Our Vision

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.

YMCA Veteran/Military Membership

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.

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YMCA Hero Challenge- Women's History Month

Join us as we celebrate female heroes this March in our first YMCA Hero Challenge of 2023. All are invited to participate in the “Kerrie” workout as a way to honor female first responders and members of the military.

Kerrie Orozco was killed in the line of duty on May 20, 2015. A seven-year veteran of the Omaha Police Department, Orozco was killed just hours before she was set to start maternity leave. Her daughter Olivia Ruth was born prematurely on Feb. 17, 2015, and Orozco had put off maternity leave until she could bring her daughter home from the hospital. She exhibited a passion for community service that went beyond her police duties. She volunteered with the Special Olympics and was president of the Police Officers Ball to benefit Special Olympics Nebraska. She also coached baseball for the North Omaha Boys and Girls Club.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 at 8:30am

BENJAMIN HARRISON YMCA
HENDRICKS REGIONAL HEALTH YMCA
IRSAY FAMILY YMCA

LEARN MORE & REGISTER TODAY!

Creative Arts Seminars for Veterans

Express your creativity as you use new and familiar art materials through individual and collaborative artmaking specifically geared towards veterans and military members of your community and taught by art professionals. This grant funded program is available at no cost to all participants and is open to veterans and former military members and their families.

HENDRICKS REGIONAL HEALTH YMCA
301 Satori Pkwy, Avon, IN 46123
SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 9AM – 11PM

IRSAY FAMILY YMCA
430 S Alabama St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 9AM – 11PM

Please click HERE to let us know your interest. For questions, please email Eileen at emisluk@iupui.edu. Resources and instructors provided by IUPUI Herron School of Art + Design.

Overnight Veteran Camp

FELLOWSHIP AT FLAT ROCK

In collaboration with Veteran Health Indiana, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is excited to offer our first annual overnight veteran camp at the beautiful Flat Rock River YMCA. Veterans are invited to immerse themselves in a weekend of fellowship and outdoor activities from range sports to campfire cooking, all at no cost to all participants!

WHERE: FLAT ROCK RIVER YMCA
6981 W Co Rd 650 N,
St Paul, IN 47272
WHEN: September 8-10, 2023
WHO: ANY MILITARY VETERANS
COST: FREE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS

TO REGISTER
If interested, please email Jeff Chapman at jechapman@indymca.org. Spaces are limited.

YMCA Partners & Resources in Veteran Services

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.

How You Can Help

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.