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Year: 2025

YMCA of Snohomish County Celebrates Marysville Early Learning Center Ribbon Cutting

Posted on Updated on by Abbey McGee

Marysville, WA – August 7, 2025. The YMCA of Snohomish County celebrated the grand opening of its new Marysville Early Learning Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 5. This special event marked a significant step forward in addressing the urgent child care needs of families across the region. 

Slated to open in September, this 4-classroom facility will provide affordable, high-quality child care for up to 68 children. Funded by state and federal support, individual donors, and smaller charitable foundations, the project embodies the Y’s commitment to equity, youth development, and community.  

“The reason we are a charity is because we have a commitment that nobody is turned away based on an inability to pay,” said Peyton Tune, President and CEO, YMCA of Snohomish County. “You can’t say ‘access for all’ if it doesn’t mean ‘all.’ This building and this center are a part of that promise.”

Early Learning at the Y nurtures self-awareness, confidence, and connection through developmentally appropriate academics and meaningful relationships. The program champions inclusive spaces where kids feel safe to explore, build friendships, and discover new skills. Supporting families is central to the Y’s Early Learning mission. An integral part of the program is engaging parents, fostering open communication, and inviting families into a community that cares. Trained, compassionate staff create environments rooted in safety, structure, and fun—so every child feels seen and supported.

The Marysville Early Learning Center directly supports the YMCA of Snohomish County’s strategic plan, which prioritizes expanding access to essential services, like child care, and closing equity gaps in underserved communities. It also reflects the Y’s longstanding mission to nurture youth, empower families, and strengthen communities.

At the ribbon cutting, Washington State Senator June Robinson emphasized the long-term value of early education. “Child care and a quality early learning experience is the best investment that we as the public can make,” she said. “It’s been studied and proven over and over again that an investment in early learning pays enormous dividends throughout that person’s life. There’s no better investment that we – as the state of Washington, as the Marysville community, as the YMCA – could make than to provide additional quality early learning opportunities for our community.” 

The YMCA’s initiative not only benefits Marysville families but also addresses a broader regional need for accessible, quality child care – ensuring every child has a fair start and every family has peace of mind. 

For more information on YMCA child care programs, please visit ymca-snoco.org/child-care/.

 

Marysville and Mill Creek Ys Unveil Over $500,000 in Wellness Upgrades

Posted on by Abbey McGee

During the month of June, our Marysville and Mill Creek branches received exciting upgrades to their wellness centers—investing over $500,000 to create more inviting, better-equipped spaces for every member of our community. 

At the Marysville Y, the transformation is extensive with all-new cardio and selectorized strength equipment, a reimagined layout with dedicated space for stretching, and an exclusive TRX/barre studio—designed to meet members where they are in their wellness journey. 

The Mill Creek Y now features a variety of brand-new wellness equipment, including a full suite of treadmills—elevating the member experience with a refresh. 

These enhancements reflect our commitment to the Y’s mission—to invest in people, places, and possibilities. By bringing more value to every membership, we’re creating spaces where wellness is accessible, goals are within reach, and every individual can thrive. 

YMCA of Snohomish County memberships include access to all facilities across the county. Make sure to stop by and check out the new equipment at our Marysville and Mill Creek branches! 

The Mukilteo Y and Mukilteo Boys & Girls Club Team Up to Host Pickleball Tournament

Posted on by Abbey McGee

MUKILTEO, WA, July 9, 2025 – The Mukilteo Family YMCA and Mukilteo Boys & Girls Club are joining forces for the first-ever Pickleball Palooza on Saturday, July 26. With mixed doubles matches for all ages and skill levels, free T-shirts for participants, and delicious bake sales at both locations, this is more than just a tournament – it’s a celebration of community to support local youth. 

“I think that the relationship between the Boys & Girls Club and the Y coming together is really exciting,” said Cynthia Kelly, Mukilteo Family YMCA Executive Director. “We’ve been super intentional about how we all serve kids in our community and make a difference so that we work together as opposed to against each other.”  

The tournament consists of four different divisions: youth (ages 16 and under), beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Participants play a maximum of seven round robin matches and two medal rounds for the top placing teams. Round robin matches are played to 15, winning by one with 15-minute timers. Medal rounds play to 11, winning by two. The event is open to the community.

Beginner and youth divisions will be played at the Mukilteo Boys & Girls Club. Intermediate and advanced divisions will be played at the Mukilteo Family YMCA. Beginner and intermediate matches start at 9 am. Youth and advanced matches start at 1 pm.  

There are approximately 120 individuals who play pickleball weekly at the Mukilteo Family YMCA. “This is a fun way to engage the pickleball community and celebrate in a certain way and just do something fun together with our neighbors across the street,” said Carl Funnell, Mukilteo Family YMCA Senior Director. 

All proceeds from this event go towards supporting youth programs at the Mukilteo Family YMCA and the Mukilteo Boys & Girls Club. 

Registration is open now until spots are filled. Registration for adults is $40 and $10 for youth. Financial assistance is available. More information can be found at ymca.link/pickleball-tournament. If you have any questions, please contact Carl Funnell at [email protected] or Cynthia Kelly at [email protected].  

The Y Hosts its First-Ever Clash at Camp Casey

Posted on by Abbey McGee

EVERETT, WA, June 30, 2025. – The YMCA of Snohomish County is excited to announce the inaugural Clash at Camp Casey Flag Football Tournament, a dynamic one-day event set for Saturday, August 2, at the scenic YMCA Camp Casey Sports Fields in Coupeville, Whidbey Island. Open to boys and girls of all ages and experience levels, this festival-style tournament will feature fast-paced competition, team spirit, and family-friendly fun, all set on the beautiful shores of the Salish Sea.

“This is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of youth sports and community,” said Chris Bellecourt, Association Director of Youth Sports, YMCA of Snohomish County. “We designed the Clash at Camp Casey to be a bridge from summer to fall, offering a competitive and inclusive environment for kids to grow, connect, and get ready for the season ahead.”

The event welcomes current and past YMCA Flag Football teams as well as youth athletes and teams from other leagues and organizations. The $175 team entry includes access to all tournament amenities, and players without teams can join the YMCA’s Free Agent List to be matched with a team.

“This is exactly the kind of opportunity that builds confidence and community,” said Jacob Hiatt, Flag Football Coordinator, YMCA of Snohomish County. “We’re not just running a tournament—we’re investing in young athletes. Every entry supports scholarships so more kids can experience the power of sports and belonging.”

Event Highlights:

  • Inclusive format for girls and boys of all skill levels
  • Preseason warm-up for youth tackle and other fall sports
  • Free agent list for individuals seeking a team
  • Festival atmosphere with food trucks, music, and more
  • Proceeds benefit YMCA Youth Sports Scholarships

Whether you’re coaching a current or past YMCA Flag Football team, leading a group from another sport like soccer, basketball, or volleyball, or simply have a roster of enthusiastic athletes ready to play, this event is open to all youth teams eager for a fun, fast-paced tournament experience.

Registration is open through Wednesday, July 16. Coaches, families, and athletes can sign up or join the Free Agent List at ymca.link/casey-clash. If you have questions, please reach out to Chris Bellecourt at [email protected] or Jacob Hiatt at [email protected].

Marysville Family YMCA and Kendall Subaru of Marysville Expand 3rd Grade Splash Program

Posted on Updated on by Abbey McGee

MARYSVILLE, WA. June 3, 2025 – The Marysville Family YMCA, in partnership with Kendall Subaru of Marysville, proudly announces the continued growth of its 3rd Grade Splash Program—now in its second year and expanding its reach across the Marysville and Tulalip communities.

Launched in 2024 with Kendall Subaru as the flagship donor, the program was made possible through a $20,000 sponsorship, which was continued in 2025 with a shared vision to equip local youth with life-saving water safety skills. In its first year, nearly 150 students from Allen Creek Elementary participated. This year, the program has scaled to include additional elementary schools and new community partners.

“This isn’t just about swimming—it’s about equity, confidence, and safety,” said JJ Frank, Executive Director of the Marysville Family YMCA. “Kendall Subaru of Marysville made this possible. Their commitment to our kids and our community is what turned this idea into a movement.”

The 3rd Grade Splash Program delivers free swim lessons and water safety education to third graders in the Marysville School District and the Tulalip Tribes community. With the YMCA’s trained aquatics team and a growing group of volunteers, children gain vital skills that reduce water-related risks and open doors to lifelong confidence and recreation.

In addition to Kendall Subaru’s leadership, the program has gained momentum with the support of new sponsors, further expanding its reach and impact.

“This is what community looks like,” added Frank. “When local businesses and neighbors come together, we create real change—safer summers, stronger kids, and a future where every child has access to the tools they need to thrive.”

For more information about the 3rd Grade Splash Program or to join as a sponsor, contact JJ Frank at [email protected]. 

YMCA of Snohomish County and Community Transit Collaborate to Help Seniors Maintain Their Independence

Posted on by Abbey McGee

EVERETT, WA. — Older adults often find they have more time to travel and participate in community activities. Public transit offers seniors an easy and inexpensive way get to the airport to catch a flight, visit their doctor, or spend an afternoon exploring downtown Seattle. The YMCA of Snohomish County and Community Transit help seniors confidently navigate public transportation, restoring independence and fostering community connection. Through hands-on instruction and real-world experience, this initiative equips older adults with essential transit skills, ensuring mobility, access, and autonomy.

“When you’re doing hands-on, it’s way better than just hearing somebody talk about it, and then you feel better about trying it,” said Debbie McPherson, a YMCA member who attended the transit training workshop. McPherson is planning to take transit to the University of Washington this weekend with friends. “Now, if they haven’t experienced it, I’m the leader.”

The program, tailored for YMCA members, begins with an instructional session at YMCA branches, where seniors learn how to plan trips, read bus schedules, and use transit tools like ORCA fare cards. Following the presentation, participants board a special Community Transit bus for a guided ride to the Lynnwood City Center light rail station, where they practice key transit skills—requesting mobility ramps, using ADA seating, and navigating payment systems.

“This program isn’t just about transit—it’s about freedom,” said Jennifer McCoy, Senior Field Marketing Specialist at Community Transit. “Many older adults worry they’ll have to give up their favorite activities when they stop driving. We’re showing them that public transit can keep them connected to their community, their friends, and the things they love.”

Participants receive a free ORCA card with unlimited rides for one month, making future rides even more accessible. Adults 65 and over ride for the reduced fare of $1.00 on Community Transit buses and Zip Shuttle.

For many participants, this program is their first encounter with public transportation. By providing a safe, structured introduction to transit, seniors gain the confidence to explore their communities independently. The program has been met with resounding success. Nearly 200 seniors have participated in the program with more sessions scheduled this spring.

The program grew from a shared mission—ensuring that seniors remain connected, active, and independent.

“As we age, access to transportation is critical,” said Andi Skorheim, Director of Senior Memberships & Corporate Partnerships at YMCA of Snohomish County. “By eliminating uncertainty around transit, we’re empowering seniors to maintain their lifestyles and stay engaged with the community.”

Beyond practical skills, the program highlights transit safety and accessibility, with Community Transit representatives addressing common concerns on buses and at transit centers. “Once we take seniors out and show them the process, they realize it’s not as hard as they thought—it’s actually easy,” said McCoy.

For more information about YMCA membership, please visit ymca-snoco.org/membership or call (425) 374-5779. The Community Transit workshops are free for YMCA members. For transit tips for older adults, visit Community Transit’s website at communitytransit.org/older-adult or email [email protected].

JJ Frank Named New Everett Family YMCA Executive Director

Posted on Updated on by Abbey McGee

EVERETT, WA. May 8, 2025 — After an extensive and inclusive search process, we are proud to announce that JJ Frank has been selected as the next Everett Family YMCA Executive Director and promoted to District Executive for the YMCA of Snohomish County.

JJ comes to Everett most recently from his role as Executive Director of the Marysville Family YMCA, where his leadership helped grow the branch into a $5.3M operation serving over 7,000 members and employing more than 110 staff. A graduate of Everett High School and the University of Washington, JJ began his Y journey as a Teen Director in Marysville and later launched and expanded our My Achievers Program (MAP) to 14 sites across Snohomish County.

He now steps into the role previously held by Kyla McNulty, who has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Island County and Camp Services. We are grateful for Kyla’s impactful leadership in Everett and excited to see her vision continue to shape our broader community initiatives.

In JJ’s own words, this transition feels like “coming home.” His personal and professional roots in Everett fuel his passion for strengthening this vibrant community through the Y’s mission.

As District Executive, JJ will also guide the selection and support of the next Executive Director for the Marysville branch and will continue to lend his insight and supervision there.

Please join us in welcoming JJ back to Everett and into this expanded leadership role as we continue building achievement, belonging, and friendship for all. JJ’s official start date is June 1, 2025.

Learn more about JJ's Story:

The Y Celebrates Historic Move to Sanction Girls’ Flag Football in Washington

Posted on by Abbey McGee

EVERETT, WA. April 28, 2025 — The YMCA of Snohomish County is celebrating a game-changing moment for girls across Washington state. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has officially sanctioned girls’ flag football as a high school varsity sport—the first addition to the state’s roster in over two decades.

For the YMCA, the decision affirms what they’ve been building for years.

“We’ve been laying the foundation—training, mentoring, and championing girls through our own girls-only flag football league,” said Chris Bellecourt, Association Youth Sports Director, YMCA of Snohomish County. “Now, we’re ready to grow.”

The Y’s girls flag football league has become a launchpad for young players of all ages and skill levels who want to take their game to the next level. With a dedicated Girls Flag Football Coordinator leading program growth, the Y is uniquely equipped to support and scale participation in response to the state’s new varsity designation.

“I joined the Y because I believe in investing where it matters—right here in our community. We’re not just running a league; we’re building something meaningful for these girls,” said Jacob Hiatt, Girls Flag Football Coordinator, YMCA of Snohomish County. “Our goal is to create the best experience possible, both on and off the field.”

Flag football has seen a 63 percent national increase in girls’ participation since 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the country. Washington joins 14 other states in formally recognizing the sport at the high school level, a shift fueled by advocacy from school districts and the support of the Seattle Seahawks.

With girls’ flag football officially kicking off in the 2025-26 school year, the Y is ready to help players hit the ground running. Registration opens on May 10 for the fall girls league, open to athletes in grades 1-12. To learn more about youth sports at the Y, please visit ymca-snoco.org/sports. Financial assistance is available.

Mukilteo Y Opens Free Food Pantry

Posted on by Abbey McGee

MUKILTEO, WA. April 17, 2025 — The Mukilteo Family YMCA, in partnership with its Branch Advisory Board, has launched a new free food pantry to address rising food insecurity in the community. Located on the west side of the YMCA parking lot, the pantry is accessible at all times and operates on a simple principle: take what you need, donate what you can.

To celebrate the launch, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, April 16, with YMCA staff, board members, community leaders, Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce and Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine in attendance.

Open to all, the pantry offers non-perishable food items. There are no forms to fill out, no questions asked—just support, dignity, and a community standing together.

“Food insecurity touches every corner of our community,” said Cynthia Kelly, Executive Director of the Mukilteo Family YMCA. “This pantry is about neighbors helping neighbors. It’s about making sure no one has to choose between feeding their family and paying their bills.”

The project is a direct reflection of the YMCA of Snohomish County’s commitment to equitable access and community support. Whether it’s stopping by to donate a few canned goods or picking up needed items, the pantry offers a safe, stigma-free space for all.

“Our branch board saw a need and moved into action, imagining the pantry and building it as a team,” Kelly continued. “This is what the Y does best—we listen, we respond, and we care deeply about the wellbeing of every person in our community.”

The Mukilteo Family YMCA invites the community to get involved: bring a donation, spread the word, or simply take what’s needed.

For more information about the Free Food Pantry, stop by the Mukilteo Y or email [email protected].

Monroe Y Launches Free 3rd Grade Swim Program

Posted on by Abbey McGee

This spring, the Monroe/Sky Valley Family YMCA, in partnership with the Monroe School District, launched a new 3rd grade swim program—providing third graders in the district with free swim lessons. Designed to equip students with essential water safety skills, the program is a proactive step toward reducing childhood drownings, a leading cause of accidental death. The Monroe Y is now the fourth branch in the YMCA of Snohomish County Association to offer this life-saving initiative.

 

“At the Y, we believe every child should learn how to swim regardless of their family’s income or background,” said Anthony Schmidt, Executive Director of the Monroe/Sky Valley Family YMCA. “This partnership removes barriers and creates equitable access to a skill that can save lives.” As part of the Y’s continued commitment to youth development, the program ensures that all children—not just those with means—are empowered to stay safe around water.”

 

Funded through community support and YMCA resources, the program is offered at no cost to families. “Water safety is a critical life skill,” Schmidt added. “By reaching kids early, we’re giving them the tools to thrive. It’s more than swim lessons—it’s confidence.” The SPLASH 3rd Grade Swim launch in Monroe builds on a growing regional effort to strengthen community health and safety through strategic, cause-driven programs that meet real needs.