FIFTYNORTH & NORTHFIELD YMCA: We’ll be better together By MARLAIS BRAND and TYLER POWELL Northfield News Guest Contributors Sep 2, 2026
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or nearly two years, FiftyNorth and the Northfield Area Family YMCA have explored bringing our two organizations together. As this work has progressed, our confidence in the potential of a combined organization has grown. Today, we believe coming together can strengthen our missions, expand our offerings and deepen our collective impact in greater Northfield. Both organizations bring considerable strengths to the table for Northfield. FiftyNorth has built a vibrant community where people north of 50 connect, grow and thrive through fitness and extensive community programs and events. The Y serves thousands of children, families, adults and older adults through membership, programs, partnerships and opportunities to belong. We share a commitment to helping people live healthier, more connected lives while bringing diverse strengths, experiences and traditions to this work.
Tyler Powell
FiftyNorth brings five decades of expertise in serving older adults through engaged community, valued programs and deep relationships. The Y brings broad community reach, connection across generations and reliable capacity across facilities, programs and operations. While the Northfield Y is locally governed and deeply rooted in our community, it also benefits from the resources, expertise and shared learning of a nationwide network of Ys. We believe sharing our strengths will benefit our organizations, our members and our community.
Marlais Brand
FiftyNorth’s identity and commitment to serving older adults would remain an important part of a combined organization. At the same time, coming together would strengthen the Y as an intergenerational organization, and create new opportunities for people to remain connected, active and engaged throughout every stage of life. A decision of this significance naturally brings up important questions. Over the past two years, we have carefully considered mission, programs, people, finances, facilities and — most importantly — the people who count on our organizations every day. We believe that bringing our organizations together is the right path forward. Instead of diminishing either organization, we believe partnership will strengthen and enhance our missions and services, and allow us to innovate and grow wellbeing for greater Northfield. We believe FiftyNorth and the Northfield YMCA will be better together.
Marlais Brand is the executive director of FiftyNorth. Tyler Powell is the president and CEO of Northfield Area Family YMCA.