignity, belonging, and a place to call home.
🌟 Philanthropy Champion Award: EMC Insurance Foundation as Presenting Sponsor of the Girls on the Run 5K, champion of the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus, and a major capital investment partner in the Walnut Creek Reinvesting in Community Campaign.
🌟 Volunteer Impact Award: Hal Stevenson, who gives countless hours to inventory, laundry kits, and behind-the-scenes tasks for the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus's 140 residents.
🌟 Program Impact Award: Adaptive Swim Team, a space for people with disabilities to experience the joy, challenge, and accomplishment of being part of a swim team in an environment designed around their unique needs and abilities.
🌟 Youth Impact Award: Bella Zelaya-Colunga, an inaugural member of our Y Achievers Leaders in Training program and the first Iowa YMCA Youth selected to represent us in Washington, DC, as part of Y-USA’s Youth Advocate program.
🌟 Staff Impact Award: Velena Mulato, Resident Life Coordinator at the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus, who makes a difference by creating a community rooted in inclusivity, connection, and belonging.

Congratulations to all of the nominees, finalists, and awardees whose contributions have made a lasting impact in our community!

This event wouldn't have been possible without the support of Nationwide, a dedicated and longtime partner of the YMCA. Thank you, Nationwide, for helping create a thriving community here in Greater Des Moines!

09/21/2026

09/16/2026

Meet Ellen Pieper. Every weekday, before most of us are even awake, Ellen is warmly welcoming members into the Waukee YMCA, sporting one of her signature hats. 🌤️🧢 She knows your name, knows your story, and has a way of making sure you leave better than you arrived.

Having survived a severe stroke in 2000, Ellen's resilience is as remarkable as the joy she brings to our community. She is our next YCON—and you won't want to miss her story!

09/15/2026

Congratulations to our Executive Director of Childcare Services, Joelle Kleihauer, for 25 years of full-time service at the YMCA of Greater Des Moines. 🌟

Joelle ran an in-home daycare before answering an ad in the newspaper asking, “Do you like working with kids?” She started her role in Waukee supervising preschool and nursery programs. Joelle has incorporated many crucial programs over the years, such as after-school care, Summer Day Camp at 3 locations, our summer learning program Starfish Academy, and Leaders in Training.

She says working with youth has always been her passion and emphasizes the importance of child and adult mental health. She loves her strong childcare team and is ready to tackle changes, challenges and growth. Thank you for all the years of hard work, Joelle!

09/12/2026

Ready set hut! 🏈
YMCA Youth Flag Football opening day is a big hit at Valley Stadium. We have plenty of sunshine, smiles and sportsmanship on this beautiful day for football and tailgating!