Waushara Community YMCA

09/01/2026

Welcome Back to School!

A new school year is here, and the Waushara Community YMCA is excited to cheer on our students, teachers, and families as they head back to the classroom!

We are working hard behind the scenes to open our doors, and looking forward to building strong partnerships with local schools and districts to support youth development, enrichment, and wellness in our community.

School districts interested in partnering with the Y — we'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Carrie Govek at [email protected] to start the conversation.

Here's to a great year ahead — and to a community that grows stronger together!

08/27/2026

We're getting close, Waushara County! Construction on the Waushara Community YMCA is scheduled to wrap up at the end of October, with a Grand Opening planned for November! 🎉

We're hiring support staff for our Aquatic Center, Child Care Center, Member Services, and Wellness Center teams — apply today → www.spymca.org/jobs 💪

Charter Membership events are coming soon — be among the first to join as a founding member. Watch this page for details! 📣

We're also closing in on our $16.5M fundraising goal, with about $200,000 left to reach the finish line. Want to help? Reach out to CEO Ryan Zietlow at [email protected].

This is more than a building — it's a place for Waushara County families to grow, connect, and thrive. 💛

07/31/2026

Today marks a major milestone for the Waushara Community YMCA as we welcome our very first Branch Executive!

Please join us in welcoming Carrie Govek to the YMCA family. As we prepare to open the doors of the Waushara Community YMCA this fall, having the right leader in place is an exciting and important step in bringing our vision to life.

This new YMCA represents years of dreaming, planning, partnerships, and community support. Soon, it will be a place where children will learn and grow, families will connect, individuals will improve their health, and neighbors will build lasting relationships. Our first Branch Executive will play a key role in shaping that culture from day one.

Over the coming weeks, she will be learning alongside our incredible team at the Stevens Point Area YMCA, building relationships, and preparing to lead the Waushara Community YMCA into an exciting new chapter.

We couldn't be more excited for what's ahead. Please join us in giving her a warm YMCA welcome!

A little message from Carrie:
I am honored to serve as the Branch Executive of the Waushara Community YMCA, where I look forward to helping strengthen connections, support families, and expand opportunities for people of all ages throughout the community.

Originally from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, I have spent more than two decades leading teams, developing staff, supporting students and families, and serving individuals through education, nonprofit organizations, and community advocacy. My career has included leadership roles in business, education, youth development, and victim services, all centered around one common goal: helping people grow and succeed. I am especially passionate about building community partnerships.

My husband and I are proud to call this area home for the last eight years. I have a grown son who lives out of state and I love traveling to visit him! Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, cooking, spending time outdoors, and finding opportunities to give back to my community.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Waushara Community YMCA and look forward to working with members, volunteers, staff, and community partners to make the Y a welcoming place where everyone feels they belong and can grow and thrive.

The countdown to opening day continues!

07/16/2026

The future Waushara Community YMCA is coming to life! 💙

Every week brings more progress, and it's exciting to see this vision becoming a reality. Construction remains on schedule, with completion expected at the end of September and doors planned to open this October!

More than just a building, this YMCA will be a place where children learn and grow, families connect, neighbors build friendships, and people of all ages can stay active and healthy. It will also help meet one of the community's greatest needs by expanding access to quality child care.

We can't wait to welcome the Waushara community through these doors and create a place where everyone belongs for generations to come.

Who else is excited to see the Waushara Community YMCA open this fall? Let us know in the comments! 👇💙

04/13/2026

🚧Walls are going up and excitement is building!

The Waushara Community YMCA is on track for a late September opening, and we're counting down the days until we can welcome you in.

Who's excited?! 🙌 What are you most looking forward to once the doors open?

04/10/2026

Who is getting excited?!!

11/05/2025

The Waushara Community YMCA is proud to announce a generous $50,000 contribution from the ThedaCare Foundation-Berlin in support of the YMCA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

This impactful gift will help the YMCA expand programs and services that promote health and wellness for individuals and families across Waushara County. The ThedaCare Foundation-Berlin’s support reinforces a shared vision of creating healthier communities and improving access to resources that support physical, mental, and social well-being—particularly in rural areas where such opportunities can be limited.

“We are incredibly grateful for the ThedaCare Foundation-Berlin’s investment in our work and in the people of Waushara County,” said Ryan Zietlow, CEO of the Stevens Point Area YMCA and Waushara Community YMCA. “This partnership strengthens our collective commitment to improving the quality of life for all. Their generosity will directly impact our ability to offer high-quality programs, expand access to wellness opportunities, and create spaces where families can learn, grow, and connect.”

To honor the ThedaCare Foundation-Berlin’s commitment, the YMCA will recognize the Foundation within its Drop-In Child Care Center, a space that provides a safe, nurturing environment for children while parents engage in health and wellness activities. This recognition reflects the Foundation’s role in supporting the health of the entire family—beginning with the youngest members of the community.

“We are grateful to support initiatives that strengthen the health and well-being of families in our community,” Tammy Bending, Vice President of Critical Access Operations of ThedaCare Medical Center-Berlin and Wild Rose. “The generosity from the ThedaCare Foundation-Berlin reflects our commitment to supporting communities outside of our walls. We can achieve so much together when we dedicate our resources to the people, programs and places we are passionate about and support initiatives that empower people to live their unique, best lives.”

The ThedaCare Foundation-Berlin’s contribution will help enhance health-focused initiatives, strengthen youth and family programming, and support collaboration between the YMCA and local health partners to create lasting community impact.

The Waushara Community YMCA, a branch of the Stevens Point Area YMCA, strives to serve as a vital community hub—providing programs and services that foster belonging, wellness, and personal growth for all.

08/02/2025

The generosity of Waushara County continues!

If you have considered a gift now is the time! Thank you to Rick and Julie Diermeier for the trust and support of our future Y!

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin inspires charitable giving by connecting people and resources to enhance Portage and Waushara counties now and for future generations.

06/30/2025

We’re honored to have the Waushara Community YMCA featured by Community Recreation Magazine. Their recent article highlights the exciting milestone of breaking ground on our future facility. Thank you to all the partners, donors, and community members who are making this vision a reality. The future is bright in Waushara County!

Check out the article to learn more about this incredible next step for our community.