This is "My Why" — YMCA's role in building community
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From the desk of Harvest Foundation President Kate Keller
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This month, Harvest announced a $12 million commitment toward building a new YMCA in Martinsville on the 5-Points Corner of North Memorial Boulevard, Fayette, and Church Streets. This is one of Harvest’s largest single commitments and many may wonder — why?
While I can’t speak on behalf of each of the Harvest Board of Directors, I can share with you my “why.” When I was two years old, I learned to swim at our local YMCA. Then in middle school, I attended a YMCA camp, and then in high school, I became a counselor at that camp.
Later in my professional career, I attended multiple leadership development programs at the YMCA and then as a parent with young children, I cheered for my kids as they played on Y Youth Sports teams. Finally, the first time I tested positive for COVID was in the same gym that I used to cheer for my kids. The YMCA played an important role throughout my life and also my kids.
The YMCA is more than just a place to exercise, it is a place where community happens, where community members come together, regardless of their background or circumstances. It offers a welcoming atmosphere that fosters relationships among residents, creating a sense of belonging. Whether it’s through youth sports, childcare, summer camps, or volunteer opportunities, the YMCA unites people, helping them develop friendships and support systems that enhance their quality of life throughout their lifetimes.
In addition to being a cornerstone of the community, the future location of the new YMCA is important to the revitalization of Uptown. The Five Points intersection is the western gateway to the city center and is the entrance to our historic West End Community, a vital part of Martinsville-Henry County's African American heritage. The YMCA also abuts Albert Harris Elementary School, offering up unique opportunities for partnerships serving those students. Developing an active and attractive entrance to Uptown can inspire and spur future investments.
As you can see, for me, investing in the Y is a significant investment in community and community revitalization. The YMCA is committed to being an inclusive neighbor and offering resources such as outside basketball courts and a splash pad that will be available to all. Whether you’re a member or a resident, the impact of the YMCA is felt by all, making it an essential part of our community fabric that brings us all together.
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The Ripple Effect: Community Impact of Childcare
📣 Are you concerned about the impact of early childhood on Martinsville-Henry County? This is your chance to be part of the solution!
In partnership with our community, we’re tackling the big questions: How do we create a system that works for parents AND providers? 🤔 How can we make childcare affordable while supporting a thriving workforce?
📅 When: October 8th
📍 Where: New College Institute, 191 Fayette St., Martinsville, VA.
This is your opportunity to shape the future of our childcare system. Let’s work together to ensure every child, family, and provider has the support they need. Whether you're passionate about education, community growth, or economic development, your voice matters in this conversation.
Don’t miss out on engaging discussions, innovative solutions, and the chance to connect with fellow advocates who are ready to make a real impact! 👶🏽📚🏛️
👉 RSVP today and be part of a movement that’s building a better future for our community!
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Pictured are staff members from the Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA at this month's announcement, held Sept. 19 at the future site of the new YMCA.
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Harvest's $12 million investment for new YMCA boosts community revitalization
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Martinsville, VA (September 19, 2024) – The Harvest Foundation announced today a $12 million investment to transform a vital gateway to Martinsville’s uptown business district through the construction of a new Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA. The announcement, held at the future site of the new YMCA, included remarks from officials at the YMCA, Harvest, and leadership from the City of Martinsville and County of Henry.
“The YMCA project has great potential to transform the community, serving as a cornerstone for uptown revitalization,” said Kate Keller, president of The Harvest Foundation. “It will feature a centralized childcare facility for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in Martinsville-Henry County that adds important slots to our childcare system. As our community faces significant health challenges, the YMCA will offer a wellness center and other amenities that cater to people of all ages, from our most vulnerable population to the broader community, promoting healthier outcomes for all.”
Keller added, “This project marks a bold step forward in the growth of Martinsville-Henry County, especially in revitalizing West End Martinsville, a historically underserved area. We hope this sets the stage for future development and beautification efforts, expanding amenities and enhancing the quality of life for everyone who lives in this part of the city.”
The new Martinsville-Henry County YMCA project site is a 7-acre tract of land, ideally situated in the heart of the community near the intersection of Memorial Boulevard and Fayette Street. The site is near Albert Harris Elementary School, the Fayette Historic District, Uptown Martinsville, and the new Five Points Neighborhood. The proposed 60,000-square-foot family YMCA will include a large fitness center, three full-court gymnasiums, an indoor aquatic center, an indoor elevated walking track, and multiple group exercise and community rooms. An Early Learning Center and many outdoor amenities are also part of the plans.
“Our YMCA leadership is extremely grateful to the Harvest Foundation for their leadership support of this ambitious and exciting community project,” commented Caleb Moore, YMCA Board President. “On behalf of the thousands of residents who will benefit from the Harvest Foundation’s generous support for generations to come, we thank you.”
The total project is estimated to cost approximately $28 million to complete. In addition to the Harvest Foundation’s leadership investment, the YMCA is beginning the quiet leadership phase of a major capital campaign as well as pursuing various funding grants from public sector sources. In early 2023, the YMCA Board of Directors hired Suddes Partners as Fundraising Counsel for a proposed capital campaign, a firm with extensive experience conducting successful major capital campaigns for YMCAs. Additional details regarding the capital campaign will be provided at a later time.
To learn more about the plans for the new YMCA, contact Brad Kinkema, Martinsville-Henry County Family YMCA CEO at (276) 632-6427 or brad@martinsvilleymca.com.
Read additional media coverage:
Martinsville Bulletin: YMCA kicks off campaign for new $28 million facility
Cardinal News: Capital campaign for new Martinsville Y launches with $12 million gift
Henry County Enterprise: Foundation commits $12 million to YMCA
(Click or tap photos below to enlarge.)
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Harvest Youth Board: Who We Are
The Harvest Youth Board is a local group of 9th to 12th graders from Martinsville and Henry County. (Homeschooled students also welcomed.) This year's students come from Bassett, Martinsville, Magna Vista high schools and Carlisle School. The board is funded by The Harvest Foundation and is dedicated to making the community a better place.
The Harvest Youth Board offers grants of up to $5,000 and the board is actively seeking grants from nonprofit organizations that benefit youth in the community. All applications must come from an approved 501(c)(3) organization serving Martinsville-Henry County. You can apply today at harvestyouthboard.org.
Follow the Harvest Youth Board on social media and be on the lookout for its next initiatives!
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West Piedmont Planning District Commission: Opportunity Tracker
The West Piedmont Planning District Commission's Opportunity Tracker gives you regular updates on grant funding, learning opportunities, and more. Don't miss out on news you need. Sign up to receive the newsletter today!
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Sign Up Today for the CodeRED Alert System
Make sure you stay up-to-date with weather-related and other emergencies in Martinsville and Henry County.
Sign up for the CodeRED system today!
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| Pass GO and get $5,000 paid toward your student loans!
If approved, you can get an annual payment of $5,000 as a principal payment on your student loans over 10 years — for a maximum of $50,000!
Visit our website to find out more and apply today!
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There's always something fun to do in
Martinsville-Henry County.
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A gorgeous planter and bench for respite in Uptown Martinsville.
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Make an impact in your community. Share your HOPE.
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We welcome your voice and ideas at The Harvest Foundation.
Our general responsive grants cycle is open year-round with consideration from our Board of Directors once a quarter. Our PUP Small Grants Program is an open process with decisions made in less than six weeks. Project Hope grants support small, grassroots projects with immediate impact.
The Harvest Youth Board has a $5,000 grant opportunity available for projects and programs that serve youth in Martinsville-Henry County.
Give our office a call to schedule an appointment with a program officer.
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About The Harvest Foundation:
The Harvest Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2002 by the sale of Memorial Hospital. In partnership with the diverse people and organizations that call MHC home, we serve as a long-term catalyst, advocate, and investor to make our community a welcoming place where all can thrive. Our vision is a community where everyone shares in the promise of an MHC that is healthy, prosperous, and vibrant. To date, the foundation has invested more than $170 million in grant dollars back into the community and has an annual grants budget of roughly $10-12 million. To find out more about Harvest, visit www.theharvestfoundation.org.
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