Krista Bold, Sales and Retention Director, and Rhiannon McHugh, Membership, from the Rite-Hite Family YMCA

 

The YMCA originated as a faith-based organization that tried to meet the needs of the community.  Following a recent reorganization, the YMCA now focuses on: 1. swimming, 2. education of youth, and 3. fitness.  

 

Swimming is the number one priority because drowning is the second highest cause of accidental death.  In addition to the pools at the Rite-Hite, the YMCA runs programs at pools in Milwaukee County parks and at their summer camp, where they  teach 4-5 year olds to swim.  

 

The Milwaukee YMCA continues to operate two early education learning centers.  During their summer camp they include Fun Learning for Youth, or FLY, to decrease the drop in learning over the summer.

 

Fitness is more focused now that there is so much specialization and competition in the area.  The Rite-Hite YMCA partners with other Ys and companies to provide services in fitness.  They strive to be a leader in the Milwaukee area, adding classes in specialized exercise such as barre (ballet-based exercise) and yoga.  

Rite-Hite continues programs for seniors, such as Silver Sneakers, yoga in a chair, pickleball, swimming and water aerobics.  Over 3500 persons use the Rite-Hite facility each day.