The Clinton County Family YMCA, located off of Maish Road in Frankfort, is excited to celebrate 30 years of existence in Clinton County. While that is an exciting accomplishment and there is much to be thankful for, there is also a long list of items that new CEO Emilee Norris is looking forward to achieving in the future.
“The Y participates in a variety of community initiatives that many people do not realize originate within our four walls,” Emilee shared as she discussed the onset of the campaign. “We have said yes to being the organizer for many things that benefit our local community for many years and are not doing a good job of telling our story. We want you all to know what we have been up to and how you can continue to make sure these missions continue.”
Many within the community view the Y as a place to work out, or mainly a daycare facility. While they do care for over 50 children daily within their early learning program, Learning Ladder, and boast membership of over 2000 members locally that work out in the facility throughout the year, there is much more available at the Y and through the Y that rarely gets discussed. First and foremost, the Y oversees and organizes the feeding of children throughout the county, having served 65,000 meals through their Food Program. During the summer, this consists of stopping at multiple locations throughout the county to allow children to pick up meals without registration or explanation. During the school year, this takes place at 9 locations throughout the city. In addition, this program feeds the Learning Ladder children each day, as well as the 30 or more children a part of the School-Age Childcare program. Children in kindergarten through 6th grade are cared for in the mornings starting at 5:45 and after school until 6:00 PM daily, getting breakfast, snacks, free play, and homework assistance through the program.
The Y also boasts a variety of fitness classes that are readily available to its members through their network of fitness instructors that are proud employees of the Y, ensuring that their passion for health and fitness is evident in the relationships they have formed with members. A robust program for Seniors called the Y Sparklers allows them to go on trips together and enjoy monthly BINGO in the gymnasium. Youth Sports creates opportunities for hundreds of children annually to participate in soccer, t-ball, and basketball as they learn valuable life skills. For those that are looking for another approach to their fitness journey, there are programs available throughout the year, like the Diabetes Prevention Program that will begin at the end of August.
“Even I didn’t know how much the Y provided to the community when I joined the board,” mentioned board president, Pat Day. “I am so proud of what this organization does day in and day out, but I also know there is a lot of work to be done to be able to continue this magnitude of services.”
After 2020’s difficulties from the pandemic and a multitude of needed maintenance expenses and renovations, the Y is in a difficult position financially and facing a mounting list of needs that a 30-year-old building requires. $140,000 was spent in 2020 on pool mechanics and the “guts” of maintaining the chemicals and temperature, while $60,000 was invested in a new HVAC system that continues to have issues even after installation. Maintaining the multitude of programs provided by the Y means payroll costs are high, and membership continues to drop due to other options available in the community or people maintaining at-home fitness routines.
Emilee and Pat both shared the sentiment: “What we need people to know is that without the Y, many of these programs may cease to exist. We have so many plans and ideas, but right now, we need to find a way to get there. We are so thankful for the many donors and volunteers that have stepped up to provide help in the way of money, time, and efforts, as well as partners that continue to provide us with grant funding and resourcing, but we are nearing the day when it may not be enough.”
To give to the YMCA’s annual campaign, you can go to CCFYMCA.net/give, drop off a check or money in person at the Y 5 days a week, or you can contact Emilee Norris, CEO, Pat Day, Board President, or Krista Stillwell, Board Vice President, to discuss larger donations. Y Board Members will be reaching out to community leaders and organizations seeking partnerships for the future, and have a variety of opportunities for unique ways to activate these donations into naming rights throughout the building, Youth Sports sponsorships, and other community-minded activities.
The campaign will continue through August 31, 2021 and the goal is $300,000. Please consider giving today!
The Clinton County Family YMCA has been a landmark in Frankfort, IN for many years. As a staple in the local community for childcare, fitness, and food provision amongst other programs, the Y is the home to many classes, volunteers, and staff members who are passionate about making their community a better place. Learn more about how you can volunteer or take on a healthier lifestyle by visiting ccfymca.net or stopping in during our business hours of 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM Monday – Friday, 5:00 AM – 6:30 PM on Saturday, and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Sunday.