Winter Y Spirit 2023

 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Dear Friends,

Thank God for new beginnings! I’m sure we all approached this new year with aspirations for a better us, for a healthier spirit, mind and body in one way or another. With new starts come opportunities to grow, to adapt, to change as well as to look back with gratitude on the endings we endured, the challenges, and maybe even disappointments that sparked the desire to begin again in a new way. This is what we do at the YMCA. Not just every January when we greet new members at our front desk, but every day when individuals and families walk through our doors with their aspirations to be invigorated, to be inspired, to be encouraged to keep going. We aim to love, care and serve every member experiencing new beginnings, unexpected endings, and inspired aspirations. At the Y every program, every piece of equipment, every square foot of our facility is designed to help us live out our mission, there is always a bigger purpose for why the YMCA does what we do – and we continue to grow in gratitude when you, our members, experience the life transformation you were aiming for and which we were able to support.

The YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne is also experiencing new beginnings, welcoming our new CEO Andrew Gritzmaker and new COO Tabitha Ervin, both of whom are gifted leaders in the city of Fort Wayne, Andrew with Habitat for Humanity and Tabitha with Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA. We are excited about the talent, experience, and passion they bring to strengthening the mission and operations of the Y so that we can serve more people, go deeper in serving our region of Indiana, and in one way or another help you build a healthier spirit, mind and body. We thank God for these new leaders at the Y, we’re grateful for all the new members who are joining us, and we’re especially appreciative of our more than 60,000 Y members who month by month do the work for a better us.

ANNOUNCING THE YMCA OF GREATER FORT WAYNE'S NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

The YMCA proudly announces Tabitha Ervin as the new Chief Operating Officer. Ervin has served the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne since 2007 when she was hired as a Program Director for the Old Fort and Southeast YMCA branches. Since that time, she has been promoted to director level positions at the Jorgensen Family YMCA, Renaissance Pointe YMCA and the Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA. She was elevated to District Executive Director in 2021 and added Healthy Living Programs and the Caylor Nickel Foundation Family YMCA to her area of responsibility.

“Tabitha is a staunch advocate for the most vulnerable members of our community, a champion for the YMCA Mission, and a servant leader at her core,” stated Andrew Gritzmaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne. “This is an exciting season for the YMCA and those we serve, I look forward to working alongside Tabitha in the next chapter of her career,” he added.

Tabitha’s impact and her heart to help others has been felt both locally and nationally through her involvement with the Y-USA DIG Leadership Council, Board service with Vincent Village, Healthier Moms and Babies, and McMillen Health. Additionally, she has volunteered with Fort Wayne United, United Front and in 2020 Tabitha was appointed as the Metro Human Relations Commissioner by Mayor Henry.

“I believe the Y is a vital organization which is critical to meeting the needs of the local community. We focus on programs in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility that provide transformational experiences for members, program participants and staff.” Tabitha Ervin, stated. “It is my privilege to lead the organization in this new role. My goal will be to ensure that the Y continues to be a brand that people recognize as a source of strength for their family and their neighbors,” she added. 

GIVE FOR A BETTER US

As part of our mission to give everyone access to the Y we awarded $3.3 million in financial aid to people throughout Allen, Whitley and Wells Counties last year. With your help we have made great strides, but we can do so much more. Our annual campaign raises money to help offset membership and program fees for people who want to be part of the Y family but cannot afford the cost. For more information on how you can strengthen our community by volunteering or giving, check with your local branch, visit our Annual Campaign page, or email As part of our mission to give everyone access to the Y we awarded $3.3 million in financial aid to people throughout Allen, Whitley and Wells Counties last year. With your help we have made great strides, but we can do so much more. Our annual campaign raises money to help offset membership and program fees for people who want to be part of the Y family but cannot afford the cost. For more information on how you can strengthen our community by volunteering or giving, check with your local branch, visit our Annual Campaign page, or email HereForYou@fwymca.org.

18th ANNUAL GOOD FRIDAY BREAKFAST

Join us as we celebrate the Easter season with an encouraging Christian faith message for all.
WHEN: April 7th, 7:30 am
WHERE: Memorial Coliseum Conference Center
Learn more & purchase tickets >>

Title Sponsor:

2022 RIVER CITY RAT RACE

The 22nd Annual River City Rat Race took place October 16, 2022 and was a major achievement, with 627 total participants and $12,250 raised for the Central Branch YMCA. “We were overwhelmed with the success of the Rat Race this year! The race has become a proud part of fall events at the Central YMCA with 100% of funds raised going to our financial assistance program. This was our first year planning the race without our expert volunteers from years past, and we are proud that we raised the second highest amount in the 22-year history of the race contributing $12,500 to help those in our community through memberships and programs.” - Amanda Fall, Executive Director, Central Branch YMCA

FIRST ANNUAL CHILI FOR CHILDREN

On October 13, the YMCA Child Care Services (CCS) branch held its inaugural Chili for Children event to raise funds to support CCS, which provides quality before and after school care and summer camp programs in our community. The funds raised at this event help provide financial assistance to working families in need of support to help offset the cost of program fees for Before & After School Care and Summer Day Camp. The event raised over $4,000 and featured more than a dozen chili tasting stations with chili made by several Fort Wayne Fire Department locations, Skyline Chili, and the Sassy Vegan. The evening also included live entertainment by JacksonVibe and a silent auction. All proceeds from the event directly benefit the YMCA Child Care Services.
Program Participants: Monday, December 12

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Interested in volunteer opportunities? Please email volunteer@fwymca.org.  

• Adaptive Swim Lesson Volunteers: Support youth in the water as they experience an adaptive swim lesson designed especially for them. Jorgensen Family YMCA: Sundays 4:30pm-6:30pm | Parkview Family YMCA: Sundays 4:30-6pm | Central Branch YMCA Sundays 12pm-1:30pm | Renaissance Pointe YMCA Mondays 5-7pm | Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA Friday 6pm | Whitley County Family YMCA: 11am
• YMCA Youth Garden Program: Support youth education skills in gardening through mentoring opportunities – various times throughout the week available at the Jackson R. Lehman Family YMCA, Jorgensen Family YMCA, Renaissance Pointe YMCA, and Parkview Family YMCA
• Food Pantry at Renaissance Pointe YMCA: Volunteer to help with sorting donated items and preparing boxes to be shared with neighborhood families – various times throughout the week available

YMCA Volunteer Chaplaincy Program: Training available for Y members interested in learning more on how to pray, care and serve in their branch as a volunteer chaplain. Free training available starting in March, a seven week course on Wednesdays March 8-29, April 12-26

WORKPLACE WELLNESS AWARDS

The YMCA recently recognized seven local companies through the 14th Annual YMCA Workplace Wellness Awards. The awards distinguish employers who create healthier workplaces for employees, based on the National YMCA’s Community Healthy Living Index. The Community Healthy Living Index is an assessment of a workplace’s physical environment, physical activity opportunities, health promotional efforts, healthy eating options and company policies. Each company is given an index score that marks their placement along the workplace wellness continuum. Ash Brokerage, City of Columbia City, Fort Wayne Community Schools, Fort Wayne Metals, Hylant, Raytheon, and The DeHayes Group were honored with the highest award, Platinum Level, for their comprehensive approach including a wide variety of on-site programs along with policies which supported the continuation of healthy lifestyles for its employees. Five companies who demonstrated exceptional programs and environments were also honored in the following categories: Most Employee Engagement went to City of Columbia City; Most Strategic Initiative went to Hylant; Most Wellness Impact went to The DeHayes Group; Most Innovative Wellness Programs went to Fort Wayne Community Schools and the Spirt of the Y went to Ash Brokerage.

For more information about the YMCA’s workplace wellness awards and assessment tool or corporate wellness programs, contact the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne at hereforyou@fwymca.org or 260.422.6488.

FIND YOURSELF IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS

Service Immersion Trips
Going abroad on a service immersion trip can create more memories than a vacation. This unique opportunity allows you to experience a new country and culture, and work alongside people who live a markedly different life than Americans. You may be motivated to go on a service trip to help others and end up surprised at how it helps you. We are looking for participants who have either proven their commitment to service through past experience or who are able to clearly express their commitment to service. 

Registration ends on May 31st, 2023 (Germany Trip), July 31st, 2023 (Holy Land Trip), and September 30th, 2023 (Chile/Patagonia Trips)

Find Out More >>

SPRING PROGRAM REGISTRATION

SPRING SESSION: April 10 - May 28
REGISTRATION OPENS: Y Members: Monday, March 27  | Program Participants: Monday, April 3                     

View Programs >>

FIND AND LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Keep up-to-date with the latest Y news, events and programs and connect with other members. Like us on Facebook, ask us a question or share a story!
Find and connect with your branch below:

ENVISION YOUR LEGACY

Life is a journey and each of us is on a distinct path. Someday our legacy will speak for us – revealing the causes we value. Please consider a legacy gift to the Y that will help change lives of future generations. Your investment will ensure that young people in our community can continue to participate in life-changing programs that build character, help kids achieve and build lifelong friendships. 

For more information about leaving a Legacy gift to the YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne, contact Nicole Hansen, Director of Mission Advancement at 260.918.2144.

Find out More >>

OUR PARTNERS

YMCA Mission Partners provide financial resources to strengthen our community and move us all forward. The continued support of these companies allows the YMCA to carry out our mission - making a meaningful, enduring impact in our community.

To inquire how your business can become a Mission Partner, contact Nicole Hansen, Director of Mission Advancement, at 260.918.2144. 

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOUNDATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS:

McMillen Foundation, Inc.

SEE REST OF GRANT INFO