“The YMCA is all about bringing community and people together, for healthy minds, healthy bodies and healthy spirits,” explained Elaina Kempin, Marketing Director for the YMCA of the Black Hills. “We encourage our members to really get to know each other, participate in the group exercise classes and become a part of this community.”
That mission is especially important in Box Elder, where military families regularly cycle in and out as assignments change. “We help families connect quickly by giving them opportunities to meet people, participate in programs and feel rooted in the community. When military families arrive here and they’re new to town, we do our best to help those families acclimate as quickly as possible,” she said. “We are able to help them meet other people and become a part of their community very quickly.”
The facility offers more than 35 group exercise classes for all ages and skill levels, youth sports programs beginning at age three, indoor walking and running tracks and free child watch services for parents while they work out. The open-floor design also allows families to stay connected while using different parts of the facility.
Support
The Liberty Center also supports military families through the Hero Fund, a scholarship program available to qualifying active-duty service members stationed at Ellsworth. The fund provides 6-month YMCA memberships for military members and their families based on financial need. “There’s about 20 families right now using the Hero Fund,” Elaina said, “and it’s been as high as 30.”
Community support continues to fuel the program, including donations from local sponsors and from corporate partners like Amazon. The YMCA’s nonprofit mission also extends into food assistance programs during the summer months. Through the Liberty Center and other YMCA of the Black Hills facilities, children under 18 can receive meal boxes several days each week, helping address food insecurity in Pennington County.
For Elaina, the Liberty Center represents something profoundly important. “The Y is known for being a community hub that brings people together from all demographics.” And because of that, she added, “No one’s ever turned away because of inability to pay.”
The Liberty Center at a Glance
The Liberty Center, operated by the YMCA of the Black Hills, serves Airmen from Ellsworth Air Force Base, military families and local residents with 58,000 square feet of fitness and community space. It features group exercise classes, certified trainers, an indoor track, turf training areas and basketball courts. Members get free child watch, flexible no-contract memberships and military members and their families can enjoy reduced program fees. Designed for connection as much as fitness, it’s a year-round hub for health, training and community.
The Hero Fund
The Hero Fund at the Liberty Center provides sponsored memberships for active-duty military members and their families stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base according to financial need. Funded by donors, it helps reduce financial barriers so families can stay active, connected and supported in a new community. Awards cover a six-month individual or family membership and are reviewed monthly.
By Stephen Simpson
Photo by Greg Geiger