RAPID CITY, SD – The YMCA of Rapid City is celebrating Military Family Month in November by offering special support and discounts to local military personnel and their families in the Black Hills area. YMCAs nationwide have observed Military Family Month for over 25 years, providing Americans an opportunity to recognize the dedication, sacrifice and service of military families.
The YMCA of Rapid City supports military families all year long with programs and initiatives designed to improve their well-being and offer ways to connect with other families facing similar situations.
“We know our military families need support while their loved ones are serving,” said Augustin Caraza, Liberty Center YMCA Branch Manager. “The Y is here to support those families, whether it’s providing a place where kids can be safe, making friends while finding a sense of belonging or providing a place for adults to meet their health and wellness goals”.
In 2024, the Liberty Center YMCA provided more than 21 local military families with YMCA scholarships through its Hero Fund. Since 2008, the Military Outreach Initiative has provided over 87,000 Y memberships to military members and their families.
To recognize Military Family Month, all YMCA locations throughout the Black Hills will waive the joiner fee- offering a $0 Joiner Fee- for active-duty service members, National Guard, Reserves, and military veterans throughout November. Service members need only to register for membership in person at their local YMCA between Nov. 1-30, presenting a valid military/government-issued photo ID. The YMCA of Rapid City also provides association-wide discounts for military families.
Military Family Month was first established by the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) and has been recognized by the U.S. government ever since. To find out more about the Y and the programs that support military families in Rapid City and the Black Hills, visit www.rcymca.org.