Special Programs

Fully accessible spaces provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to work towards fitness goals, build social relationships, and be a part of the community without the hindrance of physical barriers.

Service Without Boundaries

Service without Boundaries is a day program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages 21+. Program participants take part in a variety of activities both within the YMCA and out in the community. The group will volunteer at local non-profits in the Watertown community and surrounding communities and utilize community services for community based education opportunities. They will also spend time at the YMCA working on social skills, daily living skills, learning about a variety of topics, participating in fitness activities, and much more.

We have been offering this program in the Oconomowoc community for the past few years and are now looking to expand to our new Watertown location at the Collective – 672 Johnson St. Watertown WI. The program will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00-3:00 beginning in September 2023 with possibility of expansion to more days as the program grows.

This program is currently accepting registrations. If you are interested in receiving a registration packet please complete the interest form HERE

On that webpage scroll down to where it says available sessions, click the check box next to dates, and then hit the register selected button which will open up the form.

Our staff will be in touch shortly to answer any questions, and complete any intake forms necessary.

If you have questions or would like more information please contact Jodi Dabrowski, Glacial Community YMCA Special Programs Director at [email protected] or 262-468-0473

Fitness Friends

Fitness Friends is a program where teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn the benefits of exercise alongside their friends. Trained staff create and carry out programs to meet the strength, cardiovascular and flexibility needs of each participant. We have been offering this program at the current Watertown YMCA location for several years but will be moving the program to the Ehlinger Center at the Collective starting in September of 2023. The new location will provide increased opportunities for individuals with mobility limitations as this new location will be fully accessible to all participants. Participants will also get the chance to be trained in the use of the new E Gym equipment that will allow them an easier way to meet their fitness goals as all of their information will be stored on a wrist band that will allow the machines to customize themselves to each individual!

Fun Fridays

Fun Friday provides individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to come to the Y, or a designated community location and spend time with friends once a month on the 2nd Friday of each month. The group participates in a variety of activities together – everything from gym games and crafts, to bowling, to taking a trip to the county fair and lots in between. This monthly time together helps participants to make new friends, build communication skills and improve their social skills all while having a wonderful time with friends.

The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy, spirit, mind and body for all. One way that we emphasize that FOR ALL is by making sure that individuals with disabilities are welcome in our YMCA and that we are able to provide quality programming to meet their specific needs. The Ehlinger Center and the Collective are going to make that job even easier for us by providing a location that is truly accessible to everyone so that they are able to work towards their fitness goals, build social relationships and be a part of the community without the hindrance of physical barriers to the building.

Volunteer Opportunities

As our Service without Boundaries program gets off the ground we would welcome individuals who would like to volunteer the opportunity to come in and share their talents with us.

Are you an artist who would like to come teach us your craft? Do you have a cool hobby you want to share with the group? Play a sport that you would like to teach us? We would love to have you.

Have a passion for fitness? Our Fitness Friends participants would love a workout buddy to work alongside them.

Do you work with a non-profit or other agency that would have some volunteer opportunities for our Service without Boundaries group? This group would love to spend part of their day out in the community doing volunteer work – sorting items, packaging items, cleaning, organizing, mailings – if you have a need for volunteers our staff can find a way for our participants to help you out.

If you are interested in talking about volunteer opportunities please contact Jodi Dabrowski, Special Programs Director at [email protected] or 262-468-0473.