EmBe

Over the past 100 years, EmBe has played an essential role in our community by empowering women and families to enrich their lives.

EmBe’s beginnings are rooted in meetings in 1921 that formed the YWCA in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Founded on the heels of the 19th amendment, EmBe has been at the forefront of empowerment issues since women were granted the right to vote. Today we are the largest and oldest women's organization in our region, serving over 12,500 individuals and their families each year. 

 The 4 Pillars

EmBe Childcare
Our childcare programs facilitate each child’s social, physical & intellectual development, setting them up for lifelong success. EmBe’s childcare centers offer a safe space for your children to grow. From 4 weeks - 12 years of age we offer children a variety of learning methods and programs such as Preschool, KinderCollege, Spanish Immersion and School Age Care.

EmBe Youth
EmBe creates confident leaders by building on strengths and deepening skills. Through our many youth programs – Girls on the Run, FIRST® LEGO® League, Volleyball, Taekwondo, and the new Rise 2 Raise Collective – we empower kids of all ages to be their best selves. 

EmBe Women
Supporting the success of women in our community is at the heart of EmBe’s mission. Our programs and services empower each woman on her journey, especially at pivotal moments and milestones. If you’re re-entering the workforce, looking to support your leadership abilities, or connect to your community by giving back–it all starts here. Partnering with Dress for Success Sioux Falls brings additional opportunities to support women in their journey to achieve financial independence and to help women thrive in work and life.

EmBe Aquatics
The EmBe pool has been a staple in the community since 1965. From the first lesson to triathlon training, we teach our swimmers to feel safe and confident in their swimming ability. EmBe leads the Sioux Falls aquatics community with its expert instruction, guidance, and training of the best aquatics instructors in the region.

In our second century of empowerment, the gap between community needs and access continues to be a barrier. From childcare to workforce retention, EmBe is resolving chronic barriers to community development. In these 100 years, the organization has become a staple in the Sioux Falls community. As important as it is to look back and reflect on where we have come from, this is a celebration of the next 100 years and the impact on our community!