YMCA Seeks To Reach Out To Community In Difficult Economic Times

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Staff Report-

Coming out of one of the longest and most severe economic recessions since the Great Depression, people in the Midwest are cautiously optimistic that their community and the issues that matter most in their communities will improve.

However, according to the Y Community Snapshot - a national survey conducted by the Y to better understand how Americans feel about their communities today - the majority of Midwesterners (73 percent) say the current quality of their community is worse than it was a year ago.

Among the chronic issues people in the Midwest are worried about in their communities: crime and violence (62 percent); access to quality healthcare (46 percent); poverty (45 percent); and negative youth behaviors (39 percent).

But with concern comes a feeling of obligation, and people across the country are looking for ways to make positive personal and social change.

People in the Midwest ranked themselves, along with family and other community members, as having the biggest obligation (32 percent) and greatest opportunity (28 percent) to effect change in their community - even more so than federal, state or local governments.

A full 72 percent reported having contributed goods or services in the last year and nearly two-thirds (63 percent) have donated money to a worthy organization.

People in the Midwest want more ways to contribute to their communities - so they can play a role in making change.

They are turning to organizations like the Kosciusko Community YMCA, a nonprofit committed to strengthening communities, by giving people the opportunity to give back and support their neighbors - through nurturing the potential of kids, improving the nation's health and getting involved in community strengthening efforts.

For example, locally, 20 people recently donated blood to the American Red Cross at a blood drive at the Kosciusko Community YMCA Nov. 13.

Kosciusko Community YMCA members and staff supplied 31 Thanksgiving meals in boxes or baskets for those community members in need to take home and share with their families.

Those who pitched in included a gift card for a turkey, an encouraging note for the family, recipes of favorite meals, games for the families with young children and all the non-perishable food items that go with a Thanksgiving dinner.

Coming up, the Kosciusko Community YMCA will be partnering with Combined Community Services to provide members and the community an opportunity to supply gifts for those in need this Christmas.

The Y has adopted six families. The wish lists for these six families will be divided up so that participants can buy one or more gifts which will go directly to the 16 children of these families. Gift requests were available on a Christmas tree in the Y's lobby Nov. 26.

YMCAs across the country offer a variety of opportunities to volunteer, give back and take an active role in making personal and lasting change.[[In-content Ad]]The Y encourages people to get involved at the Kosciusko Community YMCA. For more information, visit online at HUwww.kcymca.orgUH or call 574-269-9622.

Contact Chad Zaucha, CEO of the Kosciusko Community YMCA, to learn more about the survey.

The Kosciusko Community YMCA has provided $100,207.66 in financial assistance so far this year.

Coming out of one of the longest and most severe economic recessions since the Great Depression, people in the Midwest are cautiously optimistic that their community and the issues that matter most in their communities will improve.

However, according to the Y Community Snapshot - a national survey conducted by the Y to better understand how Americans feel about their communities today - the majority of Midwesterners (73 percent) say the current quality of their community is worse than it was a year ago.

Among the chronic issues people in the Midwest are worried about in their communities: crime and violence (62 percent); access to quality healthcare (46 percent); poverty (45 percent); and negative youth behaviors (39 percent).

But with concern comes a feeling of obligation, and people across the country are looking for ways to make positive personal and social change.

People in the Midwest ranked themselves, along with family and other community members, as having the biggest obligation (32 percent) and greatest opportunity (28 percent) to effect change in their community - even more so than federal, state or local governments.

A full 72 percent reported having contributed goods or services in the last year and nearly two-thirds (63 percent) have donated money to a worthy organization.

People in the Midwest want more ways to contribute to their communities - so they can play a role in making change.

They are turning to organizations like the Kosciusko Community YMCA, a nonprofit committed to strengthening communities, by giving people the opportunity to give back and support their neighbors - through nurturing the potential of kids, improving the nation's health and getting involved in community strengthening efforts.

For example, locally, 20 people recently donated blood to the American Red Cross at a blood drive at the Kosciusko Community YMCA Nov. 13.

Kosciusko Community YMCA members and staff supplied 31 Thanksgiving meals in boxes or baskets for those community members in need to take home and share with their families.

Those who pitched in included a gift card for a turkey, an encouraging note for the family, recipes of favorite meals, games for the families with young children and all the non-perishable food items that go with a Thanksgiving dinner.

Coming up, the Kosciusko Community YMCA will be partnering with Combined Community Services to provide members and the community an opportunity to supply gifts for those in need this Christmas.

The Y has adopted six families. The wish lists for these six families will be divided up so that participants can buy one or more gifts which will go directly to the 16 children of these families. Gift requests were available on a Christmas tree in the Y's lobby Nov. 26.

YMCAs across the country offer a variety of opportunities to volunteer, give back and take an active role in making personal and lasting change.[[In-content Ad]]The Y encourages people to get involved at the Kosciusko Community YMCA. For more information, visit online at HUwww.kcymca.orgUH or call 574-269-9622.

Contact Chad Zaucha, CEO of the Kosciusko Community YMCA, to learn more about the survey.

The Kosciusko Community YMCA has provided $100,207.66 in financial assistance so far this year.

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Public Occurrences 05.13.25
County Jail Bookings The following people were arrested and booked into the Kosciusko County Jail:

Triton School Board Hears About New Graduation Requirements
BOURBON – Triton School Board heard Monday about the high school diploma requirements.

Warsaw Schools Offers Educational Services To Kids Before Kindergarten
Before they even get to kindergarten, Warsaw Community Schools is helping to educate local children.

Traffic Visibility Concerns Expressed At Sidney Town Council Meeting
SIDNEY — The town council in Sidney had a discussion with Sidney business owners about visibility problems due to parking at the intersection of Center Street and Ind. 13.

Pierceton Council Supports Variance Request For LexLil Contracting
PIERCETON – The Pierceton Town Council voiced their support for a variance request regarding fencing at a local business during its Monday council meeting. Chris Staley, one of LexLil Contracting's owners, said Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission Director Matt Sandy wants him to have fencing around the entirety of his business. If approved, the variance would permit LexLil Contracting to have 100% outside unscreened storage and display.