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YMCA looking toward future
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| New YMCA property |
Calhoun County YMCA has a new lease on life.
Under the terms of a new lease agreement, the YMCA has reconfigured the use of its space and managed to make some facility improvements as well.
“By using our space more efficiently we have been able to add more equipment to better serve our members, and at the same time get a fresh coat of paint and a clean new look” said executive director Roland Zepeda.
Earlier this year the county officials sold the mall that housed the YMCA facility, and the YMCA board members found themselves negotiating a new lease.
Working with The Omni Group, the new landlord for the YMCA, the Calhoun County YMCA Board of Directors has successfully negotiated a five-year lease for the YMCA effective Jan. 1, 2009.
“The Board’s top priority was to continue services to the community and after months of negotiations with the Omni Group as well as giving consideration to other potential sites, we have come up with a win-win situation to stay where we are” said Bob Coen, chairman of the YMCA board.
Looking to the future, YMCA officials are looking toward a permanent home that will be located on a donated piece of land.
“Two thousand eight was a big year for us” Zepeda said. “Not only did the YMCA secure a five year lease, but Christmas arrived early this year for the Y, in a remarkable display of confidence and generosity Dr. Paul Bunnell and Dr. Jeannine Griffin, Testengeer Inc. (Byron Cumberland and Ron Sitka), Dr. John W. Griffin and Marian Griffin donated funds to purchase seven acres of prime real estate property at FM 1090 and Independence Drive and gifted the land to the YMCA.” “With our recently purchased 7.3 acres of land we can now turn our focus on a capital campaign to build a permanent home for the YMCA…a place that will be fully owned and funded by the YMCA” said Bunnell. The community will greatly benefit from a growing and thriving YMCA.
The Calhoun County Family YMCA began back in 1996 when a group of community leaders identified the need for an organization to provide youth programs and other community services that were not available to the community at the time. A request was made to the Victoria Family YMCA, which was established in 1902, to come to Port Lavaca and begin offering summer camps, sports, and after school childcare later that year. Through local community fundraising a YMCA director was hired for Port Lavaca and soon afterwards the Calhoun County YMCA received its National YMCA charter in 1997 as a branch of the YMCA of the Golden Crescent Association.
Today, some 11 years later, the YMCA has grown to be one of the largest social service agencies in the county. According to board members, the YMCA serves over 4,100 residents of Calhoun County who utilize YMCA member services and programs. Children and adults participate in YMCA sports, swim lessons, teen programs, summer day camp, childcare, and health and fitness activities. The YMCA also oversees the operation of the City of Port Lavaca community swimming pool.
The YMCA has been in its current location in the mall at 1300 North Virginia since 1999. At that location the YMCA has been able to provide a health and wellness facility for the community. Since 1999 the YMCA has expanded its scope to provide more programs and services for every age group and gender, regardless of an individual’s financial limitations. Community volunteers raise funds each year through the annual Friend of Youth Campaign in conjunction with donated funds from the Calhoun County United Way to provide YMCA programs to underprivileged children and families.
Under the terms of a new lease agreement, the YMCA has reconfigured the use of its space and managed to make some facility improvements as well.
“By using our space more efficiently we have been able to add more equipment to better serve our members, and at the same time get a fresh coat of paint and a clean new look” said executive director Roland Zepeda.
Earlier this year the county officials sold the mall that housed the YMCA facility, and the YMCA board members found themselves negotiating a new lease.
Working with The Omni Group, the new landlord for the YMCA, the Calhoun County YMCA Board of Directors has successfully negotiated a five-year lease for the YMCA effective Jan. 1, 2009.
“The Board’s top priority was to continue services to the community and after months of negotiations with the Omni Group as well as giving consideration to other potential sites, we have come up with a win-win situation to stay where we are” said Bob Coen, chairman of the YMCA board.
Looking to the future, YMCA officials are looking toward a permanent home that will be located on a donated piece of land.
“Two thousand eight was a big year for us” Zepeda said. “Not only did the YMCA secure a five year lease, but Christmas arrived early this year for the Y, in a remarkable display of confidence and generosity Dr. Paul Bunnell and Dr. Jeannine Griffin, Testengeer Inc. (Byron Cumberland and Ron Sitka), Dr. John W. Griffin and Marian Griffin donated funds to purchase seven acres of prime real estate property at FM 1090 and Independence Drive and gifted the land to the YMCA.” “With our recently purchased 7.3 acres of land we can now turn our focus on a capital campaign to build a permanent home for the YMCA…a place that will be fully owned and funded by the YMCA” said Bunnell. The community will greatly benefit from a growing and thriving YMCA.
The Calhoun County Family YMCA began back in 1996 when a group of community leaders identified the need for an organization to provide youth programs and other community services that were not available to the community at the time. A request was made to the Victoria Family YMCA, which was established in 1902, to come to Port Lavaca and begin offering summer camps, sports, and after school childcare later that year. Through local community fundraising a YMCA director was hired for Port Lavaca and soon afterwards the Calhoun County YMCA received its National YMCA charter in 1997 as a branch of the YMCA of the Golden Crescent Association.
Today, some 11 years later, the YMCA has grown to be one of the largest social service agencies in the county. According to board members, the YMCA serves over 4,100 residents of Calhoun County who utilize YMCA member services and programs. Children and adults participate in YMCA sports, swim lessons, teen programs, summer day camp, childcare, and health and fitness activities. The YMCA also oversees the operation of the City of Port Lavaca community swimming pool.
The YMCA has been in its current location in the mall at 1300 North Virginia since 1999. At that location the YMCA has been able to provide a health and wellness facility for the community. Since 1999 the YMCA has expanded its scope to provide more programs and services for every age group and gender, regardless of an individual’s financial limitations. Community volunteers raise funds each year through the annual Friend of Youth Campaign in conjunction with donated funds from the Calhoun County United Way to provide YMCA programs to underprivileged children and families.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of portlavacawave.com.
KID wrote on Dec 25, 2008 5:30 PM:
" I AGREE WITH YOU ON THIS TOPIC. HOW DOES THE YMCA HELP UNDER PRIVLEDGED CHILDREN IN THIS COMMUNITY. I CAN REMEMBER WHEN MY SISTER TRYED TO ENROLL HER KIDS IN THEIR SUMMER PROGRAM AND WAS TURNED DOWN BECUASE HER INCOME WAS TO LOW. WHATS UP WITH THAT. SO I THINK WHO EVER WROTE THIS PIECE SHOULD REALLY DO THIER HOMEWORK BEFORE WRITING SOME FALSE STATEMENTS. THE YMCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE A BUCH OF CROOKS IF YOU ASK ME. SOMEONE REALLY NEEDS TO BRING THIS ISSUE OUT TO THE COMMUNITY. "
YMCA FAN wrote on Dec 27, 2008 10:56 PM:
" Are you two really bashing the YMCA? Take a step back and realize you are criticizing a non-profit organization. I mean really... The YMCA. The board of directors are crooks? Those who take time out of their lives, for no pay, are crooks? Interesting. "
crabcrazy wrote on Dec 28, 2008 12:28 PM:
" YMCA FAN: Yes I am bashing the YMCA. I did not call any of the board members crooks, but just because the Y is a "non-profit" orgaization, doesn't mean that it is exempt from all criticism or scrutiny. The YMCA in it's beginning started out as something way different than what it has been in Calhoun County. While in it's past it was developed as a Christian organization that helped those members of society who were less fortunate or needed a place of stability during rough times, the YMCA has evolved into little more than a glorified country club that offers more than just golf and a pool. I am not suggesting that just because an organization has "non-profit" status means that there are not paid employees that keep the organization running because all national organizations do and must have paid staff. What I am saying is that just because an organization has "non-profit" status does not mean that it is a chairitable organization, it should mean that, and it started out to mean that, but it doesn't mean that is how it has stayed that type of organization. It means that it gets tax breaks and means of getting special grants and funding.
Now in all fairness there are YMCA branches in the country that do function as a true non-profit organization, but the one that is active in Calhoun County IS NOT ONE.
I and other members of my household have over the years, and are now very active in well over a dozen non-profit organizations that provide greatly needed services to the citizens of Calhoun County. We have spent countless hours over the years working in these organizations "taking time out of our lives, for no pay" and fully understand what being a volunteer is. It also allows us to see the behind the scenes workings of what keeps all organizations in the county moving and working. So when I "bash" the Y...I have the knowledge to back up my statements. My biggest problem with the YMCA is that while they are a non-profit organization...they are NOT A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION...as this article would lead people (most who believe that "non-profit" equals "charitable service") to believe. It is this deception that has masked the truth about what effects it has had on the many other charitable service non-profit organizations that have been and are currently hard at work throughout the county. All non-profit organizations work off donations, grants, and funding from other organizations like the United Way for example. What has and is continuing to happen in Calhoun County is that the Y is sucking much needed funds from the other organizations that are active in doing good and chairtable work and THEN CHARGING folks to use their facilities, or enroll in their programs as well. Several years ago I enrolled my child in the Y basketball program...$40 then...to play. I am sure that the t-shirt didn't cost more than a couple of dollars and the coaches were volunteers, and the schools donated the facilities.....even the little trophy that everyone got at the end of the season was only $3 at best...."non-profit?" The Y provides activities for youth and families in the county...but only at a cost...and the manner in which they operate at a "non-profit" organization in this county...would also work for allowing businesses like the Bowling Alley, Movie Theater, and other business like this to also operate with "non-profit" status. After all they promote family and youth activity. The cost of their summer day camp program would choke a horse...but they use volunteers to work, and the school district provides breakfast, lunch, and the facilities if needed. Check it out on line, very eye-opening. So you just keep hanging on to that "non-profit " illusion if you want to YMCA fan...I know better. "
Now in all fairness there are YMCA branches in the country that do function as a true non-profit organization, but the one that is active in Calhoun County IS NOT ONE.
I and other members of my household have over the years, and are now very active in well over a dozen non-profit organizations that provide greatly needed services to the citizens of Calhoun County. We have spent countless hours over the years working in these organizations "taking time out of our lives, for no pay" and fully understand what being a volunteer is. It also allows us to see the behind the scenes workings of what keeps all organizations in the county moving and working. So when I "bash" the Y...I have the knowledge to back up my statements. My biggest problem with the YMCA is that while they are a non-profit organization...they are NOT A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION...as this article would lead people (most who believe that "non-profit" equals "charitable service") to believe. It is this deception that has masked the truth about what effects it has had on the many other charitable service non-profit organizations that have been and are currently hard at work throughout the county. All non-profit organizations work off donations, grants, and funding from other organizations like the United Way for example. What has and is continuing to happen in Calhoun County is that the Y is sucking much needed funds from the other organizations that are active in doing good and chairtable work and THEN CHARGING folks to use their facilities, or enroll in their programs as well. Several years ago I enrolled my child in the Y basketball program...$40 then...to play. I am sure that the t-shirt didn't cost more than a couple of dollars and the coaches were volunteers, and the schools donated the facilities.....even the little trophy that everyone got at the end of the season was only $3 at best...."non-profit?" The Y provides activities for youth and families in the county...but only at a cost...and the manner in which they operate at a "non-profit" organization in this county...would also work for allowing businesses like the Bowling Alley, Movie Theater, and other business like this to also operate with "non-profit" status. After all they promote family and youth activity. The cost of their summer day camp program would choke a horse...but they use volunteers to work, and the school district provides breakfast, lunch, and the facilities if needed. Check it out on line, very eye-opening. So you just keep hanging on to that "non-profit " illusion if you want to YMCA fan...I know better. "
kid wrote on Dec 28, 2008 1:30 PM:
" WELL SAID CRABCRAZY. im a veteran of iraqi freedom and the afghan freedom wars. when i got out of the millitary and tried to get a membership 2 years ago, i couldnt even get a millitary discount for the services i did. all they are worried about is getting our money. its a shame that all these underprivleged kids cant get into the ymca summer programs becuase they cant afford it. i can understand charging 5 dollars at the most, heck maybe even 10, but 50 and 60 is crazy. i guess we need to start having our own fundraisers for these kids so they can get the chance to do some summer programs at Y. "
YMCA FAN wrote on Dec 29, 2008 9:22 AM:
" 40 bucks for a season's worth of basketball is too much? I'm sure the Y has to pay for the facilities, officials, shirts, and yes, trophies. To lease the facility the Y is in right now is pushing 7k a month! There has to be a significant source of income to help pay for it. I believe the reason the land was purchased was so Y can have their own property and not have to lease space from the city (for day camps) or the new owners of the Medical Plaza (for the fitness centers). If the Y can raise enough money for their own facility, with the assistance of the family of physicians, whom you should be ashamed of denouncing, prices will go down substantially. KID, I will not take your comments seriously. Five dollars a day for a full time day care? Sorry. "
crabcrazy wrote on Dec 30, 2008 7:24 PM:
" YMCA FAN...did you not read my last post or did you not understand it? I didn't say that $40 was too much for a season of basketball...but that is in my family and in many families in this county it is, especially these days. Coaches are volunteer, the facilities are either donated or are next to nothing for the Y to "lease" and I have ordered enough t-shirts and trophies for different organizations over the years to know that at tops only about 4 to 5 dollars is spent on both combined per kid. So my question remains...where does the other $35 dollars go? As far as what the Y is paying for leasing the current facility "pushing 7K...LOL...if this is true then the new landlords are FINALLY charging what it is actually worth...because when the county owned it most homeless people on the street could reach into their pockets and pay for a months rent for the Y. You're right...their gravy train is over now. BTW...the Y uses city property for day camps at no charge. Obviously you haven't been in the position to know given the lack of knowledge you have displayed here. Look...as far as being a community sports organization in the county....fine, the Y is great for that...so is Little League.....but it is not a "non-profit charitable" organization.
Actually today on the national news there was a story on the YMCA in one of the New England states who, in answer to the bad economic times that families are currently having, have started CHARGING MEMBERSHIP FEES BASED ON WHAT THE FAMILY INCOME IS INSTEAD OF A FLAT RATE THAT THEY HAVE BEEN CHARGING. Can you say BUSTED!!?
Look you just keep on going to the Y...enjoy your membership and sporting events with your kids....I am not trying to stop you...I am simply saying that the people of this community need to know and understand exactly what the Y is and is not....especially when it is taking funding away from other organizations in the community that are working hard at helping others within our county...the Y is not the star on the top of the "non-profit" tree especially for those who are active in the community and know better.
Also...as far as your comments on me denouncing the Griffin's....sorry you are so wrong....they have been my physicians for years and I have a lot of respect for them....my comment was meant to be read as...the Y is so expensive that only the doctors families and other families that have this type of income can afford to "benefit" from the programs that they offer. "
Actually today on the national news there was a story on the YMCA in one of the New England states who, in answer to the bad economic times that families are currently having, have started CHARGING MEMBERSHIP FEES BASED ON WHAT THE FAMILY INCOME IS INSTEAD OF A FLAT RATE THAT THEY HAVE BEEN CHARGING. Can you say BUSTED!!?
Look you just keep on going to the Y...enjoy your membership and sporting events with your kids....I am not trying to stop you...I am simply saying that the people of this community need to know and understand exactly what the Y is and is not....especially when it is taking funding away from other organizations in the community that are working hard at helping others within our county...the Y is not the star on the top of the "non-profit" tree especially for those who are active in the community and know better.
Also...as far as your comments on me denouncing the Griffin's....sorry you are so wrong....they have been my physicians for years and I have a lot of respect for them....my comment was meant to be read as...the Y is so expensive that only the doctors families and other families that have this type of income can afford to "benefit" from the programs that they offer. "
crabcrazy wrote on Dec 24, 2008 8:32 PM:
I would also like to know just exactly what it is that they do for underprivileged children and families, because when it comes to giving to the community, the YMCA always seems to have a price tag on it. Personally I believe that the Y is way overrated. Back in 1996 when someone decided that the county needed a chapter of the Y, there already existed in the county programs that facilitated the same things that the Y has taken over now. We had Little League Baseball, Softball Associations for men and women, Volleyball programs, church youth organizations and camps, Campfire Girls, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts troops and packs that provided weekly activities and camps as well. There was 4H, and exercising facilities, and the public pools that facilitated the citizens of this county, not just discounts for "members" of a certain organization. As for afterschool care, the school district took care of that and there were local daycare busineses that took over after the busses left. There was a food pantry, a ministirial alliance, and a chapter of the Salvation Army and other such organizations active within the county. During the times when our community has come together in aiding others during a tragedy such as the 98 flooding, hurricanes Claudette, Katrina, Rita, and Ike, there have been many of the afore mentioned organizations and individuals hard at work but I can't name one thing that the Y did. Like many back in 96, the YMCA sounded like a positive addition to an already active community, but my opinion changed. Why is the school district funding the free breakfast program for the Y's summer program when the district's budget is already stretched?
The YMCA is fine for what it is, but it has become a ball and chain around the necks of so many other worthwhile organizations in the county that it has done more harm then good for the community as a whole. I guess that it is fitting that the family of doctor's have footed the bill for the Y's future...after all they are the ones who can afford to use it the most. "