YMCA Experiences Growth, Considering Further Expanson
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
Been to the YMCA lately?
If not, you may know others who have, because at the end of February, YMCA membership reached 8,006.
That is, according to executive director Tom Garland, an "all-time high in membership, so it's been a hopping place."
Asked why there's been so much growth, he said the YMCA offers more and growing programs with a great program staff. Facilities and equipment are upgraded as much as they can be. Much of the membership increase has been because more families are joining the association and the YMCA tries to be as family-oriented as possible.
Because of the rapid growth, Garland said, the YMCA is working with the fairgrounds on a parking lot. "That's our biggest need," he said. If the new parking lot becomes a reality, the next step, he said, will be to look at the possibility of facilities expansion. It is all part of the YMCA board working on the long-term plans for the organization's growth.
Another way the YMCA is serving more members is with its planned satellite site. By fall, a site tentatively will be in North Webster at the community center.
"We're excited about that," Garland said. A satellite site in North Webster is part of the Y's long-term goal to be a part of the whole county, not just Warsaw. The YMCA is for the entire county, he said.
Programs are an important part of any successful growing program and Garland said they have plenty of those.
A new exercise program for the area is the indoor group cycling program.
There's the climbing wall that was built in August and now has 160 registered climbers. Groups often reserve the wall, Garland said, and "it's a neat thing to see that wall. That wall is huge." The wall was paid for through grants and donations.
The indoor soccer program reaches children age 3 through second grade and has approximately 180 children in it. Of those, approximately 109 are 3 to 9 years old. Garland said that age bracket is an age group the YMCA is looking to concentrate on because there are many young families in the county.
"We don't stress the competition," said Garland. "We stress the fun, fundamentals and family."
The swim lessons program has seen a lot of growth as has the gymnastics program. Garland said more than 200 children participate in the gymnastics program from age 3 to adult. The program had just 70 participants two years ago. He attributed part of the growth to coach Amanda Campbell, who has "brought a lot of enthusiasm" to the program.
Nancy Boston is in charge of the YMCA's aquatics program, which includes everyone from 18 months to high school students and adults. Even as the program grows, Garland said, Boston has the program very organized.
"The kids just have a great time. Her instructors are well trained."
The Y is not just about the body. It's also about the mind and spirit, too, Garland said.
Families of members of the National Guard who have been called up are being given six months of free membership as part of a national YMCA program. The national YMCA is supportive of the armed services. "They've been that way for many years," he said.
Recently, the YMCA began a Spanish job prep course in cooperation with Workforce Development and Sus Amigos. The objective of the course is to help the Hispanic community of Kosciusko County know where to look for employment and how to interview and write a resume. Gamal Hernandez, a YMCA member, volunteers with that program.
"We just want to reach out and help the people," Garland said. "Our Hispanic community is growing."
Preparations for the YMCA's day camp are being made. Last year, the camp had 75 kids per week and is held in collaboration with the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department. The Y also offers child care programs before and after school at six Warsaw elementary sites.
"I just hate to see a 6-year-old left home alone," said Garland.
The YMCA has been able to grow in membership, programs and size because of great community support, Garland said. If the YMCA is to expand facilities in the future, he said, that community support will be needed.
Costs for membership and programs at the YMCA also have been kept down in part, Garland said, to the support from United Way.
Even with the great support and increasing membership, Garland said, "I think we're the best kept secret in Kosciusko County. ... I want to get the word of the Y out because I don't think people really know what we do at the Y."
For more information, call Garland at 269-9622 or visit online at kcymca.org [[In-content Ad]]
Been to the YMCA lately?
If not, you may know others who have, because at the end of February, YMCA membership reached 8,006.
That is, according to executive director Tom Garland, an "all-time high in membership, so it's been a hopping place."
Asked why there's been so much growth, he said the YMCA offers more and growing programs with a great program staff. Facilities and equipment are upgraded as much as they can be. Much of the membership increase has been because more families are joining the association and the YMCA tries to be as family-oriented as possible.
Because of the rapid growth, Garland said, the YMCA is working with the fairgrounds on a parking lot. "That's our biggest need," he said. If the new parking lot becomes a reality, the next step, he said, will be to look at the possibility of facilities expansion. It is all part of the YMCA board working on the long-term plans for the organization's growth.
Another way the YMCA is serving more members is with its planned satellite site. By fall, a site tentatively will be in North Webster at the community center.
"We're excited about that," Garland said. A satellite site in North Webster is part of the Y's long-term goal to be a part of the whole county, not just Warsaw. The YMCA is for the entire county, he said.
Programs are an important part of any successful growing program and Garland said they have plenty of those.
A new exercise program for the area is the indoor group cycling program.
There's the climbing wall that was built in August and now has 160 registered climbers. Groups often reserve the wall, Garland said, and "it's a neat thing to see that wall. That wall is huge." The wall was paid for through grants and donations.
The indoor soccer program reaches children age 3 through second grade and has approximately 180 children in it. Of those, approximately 109 are 3 to 9 years old. Garland said that age bracket is an age group the YMCA is looking to concentrate on because there are many young families in the county.
"We don't stress the competition," said Garland. "We stress the fun, fundamentals and family."
The swim lessons program has seen a lot of growth as has the gymnastics program. Garland said more than 200 children participate in the gymnastics program from age 3 to adult. The program had just 70 participants two years ago. He attributed part of the growth to coach Amanda Campbell, who has "brought a lot of enthusiasm" to the program.
Nancy Boston is in charge of the YMCA's aquatics program, which includes everyone from 18 months to high school students and adults. Even as the program grows, Garland said, Boston has the program very organized.
"The kids just have a great time. Her instructors are well trained."
The Y is not just about the body. It's also about the mind and spirit, too, Garland said.
Families of members of the National Guard who have been called up are being given six months of free membership as part of a national YMCA program. The national YMCA is supportive of the armed services. "They've been that way for many years," he said.
Recently, the YMCA began a Spanish job prep course in cooperation with Workforce Development and Sus Amigos. The objective of the course is to help the Hispanic community of Kosciusko County know where to look for employment and how to interview and write a resume. Gamal Hernandez, a YMCA member, volunteers with that program.
"We just want to reach out and help the people," Garland said. "Our Hispanic community is growing."
Preparations for the YMCA's day camp are being made. Last year, the camp had 75 kids per week and is held in collaboration with the Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department. The Y also offers child care programs before and after school at six Warsaw elementary sites.
"I just hate to see a 6-year-old left home alone," said Garland.
The YMCA has been able to grow in membership, programs and size because of great community support, Garland said. If the YMCA is to expand facilities in the future, he said, that community support will be needed.
Costs for membership and programs at the YMCA also have been kept down in part, Garland said, to the support from United Way.
Even with the great support and increasing membership, Garland said, "I think we're the best kept secret in Kosciusko County. ... I want to get the word of the Y out because I don't think people really know what we do at the Y."
For more information, call Garland at 269-9622 or visit online at kcymca.org [[In-content Ad]]