Did you know when you buy the “Support Our Troops” (SOT) License Plate, you are helping Minnesota Veterans and their families?

The Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs (MDVA) distributes funds raised by the sale of SOT license plates to numerous organizations that support Minnesota Veterans and their families. Learn more about the SOT grant program on our website.

YMCA of the North (ymcanorth.org) was awarded a $82,755 SOT grant to expand their Veterans Rendezvous program from their Forest Lake, MN location to additional locations throughout the Twin Cities. The Veterans Rendezvous program provides Veterans with outreach and engagement in the form of group activities, access to community resources and other support to build community connections.

About YMCA of the North (Formerly known as YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities)

The Y’s vision is to serve the community until all can thrive in each stage of life. The Y is committed to “inclusivity” among its staff who in turn strive to nurture the potential of each program participant, promoting health and wellness, and encouraging social responsibility. Their 24 YMCA branches, seven overnight camps, 10 day-camps, and +90 childcare locations annually engage nearly a quarter million men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds.

The Veteran Rendezvous Program

The SOT Grant enabled the Veteran Rendezvous staff to serve 130 Veterans and their families in numerous programs and activities. The Veterans’ children attended summer camps and Veterans and their families attended Family Camp, both designed to keep participants physically and mentally healthy, active, engaged and connected. The Veteran Rendezvous also sponsored many additional community activities including a Veterans Potluck Night, Veterans Networking Lunch, Women’s Conference, Vietnam Veteran Event, Month of the Military Child Event, Brain Injury Art Night, and VA Mental Health Night, to name a just few.

Veteran Testimonial “Great time at Northern Lights!

My son Jace and I had a blast and he want to attend future camps. I am glad and thankful the YMCA is interested in supporting Veterans and their families. I will reach out to fellow vets and pass the word about your program with the YMCA. Thank you again!”

For more information about purchasing a SOT license plate, visit our website.