Our Story

Togetherness = Wellness

Wellness is a lifestyle. It’s a lifelong journey of improving our mind, body, spirit and community. Family Wellness combines the missions of Sanford Health and the YMCA of the Northern Sky to actualize a vision where health and healing connect with people, programs and facilities. True wellness consists of seven unique pillars that must move in tandem to achieve success. Family Wellness does its part to combine these elements in one place. Because when we commit to a life of wellness, we are able to unlock the potential within and inspire others to find their own inner strength. In short, togetherness is wellness. Our mission is to inspire healthy lifestyles by connecting people in a fun environment.

Sanford Health and the YMCA of the Northern Sky: A Partnership for Community

Sanford Health and the YMCA of the Northern Sky partnered to bring a wellness facility, like none other, to the Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo and area communities. Family Wellness combines the values of the region’s most recognized family fitness organization with the region’s largest health care system. Together, these organizations share the gift of wellness. Family Wellness offers the resources to inspire the best in each of us a place to share our experiences with others. When we share, a community mindset flourishes. It’s a cycle, a lifestyle and a better way of being.

A Place of Purpose

In 2009, Sanford Health and the YMCA of the Northern Sky began separately seeking new locations to help serve individuals living in Southwest Fargo and West Fargo. Both organizations realized a wellness facility void existed and saw an opportunity to provide a growing community with a place to purpose, to grow in health and wellness.

Soon, Sanford Health and the YMCA of the Northern Sky also realized that both were working to serve the same group of individuals. Rather than developing separate facilities, Sanford Health and the YMCA of the Northern Sky joined together. After the land was generously donated by local philanthropist, Ace Brandt, both organizations came together to create a place of purpose, a wellness facility like the community has never seen.

Foundation of Family

A joint effort between two of the largest organizations with a focus on family made sense. Both have a strong, unified foundation to help families in their backyard. What makes them great separately makes them better together.

Sanford Health is the largest healthcare system in the region. Its success comes from a firm philosophy in healthcare, not illness-care. That is, Sanford Health wishes to see its patients and community lead healthier lifestyles and avoid preventable health conditions. By becoming a part of Family Wellness, Sanford Health can offer members access to educated and experienced medical professionals, personal trainers and healthy eating coaches, whom understand each individual’s needs and aim to develop wellness plans specific to those needs.

The YMCA of the Northern Sky is the largest community fitness organization in the region. Known for stewardship and a focus on family, the YMCA’s reputation for local involvement and active fun permeates into Family Wellness. In essence, the YMCA will help make Family Wellness a community within the community, founded on values.