From the Duluth Area Family YMCA and the Superior Douglas County Family YMCA - November 4, 2025

The Duluth Area Family YMCA and the Superior Douglas County Family YMCA, including the Cook County YMCA, are offering free membership to furloughed federal employees during the month of November.

The Duluth and Superior YMCAs know that the government shutdown is affecting members of our community, and want to ensure that the Y is stepping up as a partner to federal workers and their families during this stressful time.

The Y is committed to serving all members of our communities and stands with federal employees and their families during what may be a difficult time for many. To help alleviate the stress that may come from struggling to meet basic needs while not receiving a paycheck, the YMCA would like to offer support to federal workers impacted by the government shutdown in two ways. 

Current YMCA members impacted by the shutdown can come to the Downtown Duluth Branch, the YMCA at the Essentia Wellness Center in Hermantown, the Cook County Community YMCA in Grand Marais, or the Superior YMCA to have their membership fees waived for the month of November. Impacted workers who are not currently members of the YMCA are also welcome to come to any branches of the Duluth and Superior Ys to sign up for a free family membership for the month of November with documentation of their furlough status.

Acceptable forms of documentation include an official furlough notice, a recent pay stub showing $0 pay, an email from their employer, or a valid federal employee ID, according to YMCA officials.

“We understand that federal employees and their families may be facing difficult decisions in the coming weeks, and we want to make sure that these families do not have to sacrifice wellness,” said Sara Cole, President & CEO of the Duluth Area Family YMCA and the Superior Douglas County Family YMCA. “The YMCA is a place where all people can meet their goals, make new friends, and experience the true power of community. We are proud to stand together with our community to face challenges and look ahead to a brighter future.”

ABOUT THE YMCA
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth
development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22
million men, women, and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the
potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide
opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities,
the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to
deliver, lasting personal and social change.