From the first time I walked into this Y, I felt the strong
and loving culture in the air. From the
Silver Sneakers classes with Carol to the vibrant after school teens, I knew
the Hilltop YMCA was already connected and a positive force in this
community. However, one thing was clear,
the existing building posed limitations to the potential growth and what we are
able to do for our neighbors on the West Side.
In an effort to continue to deliver more impactful programs and services,
the decision was made to launch a Capital Campaign. In talking with members, I learned that this
Y has a history of coming together to make things happen.
In 1947, a group of business leaders and members of the Columbus
West Side community came together to discuss the possibility of bringing the
YMCA to the Hilltop area. Upon further
review, these individuals concluded that the Hilltop did indeed need a Y. After operating in a series of three buildings,
the community raised funds to make this dream a reality. The Hilltop YMCA began to take shape and from
its humble beginnings, the location was opened in 1960. Today the Hilltop Y remains deeply rooted in the
community and is dedicated to ensuring that every child, adult, and family is
healthy, confident and connected.
Since opening its doors, the Hilltop YMCA has responded to
the needs of the West Side community.
The Y has provided quality and affordable preschool to families seeking to ensure that their children are ready for kindergarten and school-age child care so parents and caregivers can work to support their families. For teens, the Y
has provided an after school destination where they are safe, and can build their social skills, get guidance, tutoring and make lasting friendships. Additionally, the Hilltop Y has helped our
older members become active, engaged and have fun together.
Through the years, the Hilltop Y has embraced and nurtured
the growth and well-being of West Side residents. As a result of our success, the Hilltop Y has
significantly outgrown its facility. Currently,
our teens are being tutored in a busy lobby.
Our Child Watch space combines children of different age groups. There is a need to relocate the locker rooms
to improve accessibility and safety for members with limited mobility. Finally, the building is in need of renovation
of its existing infrastructure.
To attend to these needs, we are seeking to raise $1.5 Million to expand and renovate the
Hilltop YMCA. Thanks to the generosity
of a group of foundations, individuals, and companies, we have already raised $445,400. We are well on a way
to achieving our goals of adding a Multi-Purpose room, expanding our Child
Watch and Wellness Center areas. We are
also working toward improving the men’s and women’s locker rooms and adding
family designated changing rooms.
It’s an exciting time to invest in the West Side! By giving to the Hilltop Y, you not only help
our West Side neighbors but you help to strengthen the whole community. To learn more about our 2012 Hilltop YMCA Capital
Campaign, contact info@ymcacolumbus.org.
Thank you for drawing attention to our little place in the world. Hilltop Y has become a second home to me and my children. We participate in all kinds of classes and events and are so excited to see what kinds of things are coming next. The Hilltop Y does so much with so little. It is truly amazing to see a group of employees care so incredibly much about the job they do. When I miss some days of working out, other members who I now call my friends, call to check on me. My children have brought home arts and craft projects and new songs from their time in childcare. They are excited to see their friends. These are families and friends that care. From day one, the employees to the time and the effort to call us each by name. I have never felt so welcome in a place. It's not just a "gym", it's my community. If you've never been there, you are missing out. Please, join the Hilltop Y in celebrating our Capital Campaign Kickoff event on June 27th from 6-8pm. We will be hosting a "Touch a Truck" event featuring large vehicles from our local community heroes. There will be face painting and fun. Not to mention, a lesson in why the Hilltop Y is worth investing in. A community that cares and comes together for the betterment of the whole. Please join us and consider contributing to the Capital Campaign. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWOW! The Hilltop YMCA is going to be renovated! This is an exciting time as we become part of the revitalization that is occurring on the westside. Thank you to all the government entities that are working to make this renewal happen.
ReplyDeleteI’ve worked at the Hilltop Y for 13 years and the people there are not only members and staff but they truly are my friends. I am so blessed to have the kind of job that encourages you to care about people and am so honored to be involved with the Capital Campaign.
A brief history lesson - In 1960, the building on Valleyview Drive was dedicated. Looking through the archives, I learned that this Y was much anticipated and at that time was considered the “crown jewel” of the westside. Because there were not funds for a gym or pool at the time of the original build, the community soon came together again to make those additions a reality. In the interim, Y members swam in a pool on the bed of a truck! (No, I am not kidding! There’s a picture of this on the wall at the branch.) Since that time, there have been modifications, but no other major renovations.
Today our branch is literally bursting at the seams. Middle school students study in the lobby because it’s too noisy in the gym where the afterschool teen program is run. The preschool room is rearranged in the evenings to make room for the diabetes prevention classes. And in the summer, the preschool program actually moves to the Cherry Creek site to make room for the teen program.
Because there is currently no multipurpose room, our staff juggles schedules to find space for all the programs that are offered. It can be crazy, but they make it work because they know that programming for all ages, infants to seniors, is equally important.
And that is why this campaign is so important.
I just want to say Thank You to President Andrew Roberts and the Metropolitan Board for investing their time and energies into the Hilltop branch; to Hilltop Consulting Board President Jessica Milligan and the rest of the consulting board for their commitment to the Hilltop Y, and to Capital Campaign Chairperson Amanda Stamm (who has an endless supply of energy and enthusiasm!) and the other committee members and volunteers who are working so hard to make this dream a reality.
Please consider a gift to the Hilltop Capital Campaign. It is an investment not only in the present, but also in the future.
I see a Brighter Future – and that is the Hilltop YMCA!