Aberdeen Family YMCA: Touching Lives Through Community

The Aberdeen Family YMCA has strong roots in the Hub City and has been present in the area for over 100 years. Their commitment to community remains as strong today as it did in 1921. South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Community Development Coordinator Pat Gallagher recently joined the Aberdeen Family Y CEO Mike Quast to discuss the impact the organization has and continues to make.

“The reason we are able to have these great facilities and touch so many lives is quite frankly because of the community,” stated Mike, as he shared the many services and programs the Y is able to offer. During his time as CEO, he has seen the expansion of programs offered through the Aberdeen Family Y, and he attributes much of the growth to investment from the community and support from the SDCF and the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation.

The Aberdeen Family Y established an endowment fund in the SDCF, and Mike believes it is a choice that has ensured the organization will continue to make a difference in the lives of generations to come. “The YMCA has been in the community for one hundred years…Opening an endowment fund is a way for us to ensure another hundred years in our community,” he shared.

The Aberdeen Y also received funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Aberdeen Fund; which is housed at the SDCF. This funding allowed the organization to greatly expand its connectivity and communication capabilities–something that became crucial during the Covid-19 pandemic. Helping students in need of a strong internet connection to complete schoolwork remotely, take advantage of virtual learning opportunities, and connect with other educational opportunities online are some of the ways in which the Aberdeen Family Y has been able to support their community in unique ways. This expansion also assists the Aberdeen Family Y in connecting with other foundations virtually, creating a network of care throughout the region.

The support the Aberdeen Family Y receives from the community is equally as valuable to Mike, and he is touched by the example the Fouberg family of Aberdeen has set. Rod and Glenna Fouberg chaired the campaign to build the Aberdeen Family YMCA 20 or so years ago. Rod and Glenna both served on the board of the Aberdeen Y for many years and were honorary chairs of the 2013 campaign to build the YDC which their son Robert and his wife Erin Fouberg chaired. This year, the YDC was renamed for Rod and Glenna; the Center has allowed the Aberdeen Y to make a huge impact on the lives of young people in the community. Rod also served on the SDCF board, including as chair, and Glenna served on the AACF board at the time of her death in 2021.

“Seeing generational philanthropy from a family is amazing and is something that will stick with me for the rest of my life,” stated Mike.

To learn more about the Aberdeen YMCA, visit their website at www.aberdeenymca.org