UPWARDS & ONWARDS. The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley saw a 27% increase in membership in 2025, according to its annual report. From wellness programs like LIVESTRONG and Pedaling with Parkinson's to youth and adult sports leagues, food programs and more, the YMCA's impact across the wider community is clear. (Annual Turkey Trot event, pictured, benefits the YMCA and local Boys & Girls Club)

After expanding into Menomonie last year, the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley officially became the area’s largest local health and wellness organization. That growth is reflected in the YMCA’s 2025 annual report, released in early September.

According to the YMCA, membership jumped 27% across its Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and Menomonie facilities. In total, the YMCA served more than 40,000 individuals and employed just over 880 people in 2025.

The annual report talks numbers, yes, but also spotlights individual programs and locals who benefited from them. Among those is Kathy Brenden, who partook in the YMCA’s LIVESTRONG program after being diagnosed with lymphoma in 2023.

“It was shocking, but I was so sick that I was relieved to know what it was,” Kathy told the YMCA. “I guess it was shocking for everyone. I’m the baby of the family. There are eight of us siblings and no cancer in the family before this.”

Kathy shared more about her experience; three-month chemotherapy, two months of radiation therapy and participation in the 12-week program, which served as her introduction to the YMCA.

The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley's LIVESTRONG program has served nearly 400 cancer survivors since 2011. (Photo via 2025 annual report)

LIVESTRONG is an evidence-based small-group program for adult cancer survivors (newly diagnosed or otherwise). Instructor Sherri Auleta recalled Kathy’s visible exhaustion, during that program’s first class.

“She was so committed to showing up an doing whatever she felt she could do that day. She was simply amazing,” Sherri said. “Now she’s an ambassador to new students who try out the class.”

LIVESTRONG is one of several health intervention programs through the local organization. Others include Sober Strong, which had 35 participants this year, as well as Pedaling for Parkinson’s, which had 53.

The YMCA’s services also span youth development, food programming, financial assistance and scholarships, special events and more.

Community buy-in to the local YMCA organization continues to grow, with more than 11,100 membership units (spanning multi-person family memberships, senior and youth memberships) in 2025.

Notable Numbers – YMCA 2025 Annual Report

$629,529

Total financial assistance and support dispersed to the community

9,680

Total group exercise classes offered

163,355

Total meals and snacks provided through YMCA child and adult care food programs

1,780

Total campers at YMCA Camp Manitou

Learn more about the YMCA of the Chippewa Valley (including specific location info) online at www.ymca-cv.org.