RAPID CITY, S.D. — The YMCA of Rapid City will officially change its name to the YMCA of the Black Hills on Jan. 1, 2026, a move leaders say better reflects the organization’s regional footprint across western South Dakota. The name change is intended to align the YMCA’s identity with the communities it serves through four branch locations in Rapid City, Box Elder, Custer and Edgemont. Officials emphasized that while the name is changing, the organization’s mission and daily operations will remain the same. The YMCA will continue focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, with no disruption to programs, services or staffing. The organization will also remain part of the national YMCA movement. “Our new name more accurately represents who we are and the people we serve,” Chief Operations Officer Kristy Lintz said in a statement. “With branch locations in Rapid City, Box Elder, Custer and Edgemont, YMCA of the Black Hills better reflects our role as a regional organization committed to supporting individuals and families across the Black Hills, now and into the future.” The transition also aims to reduce confusion between the Rapid City branch facility and the larger YMCA association that oversees multiple locations throughout the Black Hills. Signage, websites, email addresses and other communications materials will be updated over the coming months as part of the rebranding process. Community members, donors and partners can expect the same programs and services they associate with the YMCA, officials said, now under a name that more clearly represents its growing regional presence in Rapid City, the Black Hills and western South Dakota.