PUTTING ENDURING VALUES INTO ACTION

The mission statement of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis declares that we are "…putting Christian principles into practice through programs that enhance personal growth and improve health of spirit, mind, and body for all." The most universally accepted of these principles is to love. Love is active, solid, visible. It is rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share. Love is being concerned for the present state and future well-being of the communities in our area. Love is providing a safe-haven for our children—a clean, healthy environment where they can play and learn and have fun without fear. Love is providing teens and older youth character-building challenges and opportunities. Love is providing trustworthy and wise role models in leadership positions. Love is providing families convenient, creative, clean, and constructive places and programs where they can invest their family leisure time in fulfilling and memorable ways.

The mission of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, as always, is putting hands and feet on the ideal of love in action by implementing positive principles and values through effective community-embracing programs. Purposeful activities are developed around the enduring values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The programs and activities of the YMCA are designed to demonstrate these positive, enduring values through character education and key community service. Effectively reaching the ever-expanding greater Indianapolis area with these value-based services has led to two significant, dynamic growth activities:

• The acquisition and rehabilitation of Ft. Harrison into the Benjamin Harrison Family YMCA. This project involves the redevelopment of this Army center into a 50,000 square foot multi-purpose family recreation center serving the people of northeast Marion County. This will be the first YMCA in the nation to be named after a former U.S. President. Benjamin Harrison was the fourth President of the YMCA of Indianapolis thirty years before he was elected as the President of our nation. Goal: $500,000

• The Southeast Hamilton County YMCA Family Aquatic and Recreation Center. This is a new, modern 67,000 square foot facility located in the town of Fishers, and developed in joint partnership with the town leaders. Goal: $3,000,000

We need your support to see these growth opportunities come to full fruition. The Ft. Harrison facility needs both facelift and razing work to make it conducive for use by the general community. The $500,000 goal of the campaign will serve as the cap to other funds currently pledged through partnerships. This final money will allow us to put the needed finishing touches on the facility, bringing the buildings and grounds to acceptable standards, ensuring handicap accessibility, and creating adequate parking. The $3,000,000 goal for the Southeast Hamilton County facility will fill the gap between the generous funding provided in partnership with the community and the full need of developing a state-of-the-art, modern facility without impacting other programs and funds.

Your critical contribution will enable us to live up to our mission of service to the greater Indianapolis community. We must continually enhance the quality of life by providing programs and facilities that will build upon positive enduring values. Financing such value-centric programs is not readily feasible without the collaborative efforts of you—our partners who share our vision of concern for the community; who understand that love is active, solid, visible; that it is rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share.

Committed Service to the Whole Community

"A region that invests vision, grit, and partnerships, and shares its wealth reaps a rich harvest. The Indianapolis community now needs to do as much for nine counties rather than one, and expand from its focus on bricks and mortar to environmental balance and human reconstruction. It’s succeeded before, with rich dividend. There’s no reason it can’t again."

The YMCA continues to meet the increased needs of its service areas by offering quality programs. Northeast Marion and southeast Hamilton counties exemplify the positive growth that occurs when community pride is combined with expansion opportunities. The growth in these areas will be increasingly positive, particularly when children and strong families are supported with value-based programs, facilities, and services. We cherish the values passed on to us by our founders and leaders. The YMCA is dedicated to these enduring values that have been so much a part of our heritage while maintaining respect for cultural diversity and individual dignity.

Serving the Needs of Our Growing Communities

The YMCA is already an integral part of family time for many northeast Marion and southeast Hamilton counties residents. For several years the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has been offering programs within these counties. Since this time, the YMCA has expanded services and enhanced programs to meet the needs of this rapidly growing community. Whether it be Family Sundays or Indian Guides and Indian Princesses, the YMCA offers a positive, fun environment in which youth and families spend their leisure time. Youth Sports programs such as tennis, basketball, T-ball, and soccer are increasingly popular and there is a high demand for YMCA’s aquatics programs.

Many northeast Marion and southeast Hamilton counties parents depend on day care services that foster a positive environment and promote family values. As Hamilton county’s largest day care provider for school age children, the southeast Hamilton county YMCA branch is already meeting family needs and touching the lives of area residents. For northeast Marion and southeast Hamilton counties youth, the YMCA Summer Day Camp is another favorite activity with yearly increasing enrollment. The YMCA’s Before and After School, Kindergarten Plus, and Safe Sitter programs provide safety, supervision, and enriching activities for children who would otherwise be home alone during out-of-school time. The YMCA also provides Preschool Programs such as Orchard Park Preschool and the Preschool Motor Gym. Parents can trust that the YMCA will be there for them—always supporting family values. Children and parents alike trust the YMCA leaders who provide them with caring support, positive direction, and wholesome fun. Such an environment generates the development of powerful tools for facing the challenges of growing up.

Meeting Challenges in Critical Communities

The communities of northeast Marion and southeast Hamilton counties face many choices stimulated by rapid growth and development driven by economic opportunities. Hidden behind the changing landscapes are the increasing needs of families and their children who have chosen these areas as their new home. In addition to needs for new roads, bridges, and stores, there are needs for new schools, libraries, and child care centers. With the population boom in northeast Marion and southeast Hamilton counties, the following challenges must be faced:

• Children need opportunities to grow spiritually, mentally, and physically with the sanction of strong families and the support of strong communities. 

• Older youth need to be challenged to discover the character within themselves, develop their God-given talents, and to find their place, a sense of purpose and direction, in a rapidly changing society.

• Families need access to well organized resources and services that provide community support and a safe place for the development of enduring values and the well being of all members.

• Strong communities need a continuing resource for leadership and followership development in order to meet the demands of growth and change.

The YMCA is strongly positioned with resources, mission, and commitment to help our communities meet these challenges. The YMCA is ideally positioned to address current and future challenges of the growing northeast Marion and southeast Hamilton counties. With these new, strategically located facilities, the YMCA can continue working with community and corporate leaders to move quickly and provide the leadership for this important area.

Northeast Marion and southeast Hamilton counties residents and businesses have much of which to be proud. Investing in a community that is already flourishing will only increase the benefits to the overall community for years to come. The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has invested many of its resources in these critical counties. As they continue to grow, the YMCA’s investment and commitment will increase commensurate with the needs of the community.

Together in Partnership

The growth in northeast Marion and southeast Hamilton counties has been phenomenal. As the population increases, services and programs must keep pace with the needs of area communities, families, and their children. Your generous contribution and support will enable the YMCA to address the specific needs of families in these rapidly growing counties and provide a healthy atmosphere for families to participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational activities.

Enduring Values must continue to be a energizing and under girding force for our communities, our families, and our kids. The YMCA, in partnership with community residents, corporations, and foundations is working to ensure that southeast northeast Marion and southeast Hamilton counties exudes these enduring values, providing a sense of community, welcoming families, and nurturing kids. To this end, we need and ask for your support through a generous contribution.

The Most Precious Investment: Our Future, Our Youth

"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."

Historical Perspective

Our Mission: The Heart of the YMCA

From the very beginning, the YMCA has sought to discover, develop, and integrate the whole person and cultivate principled personalities. The YMCA was founded in London, England in 1844 as a strong moral and value-based organization that would increasingly meet the needs of a growing society. In Indianapolis, the YMCA was organized just ten years later in 1854 at a meeting hosted by the Second Presbyterian Church.

In the midst of a rapidly growing community, the Indianapolis YMCA purchased its first building for $24,000 in 1871. Through the programs and services provided within that building, the YMCA was able to give its participants a sense of community and camaraderie as many were experiencing their first taste of city life.

During a recession in 1907, the Indianapolis YMCA launched the city’s largest and most successful campaign to date. Funds then were designated for the construction of the first multi-purpose YMCA building. The new facility became the focus for community activities and gatherings.

Since then, the Indianapolis YMCA has responded to the ever-increasing needs of the surrounding communities. Through the challenges which often accompany tremendous population growth, the Indianapolis YMCA has continually developed programs and facilities which meet human needs and potential. From chapels to reading rooms, and through its residential and outreach programs, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has accepted the challenge to enhance the quality of life for all persons within the eight county area of central Indiana.

At the heart of our programs is purpose. This involves instructors, coaches and group leaders capturing the magic of a teachable moment to instill enduring, core values that shape character and self-esteem. Lived-out acts demonstrating positive values by principled adults will have long term positive results on the children witnessing and receiving them.

Commitment to Core Values

Enduring Values for Building a Strong Future

Nationally and locally, the YMCA has adopted four core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. Every day in northeast Marion and southeast Hamilton counties the YMCA provides programs and services aimed strategically at building strong communities, strong families, and strong kids. The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis offers to all who participate, opportunities and experiences to enhance life skills. These intrinsic values are at the heart of all YMCA programs and services.

• Caring. The art of caring is the signature of YMCA programs. A society that does not care will become callous to the sanctity of life and dignity. Caring is love; putting others before yourself, serving youth so youth may serve; building more responsive communities. In the Leaders’ Club and Teen Rec. Nights, youth learn to care. In times when youth are faced with many difficult decisions, the YMCA helps them make positive choices and develop a caring attitude.

• Honesty. In every activity, the YMCA encourages honesty. Honesty is integrity; telling the truth; keeping promises to self and others; trustworthiness; maintaining wholeness of spirit, mind, and body. Through programs such as YMCA basketball and volleyball, youth learn to play fairly and honestly. YMCA staff impress the importance of honesty by creating an environment where participants are free to be truthful without the fear of ridicule.

• Respect. To learn and practice respect is another hallmark of YMCA programs. To respect is to regard and treat others as you would have them treat you; acknowledging and accepting others despite differences. People in YMCA programs learn respect for their spirit, mind, and body. In the YMCA's Day Camp program, teens learn to lead by discovering their interpersonal skills. Parents and children earn each others' respect in family programs such as Indian Guides and Indian Princesses.

• Responsibility. Developing responsible citizens is the ultimate goal of all YMCA programs. Responsibility speaks to duty; accountability for one's actions; pursuing excellence; following through on commitments. Last year, more than 14,000 teens, enrolled in Teen Camps, the YMCA Youth and Government program, and Leaders’ Clubs. Through these involvements, they learned the virtue of making this society better place to live.

Values such as these shape character today and lay a strong foundation for the future. Building strong communities, strong families, and strong children is our enduring commitment to northeast Marion and southeast Hamilton counties. From the front lines of program delivery, to the back office of administration or the corporate board room of the organization, YMCA leaders recognize we must walk the talk through servant-leadership dedicated to practicing and demonstrating these values at all levels at all times. Our mission to focus on the wellness of spirit, mind, and body has endured along with the constancy of our purpose while responding to societal change for more than 150 years.

Project Detail: Benjamin Harrison

The Benjamin Harrison Initiative

Goal: $500,000 

Community Need

The rapidly growing population in northeast Marion county lack sufficient convenient access to community multi-purpose recreation opportunities. There are over 62,000 people living within a three-mile radius of Ft. Harrison, more than twenty-five percent (25%) of whom are under the age of eighteen. The elderly population is also anticipated to change significantly with the development of housing designed for active older adults immediately adjacent to the Benjamin Harrison YMCA. The military influence has created transient neighborhoods, including trailer parks, especially south of the Fort area, and there are areas of high crime along the Pendleton Pike corridor.

Families currently enrolled in YMCA programs who live in northeast Marion county have consistently requested YMCA service more conveniently available and closer to their neighborhoods. Both Ransburg and Jordan Branch facilities are overcrowded, and the expansion of services to Benjamin Harrison will enable the YMCA to better serve families and youth in the immediate neighborhoods of all three centers.

The Facility

The current facility was developed for use by the U.S. Amy to support fitness training requirements of active military personnel from around the nation as well as Fort Benjamin Harrison. Construction of military facilities were exempt from local building code requirements and did not take into consideration design features conducive for use by the general community. For a reasonable cost of approximately $30 per square foot, the proposed renovation program will modify the current natatorium, shower and locker room facilities, and other program space to provide 60,000 square feet of family friendly facilities. The facility will be brought to required civilian building codes.

Program Development

Programs implemented through the Benjamin Harrison Center will focus on children, families, teens, and active older adults. Age appropriate and group activities will be scheduled and designed to bring diverse participation into concurrent use of the resources provided by the renovated facility. Core programs to be initially offered at Benjamin Harrison will include progressive water safety education, adapted aquatics (physically challenged), water exercise, health and fitness classes, family gym activities, short term infant and early childhood care, teen outreach, youth and adult team sports, active older adult programs, summer day camp and before and after school care.

Project Detail: Southeast Hamilton County

The southeast Hamilton County Initiative

Goal: $3,000,000

Community Need

For more than 15 years, southeast Hamilton county has been the fastest growing county in Indiana and is projected to lead in population growth for the balance of this decade. By the year 2000, southeast Hamilton county’s population is expected to increase by 17 percent (17%) from 1995’s estimated population of 125,000. Southeast Hamilton county is a young, family oriented county which educates 22,000 students each year. By the turn of the century, southeast Hamilton county will be the seventh or eighth largest county in Indiana. This tremendous growth stems in part from the county’s reputation as a positive, safe environment for families and their children. Families are constantly striving to obtain the best possible quality of life. While the rate of crime and violence in southeast Hamilton county is much below that of other areas in and around Indianapolis, challenges still exist to family and community. Being able to spend quality leisure time in a fun, constructive, healthy, and safe environment is one essential element to obtaining the desired quality of life.

Fishers Township, located in southeast Hamilton county, reflects this population growth. By the year 2000, Fishers’ population, currently estimated at 21,500, will have nearly tripled over the previous twenty years. Downtown redevelopment, a new fire station and library, and additional traffic signals are all daily, visible reminders of growth in southeast Hamilton county. The first initiative for expansion of the YMCA in southeast Hamilton county came from leaders throughout the area who recognized the need for organized programs that focused on enduring values. A strategic planning process involving local citizens resulted in a gift of land in Fishers for the expansion of the first phase of YMCA facilities. The location in Fishers (126^th & Nickel Plate RR, behind Don Hinds Ford on SH 37) is conveniently located to serve southeast Hamilton county. A study conducted in 1995 clearly revealed that there exists a very strong interest among residents of the area for a YMCA facility providing family-oriented activities.

The Facility

This modern, family-oriented center will increase services in southeast Hamilton county and will continue to provide a positive recreational environment for youth and their families. The YMCA family fitness and recreational center will include a natatorium, child development center, gymnasium, family adventure center, athletic field complex, and a teen and community outreach center.

Program Development

The facility will feature community outreach and family guidance center. Youth outreach will focus on partnership with public schools providing school age child care throughout the county. Family guidance will be in collaboration with current Christian counseling services.

Naming Opportunities

Recognizing Outstanding Gifts & Givers

Opportunities for donor recognition are excellent. All donor restrictions appropriate to the development of this expansion program will be acknowledged. We are committed to providing naming opportunities of high quality as allowed by charitable guidelines issued by the Internal Revenue Service.

The following memorials and honorariums will be available:

$4,000,000 • Signature name of Southeast Hamilton County YMCA

$2,000,000 • Natatorium wing

$1,000,000 • Gateway name: Athletic Field Complex

• Gymnasium wing

• Social Services Lounge and Reception Lobby

• Family Adventure Center and Auxiliary Gymnasium*

$750,000 • Multi-Purpose Teen Center

• Child Care Center*

$500,000 • Cardio-Vascular Strength Conditioning Center

• Dance Fitness Center

• Family Guidance Center*

• Outdoor Water Safety Education and Recreation Pool*

$250,000 • Nursery Center

• Outdoor Tennis Center*

• Board Room and Volunteer Development Center

• Free Weight Strength Conditioning Center

$100,000 • Entry Plaza and Flag Memorial

• Multi-Purpose Room*

• Therapy Pool

• Garden Landscape Memorial Endowment

• Family Convenience Centers (Locker, Shower and Changing Rooms)

$75,000 Furnishings for:

• Child Care Center

• Multi-Purpose Teen Center

• Social Services Lounge and Lobby

$50,000 Furnishings for:

• Family Guidance Center

• Multi-Purpose Room

$25,000 Furnishings for:

• Board Room and Volunteer Development Center

• Reception Center

$10,000 Furnishings for:

• Program Director Offices

• Building Engineer's Workshop

$5,000 • Engraved Windows for Memorials

• Engraved Recognition on Lobby Wall

$3,000 • Family Walk of Fame (Family name permanently engraved on sheltered entry path.)

$1,000 • Charter Families (Family name listed on printed charter)