YMCA of Topeka Joins Greater Wichita YMCA
The Boards of Directors for the YMCA of Topeka and Greater Wichita YMCA today announced a plan to bring the two associations together. The YMCA of Topeka is joining 12 other Greater Wichita YMCA branches in Butler, Harvey, Reno and Sedgwick counties to form a new six-county Kansas service area.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to enrich the lives of even more kids, adults and families in our immediate area as well as throughout the city of Topeka,” said Daniel McCoy, YMCA of Topeka Branch Director. “It’s been a wonderful experience engaging with community leaders to build greater awareness of our mission, which is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that promote healthy lifestyles, strong families, and positive youth development to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, regardless of ability to pay.”
More than $1.4 million has been raised out of a $5 million goal to fund facility improvements and new fitness equipment. All donations have been made by Topeka-area individuals, groups and businesses, demonstrating how much the YMCA means to the community.
“Everyone has a story of how the YMCA has impacted their life by giving them anencouraging and safe space to grow into the best version of themselves in mind, body and spirit,” said Mark Ault, Chair of the YMCA of Topeka Board of Directors. “The momentum we’re gaining from the Greater Wichita YMCA solidifies our ability to impact more lives in the Topeka community for years to come. We look forward to this next step forward.”
Specifically, the YMCA of Topeka hopes to serve 1 in 3 residents, a goal it shares with its sister branches in the Kansas State Alliance of YMCAs. Together, they are contributing to an active campaign to bridge service gaps and deliver an integrated YMCA-values-based health and wellness model at scale to a targeted one million residents.
“We’re united in a purpose to break down barriers to elevate quality of life statewide, regardless of geographic location or income,” said Todd Tangeman, Chair of the Greater Wichita YMCA Metropolitan Board of Directors. “Our plan is a game-changer that will connect entire communities to their potential, purpose and each other like never before. There’s nothing more important than improving the overall well-being of all Kansans, and we’re in the position to make a phenomenal impact.”
In addition to a fitness area, YMCA of Topeka has an indoor pool, group exercise studio and Kid Zone drop-in child care service. Youth programs offered to members and non-members include an Early Learning Center for children ages 1 to 6 at an offsite partner location, KEY Academy before- and after-school program, summer camp, swim lessons and martial arts.
To find out more about the YMCA of Topeka, visit ymcatopeka.org.
