On March 16, 2017, the Portage Township YMCA hosted their Annual Meeting to kick off this year’s Annual Scholarship Campaign. Several community leaders, board members, and volunteers were in attendance. Amber Alexander, Chief Executive Officer of the Portage Township YMCA, began the meeting with the YMCA’s purpose and mission. The YMCA, also known as Young Men’s Christian Association, is much more than a gym; it is a non-profit dedicated to changing lives. The Portage Township YMCA opened in 1969 as a branch of the Porter County YMCA. On August 4, 1977, they were incorporated and became their own independent branch. They will be celebrating their 40-year anniversary this summer.
In partnership with the City of Lake Station, the Y developed a before school care program as well as Adventure Summer Day Camp at Riverview Park where campers learn how to fish, canoe, shoot a bow & arrow and swim daily. Partnering with the City of Portage a join initiative, Portage on the Move was established and brought a free monthly 5K as well as a free group exercise classes to Frank Gilbert Memorial Park. Teaming up with Miller’s Senior Living Community offered fun exercise classes for their residents at their facility.
The YMCA also faced some major struggles in 2016 that brought about the opportunity to implement new programs & new technology. These growth opportunities allowed the Portage Y to evaluate several key areas of their services, realign to facilitate growth, and provide greater services to area children. While these growth opportunities were necessary, reduced revenue from membership and child care put a heavy financial strain on operations. Wrapping up 2016 and thanks to a very generous individual donor, the Y broke even financially.
Starting the new year off right, the Portage YMCA has strengthened their board of directors and is currently working on a three-year strategic plan, as well as planning future fundraisers that are needed to support the Y in its mission to transform lives. On March 4th, the Portage Y held their bi-annual all staff meeting. Most of their staff make minimum wage, however, the passion and dedication that the employees have for the mission of the Y is incredible. Alexander stated that the staff members collectively donated $4,000 to launch the Annual Scholarship Campaign, which validates the employees solid interest and commitment to the success of the Y while playing a key role in transforming lives and strengthening our community. A Community Needs Assessment Survey concluded in late March. This provided the opportunity for community members to raise awareness of the needs in the Y’s service areas.
Coming in 2017 is the implementation of Promise Indiana. In partnership with the Valparaiso and Duneland Ys, along with the Porter County Community Foundation, Porter County School Corporations, and several sponsoring corporate businesses, they plan to mirror a program started by the Wabash YMCA. This program will donate $25 to qualifying students and assist them in starting a CollegeChoice 529 Direct Savings Plan. As stated by Alexander, “statistics show that kids who have some sort of college savings plan are 4 times more likely to graduate from high school.” Look for further information to be released about this program in the coming months.
While volunteer opportunities have always been available at the Portage YMCA, a committee is in the final process of redeveloping the program with specific jobs and incentives. They will also offer a program called Togetherhood®, which will engage members and staff in community service outreach programs outside of the Y.
Alexander ended the meeting with the emotional story of YMCA member Jeff Ford. While working out at the YMCA, Jeff experienced a heart attack, but luckily for Jeff, the Portage Y and St. Mary Medical Center staff had been trained in using an AED that had been previously provided by the Portage Fire Department. They quickly reacted to the situation and jolted Jeff back to life. Jeff’s story is amazing and not the only of its kind. Testimonials displayed throughout the Y building show story upon story of how the Portage Y is changing lives every day. Alexander stated “The Y is so much more than the workout machines or a gym. The Y’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy mind, body, and spirit for all.”
The Portage YMCA needs help from the community to remain a strong catalyst for building healthy families and strengthening the community. New memberships, volunteers and financial sponsorships are among the highest needs for the Y. Stop by the front desk or visit their website to find out more at www.ymcaofportage.org.