YMCA Indy: 170 Years Strong, Inspiring Our Future
“The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis was founded in 1854 as a place to bring people together and serve the needs of the community. Over the past 170 years, we stayed true to our mission, and today, we proudly serve nearly 150,000 individuals in the Greater Indianapolis area and employ more than 2,400 full-time and part-time staff.
To honor our legacy and continue building toward the future, this Strategic Plan serves as the guide for our decision-making. Volunteers, key staff, and community leaders assisted in the development of this plan to ensure we remain relevant and continue impacting our community in ways that matter; in nurturing the potential of youth, supporting families, improving health and well-being, increasing access to education & career opportunities and giving back to our community.
The strategic priorities, objectives, and successes measured in our plan serve as the blueprint for how we will remain a center of community by inspiring and promoting emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being both now and in the future. We invite you to explore our plan and join us in our efforts to strengthen our community.”
-Gregg Hiland, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
VISION
A healthier, more equitable, more connected community
MISSION
To put Christian principles into practice through programsthat build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
We believe our community has both opportunities and challenges directly impacting health and quality of life, and that everyone deserves equitable opportunity for well-being. Therefore, the YMCA is committed to being a trusted community partner, uniquely positioned to provide hope and a pathway for people to thrive.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
What We Value
Our organization is anchored by a set of core values that inform every aspect of our operations and interactions. These Guiding Principles reflect our commitment to a brighter, more inclusive future.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
POSITIVELY IMPACT HEALTH OUTCOMES
The American Diabetes Association estimates that 12% of Indiana residents have some form of diabetes, and 34% of Hoosiers are pre-diabetic, or at risk for developing diabetes. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program is designed to give participants tools and encouragement to eat better, increase physical activity, and lose weight- all of which can delay or prevent the onset of diabetes.
“When I began the Y’s program, I was plagued by arthritis, rode a scooter at the stores, and used a handicapped placard. Now, I experience little arthritis and no longer need the scooter. Living in a 2-story home, I also go up and down the stairs quickly instead of painfully. And my blood glucose level? It’s back to normal!”
INCREASE ACCESS TO EDUCATION & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
After having her son, Kyauna struggled with the adjustment of being a new mom. She knew she needed to do something to provide herself and her son with a more stable income and consistent work schedule. Kyauna heard about the YMCA Project Connect program to become a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA). Not only was childcare provided, but Kyauna was able to meet others who shared similar life experiences and motives. The program also made Kyauna more marketable in the healthcare field. “Many doors have opened for me now with my CNA certificate, and I am able to set a consistent schedule for me and my son.”
SUPPORT FAMILIES & POSITION YOUTH FOR SUCCESS
When Kenosha first came to the Benjamin Harrison YMCA Preschool program, she had no family close by and was hoping for her daughter not only to learn, but develop meaningful relationships. “When your family is 147 miles away, building positive relationships is important.” Four years later, Kenosha now provides leadership to this program as a lead staff member with the YMCA.
Kenosha believes it is important that all families have access to quality and affordable preschool that allows teachers to interact with children in ways that promote communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.
EXPAND CHARITABLE SUPPORT
Generosity empowers the YMCA to fearlessly meet the ever-changing needs of our community. The Leech family has spent their lives investing in people. They found that one of the best ways to contribute to their community is by supporting the YMCA. “It was important to us to put our money where it would be used well,” Mrs. Leech shares. “I spent 40 years in education, and most of that was in inner-city schools. And I saw that kids really needed an outlet, and there weren’t enough. And so, it’s important to us to help provide a place where children can safely play and be accepted and grow. And so, the Y is a natural place for that.”