March 2025 Mission Monday

By: YMCA of Wichita Falls | Monday, March 31, 2025 | Mission Monday

A newsletter for volunteers, employees, and friends of the YMCA of Wichita Falls

Dear YMCA Members and Community,

This month I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a panelist at the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Economy event, where I joined local leaders in discussing the progress and potential of our great city. It was truly inspiring to be among individuals who care deeply about the growth, development, and vibrancy of Wichita Falls and the entire Texoma region.

One thing was clear from our discussion and the filled room—the future is bright for our community. The collective energy during the event and news of our future growth was encouraging. As businesses expand, new opportunities arise, and our city flourishes, it is essential that we remain focused on what truly makes a community thrive: its people.

At the YMCA, we are dedicated to building a healthier, more connected Wichita Falls. Whether it’s through providing high-quality childcare that allows parents to grow their careers and pursue their goals, offering programs that promote physical and mental well-being, or creating a welcoming space where everyone belongs, the Y is committed to making a lasting impact.

We have the tremendous honor to play a role in shaping the future of Wichita Falls. As I shared at the event, we are more than an array of gyms and childcare centers. We are here to support families, nurture youth, and create a place where all can grow and thrive together.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. A special thank you to Ron Kitchens and his team at the Chamber for the opportunity to represent the nonprofit sector on the panel. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant community for generations to come.

With gratitude,

Jon Dearolf

President and CEO

Photo Credit:

Naomi Skinner

Times Record News

COMING SOON!

NinjaZone at the

Bill Bartley Family YMCA!

It can be a challenge to tie fitness and fun together in a way that will hold a child’s attention. Distractors like television, tablets, video games, and social media, combined with an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, can result in shorter attention spans, making it even more challenging. Staying physically active with limited options and seasonal availability of sports can be a struggle. Solving this, however, can be as easy as heading to your nearest NinjaZone.

Think about the fun of jungle gyms and playground/park equipment – the appeal is the fluidity and variance of movement. The popularity of Ninja obstacle courses on television and in gyms around the country proves obstacle courses aren’t just for fun, they’re great for fitness for kids

Launch Date: The program will be open and ready no later than July 7th.

Age Group: This program is designed for all children ages 4 and up.

Structure: NinjaZone is a level-up program where children can earn higher headbands as they advance in their skills.

Special Events: We will also be introducing NinjaZone parties, which will be a fantastic addition to our offerings.

We are thrilled to bring this dynamic and engaging program to our community and look forward to seeing our young ninjas in action!

We also want to recognize our partners who helped make NinjaZone possible!

and the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation

WELCOME SHANNON JORDAN

Our new Healthy Living Director!

The YMCA is excited to welcome Shannon Jordan as the new Healthy Living Director for the YMCA of Wichita Falls.

Shannon is originally from Rhode Island, and a proud parent to one son. She takes a comprehensive approach to promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while nurturing a strong sense of community. With a background in the Army, she creates adaptable programs that empower individuals by educating them on proper form, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices while providing a supportive, inclusive environment for everyone, from newcomers joining our fitness center for the first time to active military members and veterans.

She is working towards her MBA in Holistic Nutrition from Purdue Global University and Liberty University as well as earning her certifications as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), ISSA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and Precision Nutrition Coach. She holds certifications in Women's Coaching (Level 1), Yoga (Yoga Alliance), and an instructor in BootCamp, Indoor Cycle, HIIT, and CrossFit Nutrition. Her specialties include Military Physical Fitness Testing, Pose Running Method, Pregnancy and Postpartum Fitness, and more.

We were honored to host Blue Skies at the Y on March 28th, creating an uplifting and engaging experience for the teens from Blue Skies, a residential facility dedicated to supporting youth in their journey toward personal growth and development.

During their visit, participants enjoyed a variety of exciting activities, including basketball, football, soccer, rock wall climbing, volleyball, and gymnastics. Our gymnastics center provided a fun space for trampoline activities and interactive games, adding to the energy and excitement of the day. Additionally, Kona Ice provided snow cones for the teens to enjoy on a sunny day!

A highlight of the event was the service dog demonstration, where trained dogs showcased their impressive tricks. The teens had a memorable time interacting with the dogs, making for a heartwarming experience in our sports complex.

The Bill Bartley Advisory Board played a vital role in ensuring the success of this event. Their support helped create a welcoming and enriching environment for our guests. Each participant received a special gift bag filled with a Blue Skies at the Y t-shirt, personal hygiene products, and YMCA accessories—tokens of our appreciation and commitment to their well-being.

Partnering with Blue Skies for this event was a privilege, allowing us to connect with these remarkable teens through their interests and provide them with a positive and meaningful experience. We look forward to future opportunities to make a lasting impact in their journey toward success.

HEALTHY KIDS DAY

IS COMING UP

APRIL 26TH!