Scholarships and Assistance

We don't turn anyone away if they have difficulty paying.  We find a way to make it work, where everyone shares in responsibility.

The YMCA of Northern Michigan strives to provide memberships and programs for all, regardless of family income. Scholarships are available for memberships and/or programs. Contact us at (231)348-8393 for more information.



One family's story

Wonderful things happen when the YMCA makes sure that everyone can participate.  Just ask Pat and Anne Ingalls, who both have part-time seasonal jobs.  They’ve appreciated the chance for their family to take part in martial arts, regardless of income. 

Pat, the oldest member of the program, recently earned his brown belt in Shotokan Karate.  Crissy, who is twelve, took her purple belt.  And Daniel, who is 17, attained the level of black belt.

“The whole family is active, including Anne, who volunteers,” says Traci Baxendale, their instructor.  “They’re all helpful in teaching younger students.  Daniel is becoming a young leader in the sport.”  Daniel is her first “first dan” (that is, initial-level black belt) at the YMCA.

The Ingalls family has been part of the Y of Northern Michigan from its earliest days.  Crissy has attended Day Camp; Daniel was in Y Teens, a mentoring program.  They’ve also come to family events.  Starting in 2005, they took Tae Kwan Do from Jeff Wattin.  “And now he’s our pastor!” laughs Anne. 

“The scholarship program has just been wonderful for our family,” says Anne, who signed them up for a scholarship and put it under the tree at Christmas. 

Her family has enjoyed the traditional nature of Shotokan Karate.  “I’ve found an inner calmness,” Daniel says.  “There are situations where I can use that.  And I like the exercise.  I can kick above my head.”

To earn his black belt, he had to pass a grueling test of stamina and technical competence in kicks, punches, blocks, weapons sparring, and kumite (hand sparring).  Traci plans to enter him in tournaments.  He wants to attain higher degrees and become an instructor.  Many younger students look up to him.

Pat will be a candidate for black belt by the end of the year, along with two young ladies in the class.  Daniel expects to see Crissy get there, too.  “It’s been really enjoyable to do this together,” he says.  “I’m a really independent person, but it’s drawn us closer together.”

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