community - EmBe

EmBe Aligns Resources to Expand Mission-Focused Impact; Aquatics Program to Conclude After 61 Years

Mikena VanLiere2026-07-15T16:55:05-05:00

EmBe Aligns Resources to Expand Mission-Focused Impact; Aquatics Program to Conclude After 61 Years After extensive evaluation and thoughtful planning, EmBe will conclude our Aquatics program and close our downtown pool, effective September 1, 2026. The decision reflects the organization's commitment to fiscal responsibility and to investing where it can create the greatest long-term impact for children, women, and families. For 61 years, the pool at EmBe Downtown—formerly the YWCA—has been a place where generations of community members learned life-saving water safety skills, built confidence, improved their health, competed, and created lifelong memories. That legacy will remain an important [...]

EmBe Aligns Resources to Expand Mission-Focused Impact; Aquatics Program to Conclude After 61 YearsMikena VanLiere2026-07-15T16:55:05-05:00

Culture Link + Swimming Lessons

Mikena VanLiere2024-10-21T12:39:32-05:00

Sponsored piece written by Jodi Schwan The scene that unfolded on a series of Sunday afternoons late this summer inside EmBe was nothing short of life-changing. From infants to their parents, and children of all ages, many stepped into a swimming pool for the first time in their lives. “A lot of Americans give children swimming lessons almost from the moment they’re born – but unfortunately in the African community, we might have five or six children in one household, so who are you going to give lessons to on a limited income,” said Gisma Ali, who recently became [...]

Culture Link + Swimming LessonsMikena VanLiere2024-10-21T12:39:32-05:00

Fast Five: Ways to Empower Women in Your Community

Mikena VanLiere2025-01-30T13:08:18-06:00

In 2018, women in South Dakota earned an average 82.7% of the typical weekly earnings made by their male counterparts, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Women represent half of the US population but more than half the opportunity for growth, according to the US Chamber of Commerce. Empowering women lifts the entire community. When women work, economies grow. Studies by USAID show that if an equal number of women as men participated in the global economy, the global GDP would increase by $12 trillion by 2025. Empowerment comes in all shapes and sizes. Even small actions can [...]

Fast Five: Ways to Empower Women in Your CommunityMikena VanLiere2025-01-30T13:08:18-06:00

EmBe Kids Enjoy Intergenerational Activities

Mikena VanLiere2019-01-17T15:51:04-06:00

Little voices and laughter echo through the halls at Trailridge, the Senior Living Community located down the street from EmBe South. Those “little voices” are preschoolers who have the opportunity to build relationship with older adults and participate in fun activities. Some of the past events include crafts, story time and bounce house fun for the children. In 2019, classes will participate in several activities with Trailridge including a Valentine’s Day craft, an Easter egg hunt and snowman building. The children are always excited to see the “grandmas and grandpas” and the residents of Trailridge have stated that they love [...]

EmBe Kids Enjoy Intergenerational ActivitiesMikena VanLiere2019-01-17T15:51:04-06:00