Veteran & Military Services
Providing Programs and Services for Military Members and Families
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is proud to serve and offer programming for the over 120,000 veterans and military service members in Central Indiana. Our vision is to be a leader of veteran wellness and provide opportunities for veterans and military service members to connect and engage with each other and their communities. Additionally, our easily accessible facilities at the YMCA serve as a safe place for veterans and military service members to feel welcome and part of a larger community.
Through community based partnerships and programs, the YMCA works hard to provide services that meet the needs and interests of all veterans and military service members. The OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA, which opened in 2018, is the first YMCA in the country to feature a VA Health Clinic inside the facility, providing veterans with access to crucial physical and mental health resources. Additionally, in 2021, the Benjamin Harrison YMCA was able to offer 30 free memberships to local veterans experiencing homelessness due to a generous donation from Old National Bank.
Read on to learn more about programs and services available to veterans and military service members in Central Indiana.
- All YMCA of Greater Indianapolis locations offer a 20% subsidy off regular Association-wide membership rates for veterans, military service members and their families who do not otherwise qualify for a Y membership through DOD Military Outreach Initiative / Title 10 (outlined below). For this 20% subsidy, proof of service is required, and therefore military memberships cannot be completed online. Please stop by or contact your local YMCA so we may assist you with your membership. (Please note: This subsidy is not available on already subsidized single location rates.)
- Title 10 Personnel: In partnership with the Armed Services YMCA and the Department of Defense, the Y is proud to offer memberships and respite child care services to eligible military families and personnel to give them extra support during this difficult period. It’s our way of giving back to those who dedicate themselves to serving our country.
The YMCA offers four Hero Challenges a year as a way to honor military members and first responders. Each Hero Challenge is more than a test of physical ability. It bridges the gap between the body and the mind, emotion and experience, and gives us the chance to do more than just remember our soldiers. It gives us the chance to sweat, suffer and grieve for our fallen heroes one rep at a time. All Hero Challenges can be modified for all ages and abilities.
We invite everyone to join in each Hero Challenge- it’s not about what you can’t do, it’s about what you can.
- MARCH- Women’s History Month: featuring the “Kerrie” Hero Workout
- MAY- Memorial Day: featuring the “Murph” Hero Workout, along with multiple additional Hero Workout options
- JULY- 4th of July: Hero Workout
- NOVEMBER- Veterans Day: featuring the “Chad” Hero Workout
Operation Fit Vet is a FREE Group Exercise, Nutrition, and Health Sessions for Veterans Only, led by YMCA Staff who are also Veterans
*OPEN TO ALL VETERANS* | Y Membership Is Not Required
Held at:
* Benjamin Harrison YMCA
* Fishers YMCA
* Hendricks Regional Health YMCA
1x/wk sessions include weigh-ins and participating in a baseline workout.
FREE FOR VETERANS made possible by a generous grant from Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs
FELLOWSHIP AT FLAT ROCK
In collaboration with Veteran Health Indiana, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is excited to offer our annual overnight veteran camp at the beautiful Flat Rock River YMCA Camp. Veterans are invited to immerse themselves in a weekend of fellowship and outdoor activities from range sports to campfire cooking and more, all at no cost to all participants!
4th Annual Veteran Camp: 2025 dates TBA
Held at the FLAT ROCK RIVER YMCA
6981 W Co Rd 650 N, St Paul, IN 47272
OPEN TO ANY MILITARY VETERANS
FREE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS
SPACES ARE LIMITED
To register or learn more, please email Jeff Chapman at jechapman@indymca.org.
Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana: https://www.rhin.com/
Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI) is an acute care rehabilitation hospital for inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. RHI specializes in brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, and comprehensive medical rehabilitation for injuries or illnesses resulting in loss of function. RHI is a community collaboration between Indiana University Health and St. Vincent.
Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.in.gov/dva/
The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) has remained focused on aiding and assisting Hoosier veterans and qualified family members or survivors, who are eligible for benefits or advantages provided by Indiana and the U.S. government.
Veteran Health Indiana: https://www.indianapolis.va.gov/
Indianapolis VA Medical Center provides acute inpatient medical, surgical, psychiatric, neurological, and rehabilitation care, as well as both primary and specialized outpatient services.
Operation Job Ready Vets: https://www.ojrv.org/
Operation: Job Ready Veterans™ (OJRV) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing veterans, service members, and military families for successful employment. We make a personal connection with veterans of all eras and ability levels, by assisting with transition, job readiness, and career placement. Our goal is that all clients achieve their employment and career goals.
Roudebush VA: https://www.indianapolis.va.gov/
Indianapolis VA Medical Center provides acute inpatient medical, surgical, psychiatric, neurological, and rehabilitation care, as well as both primary and specialized outpatient services.
Every one of us can pitch in to keep veterans and their families strong. Our efforts at the YMCA blend the best community programs with specialized services for veterans and active military. Your financial support allows us to serve more and deepens our impact on the military community.
Make a Gift. Support a Veteran.
