The Executive Director of the Nishna Valley YMCA in Atlantic, Wednesday, put out a statement with regard to operations at the YMCA and Ann W. Wickman Childcare Center in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dan Haynes said “Currently the YMCA building is closed as mandated by state and local officials. However, as requested by the Governor and local officials, our TLC (School-age Childcare operations) is still in full operation within the YMCA building as is the Wickman Childcare Center.

“Increased precautions are being taken as recommended by the Department of Human Services and local health department. Drop-off and pickup procedures, class sizes, and social distancing, have been implemented in both locations per health department guidelines.
Your YMCA has had a long history of meeting citizen’s needs in Cass County and the Nishna Valley.”

In and effort to maintain YMCA membership and funds, Haynes said the “Nishna Valley YMCA Board of Directors is asking YOU to stick with YOUR YMCA even as the building is closed temporarily due to no fault of our own. We are asking you to:
1. If you are a current bank draft member or annual paying member of the YMCA……stick with us and keep your membership running as normal.
2. If you are not currently a YMCA Member……do something crazy!!!!! Consider joining now to make the greatest impact and support the work your YMCA does in the community. We will even waive the $40 joiner fee during this time.
3. While we are closed down we do have virtual fitness options you can use in your home. Visit our website or our facebook page and find great classes while we are closed.
4. YMCA volunteers are in the middle of our Annual Campaign to raise $125,000 for all the work that gets done such as childcare, free swim training, program and membership scholarship and so much more. If you haven’t given yet please consider doing so.
5. We understand that some families have been hurt by reduced incomes due to the current situation. If none of the above are options for you,” Haynes said “I would ask you to call me personally at 712-243-3934 so I can help you in your specific situation.”

He said also, “We will update you as we get any news on opening, keeping in mind our first priority is to keep staff and members safe.”