After a lengthy period of research and analysis, the YMCA of Youngstown’s Board of Trustees has decided not to move forward with the second phase of its Growing Together Capital Campaign—the building of a YMCA facility in Austintown.
The Growing Together Capital Campaign began in 2014 with a two-phased mission: the renovation of the Central YMCA downtown followed by the construction of a new YMCA facility in Austintown. The campaign successfully raised and used $5 million for the renovation of the Central YMCA (downtown Youngstown) in 2016.
YMCA President/CEO Tom Gacse said two critical factors prompted the board’s decision on the proposed Austintown branch. “First, there was a capital issue. The campaign did not generate the projected funds to build a new facility in Austintown. Second, market analysis concluded that low demand for new memberships would render a new Y operationally unsustainable,” Gacse said.
The YMCA facilities in downtown Youngstown and Boardman are currently serving over 1,700 members who are Austintown residents.
“I am in the process of contacting donors of the Growing Together Capital Campaign who designated their gifts to the Austintown project. I am pleased to report that many of those who made significant contributions to the Campaign remain committed to the YMCA’s mission and want those dollars used in alternate ways to impact the community,” said Gacse.
The YMCA of Youngstown is looking to collaborate with community leaders and organizations to explore options to expand the YMCA’s impact and mission in Austintown and across Mahoning County.
© 2018 Metro Monthly. All rights reserved.
