January 2026 Mission Monday
A newsletter for volunteers, employees, and friends of the YMCA of Wichita Falls
Dear YMCA Community,
As we step into a new year, we want to extend a warm welcome to all of our new members who have chosen the YMCA as the place to continue their wellness journey toward a healthier lifestyle. Whether your goals include building strength, finding balance, creating healthy habits, or simply connecting with community, we’re grateful you’ve entrusted the Y to walk alongside you in that journey.
This season of renewed energy and activity is not only happening in our wellness spaces — it’s alive on our basketball courts as well. Nearly 1,700 youth are participating in YMCA basketball this season, learning teamwork, confidence, discipline, and the joy of belonging.
None of this would be possible without the incredible commitment of our volunteer coaches, who have already contributed more than 2,500 hours of service since the season kicked off in November. Their investment of time, heart, and leadership is shaping lives far beyond the scoreboard, and we are deeply thankful for their impact.
As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude, momentum, and hope. The start of a new year brings fresh opportunity to grow stronger together, serve our community well, and continue creating meaningful impact for families across Wichita Falls. We’re excited for all that 2026 has in store and grateful to walk this journey with you.
Here’s to a healthy, hopeful, and impactful year ahead.
With gratitude,
Jon Dearolf
President and CEO
A STRONG START
FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE
Our Youth Development team is making a meaningful impact every day through our two preschools and school-age program, serving 345 children in our first semester of the school year.
With a strong focus on education and character-building, our preschool and Kindergarten programs emphasize literacy through a phonics-based curriculum, bringing learning to life with Bible stories and the Christian values that guide our mission. Children are encouraged to grow not only academically but also socially and spiritually.
Our after-school program keeps kids active, engaged, and learning. From the rock wall, Adventure Zone, pool, and indoor sports facilities, there’s always something fun to do after school. We also support academic success with homework help and fun reading challenges that make learning feel rewarding. It’s a safe, active, and enriching place for kids to grow after the school day ends.
Beyond the classroom, our students experience hands-on learning through field trips, sports and recreation, and caring for our garden—helping them develop curiosity, responsibility, and a love for the world around them.
- 92% of our Kindergarten students are academically on grade level (some of our academic focuses: math, reading readiness, language arts, writing, science, character development, and Bible study)
- 87% of our Kindergarteners are reading on or above kindergarten level - This is significant because approx. 40% of children in WFISD read on grade level and 51% in Texas.
- Overall program growth: 32% - now serving 345 children in Youth Development
- Texas Rising Star: 4-Star Excellence in Education
- Serving 3 school districts (96 children) in our after school program
Meals served in Fall Semester
- Breakfast 18,272
- Lunch 19,262
- PM snack 22,676
START YOUR YEAR
WITH SOMETHING NEW!
Barre Burn
Wednesdays from 6:00pm-6:45pm
BILL BARTLEY FAMILY YMCA
Barre is a low-impact, high-energy workout that blends strength training and core conditioning. This class focuses on improving balance, posture, flexibility, and muscle tone using small, controlled movements and light resistance. Suitable for all fitness levels, Barre delivers a full-body burn while being gentle on the joints.
TAKE YOURSELF
TO THE LIMIT
with HYROX
DURING MAXFit with Lindsay
What is HYROX?
HYROX is an indoor fitness race designed for everyday people, not just elite athletes. Think of it as a fun, high-energy fitness challenge that combines running and functional workouts—all done indoors, in a gym-style setting.
- You run short distances
- Between each run, you complete a functional workout station
Exercises include things like:
- Sled pushes & pulls
- Rowing
- Lunges
- Wall balls
- Farmer carries
WHERE EVERY ABILITY
BELONGS ON THE COURT!
What an incredible way to wrap up our Miracle League of Wichita Falls Basketball Camp! Over 35 athletes had an amazing time learning new skills, making friends, and sharing the court with MSU Men's and Women's college basketball players who brought energy, encouragement, and big smiles.
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Youth Baseball & Youth Volleyball sign-ups are happening right now with the YMCA of Wichita Falls!
For grades Pre-K through Junior High, youth baseball with the YMCA is a home run! Combine your individual skills with team work to make the dream work. Enjoy the outdoors in a fun, competitive environment.
3rd grade - 8th grade volleyball with the YMCA of Wichita Falls is here to help instill Christian values and teach kids that hard work pays off.
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