EmBe is a growing, active community partner offering quality and affordable programs, services and opportunities. EmBe has a history rich in being the first to respond to the needs of area women. In its early years as the YWCA, it was a place for girls and women to gather and learn, a place for young women to live, a place to find safety and shelter from violence, a place to provide childcare and early education for children, a place for women and children to grow and be healthy through fitness and aquatics, and a place to develop leadership skills and find friendships. Over the years, many programs and services from which the community still benefits, were developed.
Empowering women and families to enrich lives.
The lives of women and families are better.
In April 2013, the organization changed its name from the YWCA to EmBe. This change came after long, thoughtful consideration. Now as a local organization, EmBe is positioned to serve the community and offer local decisions to local needs for years into the future.
Through these programs, EmBe strives every day to achieve a place of empowerment where women succeed, where children and youth strive, where there's respect for diversity and where contributions are made towards the development of a community that is vibrant and healthy.
The Board of Directors governs EmBe providing leadership and vision to our organization. The board of directors consists of influential women and men of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds ranging from human resources and law to finance and communications.
The EmBe Board of Directors and committee members are the connection between the community and our mission. They provide guidance and governance, often offering unique skill sets and support to our staff. If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to contact Karen Lundquist or complete the nomination form. We are actively accepting nominations now, but are always interested in having a conversation about being part of how EmBe serves the region.
EmBe Fitness and Aquatics – State-of-the-art fitness space puts the focus on playing together. EmBe has expanded the focus of building healthy habits. In December of 2013, EmBe partnered with GreatLIFE. Through the partnership, EmBe's multiphase renovation began with an expanded space for fitness and new Precor equipment and a whole new interior look that reflects the energy of its members. This new venture is a fusion of family golf, fitness and recreation that offers an unprecedented value and an opportunity to get together, have fun and get fit – all at a family-friendly price.
Girls on the Run/Girls on Track: we educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.
Thank you to the community of Sioux Falls who help support EmBe through their United Way gift.
In December of 2006, the EmBe partnered with Avera McKennan via a naming gift and became EmBe Avera.
With a shared vision, this partnership provides great opportunity in program development and marketing strategy between the two organizations to truly impact the community.