Record Donations to the YMCA Enable New Programs, Big Impact

2017 Annual Report Underscores Y’s Role in Health, Wellness & Community Building

Record donations to the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis in 2017 enabled the nonprofit to introduce new programs, enhance others and expand its impact, contributing to better health and stronger communities throughout Central Indiana. The YMCA recently issued its Annual Report and appointed the following volunteer board members:

• Karen Amstutz, Chief Medical Officer, Magellan Health
• John Dietz, OrthoIndy
• Vicky Erwin, Investment Director Pension and Benefits, Eli Lilly & Co.
• Zach Gordon, Partner, Indianapolis, Taft Law
• Nikki Woodson Superintendent, MSD of Washington Township

2017 HIGHLIGHTS

• Began a new 5-year Strategic Plan with input from 500 community stakeholders.
• Raised a record $3.26 million in donations for the Annual Campaign, enabling the Y to provide 33,000 scholarships and sliding scale memberships.
• Launched YLovesVets.org and broke ground on the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA, which is set to open in December 2018.
• Remained Indy’s largest provider of Before & After School Care and Day Camps.
• Achieved record enrollment for summer overnight camp at Flat Rock River YMCA Camp.

A LEADER IN INCLUSION, HEALTH

Many of the Y’s new programs were designed for veterans, service men and women, people with diverse abilities and those with chronic health conditions. The Y also enhanced and grew its group fitness and training programs and added new equipment to maintain its position as a top fitness provider and leader in community health.

“The YMCA strives to be model of diversity and inclusion and is committed to being a force for positive change in Greater Indianapolis,” said President & CEO Eric Ellsworth.

TOP NEW PROGRAMS

• Kicked off Y Stars at the Jordan YMCA, bringing people with diverse abilities together once a month for physical activity and a healthy meal.
• A 20 percent membership subsidy and other new programs were introduced to veterans, military service members and their families.
• Piloted Moving for Better Balance, a program to reduce falls by at-risk adults.
• Launched the Inspire Indy 5K Series presented by Delta, featuring seven race/walks throughout the year.

 “We will continue to be a convener and deliver new and innovative programs that build up people and our communities,” said Ellsworth.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

A United Way agency, the YMCA expanded its reach and impact with support from many community partnerships and in 2017:

• Received grants totaling nearly $970,000 from more than 100 organizations that support Early Learning and After School programs, YMCA LIVESTRONG^® and Diabetes Prevention programs, water safety training, youth sports and programs for seniors and at-risk youth.
• Began four church partnerships to hold Sunday services at YMCAs.
• Partnered with Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana to offer adaptive sports clinics.

Approximately 3,000 employees lead 12 YMCA locations, a 240-acre overnight camp, and Youth Development and Intercollegiate service branches.

Media Contact: Christy Glesing, sr. director of public relations