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YMCA Growing In Size, Spirit

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 6, 2008

PLANT CITY - Seven years after the Plant City Family YMCA moved into its new digs off Alexander Street, the organization is bigger and better than ever, its supporters say.

Membership has grown from 4,000 to 6,500 since the Y moved from an aging facility at 502 E. Young St. to the $4.5 million, 28,500-square-foot building that includes a heated swimming pool, gym and other amenities.

The improvements are ongoing, including the recent addition of 18 cardiovascular exercise machines at the Y, located on a little more than 13 acres at 1507 YMCA Place.

"When you look at the expansion of programs, nursery services, membership and staff, it's easy to see that we have grown and expanded in every way," Executive Director Scott Warren said. "Along with that, our commitment to the members and the community continues to grow."
Outgoing board chairman George Banning said a lot of effort goes into the YMCA's operation.

"Membership, volunteers, staff and a commitment to the community are all part of the ongoing success of the YMCA in Plant City," Banning said.

The Y strives to stay true to its goal to provide physical and spiritual support, Warren said.

"The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all," he said.

The Y's features include classes for young and old alike, including ones that fight obesity and encourage healthier lifestyles: youth sports leagues, water safety, socials and summer camp.

"We give people of all ages, abilities and ethnicities a place to socialize, meet friends while making new friends, a place for seniors to stay mobile, a place for the injured to get back on their feet, a place for families to spend time together, and needed time away," Warren said.

The YMCA's growth took off starting about a year before it moved from a 5,000-square-foot building on 4.3 acres on Young Street, when it had 1,600 members, membership secretary Cindy Gutowski said.

Doug Barnette, the YMCA's senior program director, said volunteers are a key to the success.

"Volunteers are the pulse, the beating heart of the YMCA, not only locally but internationally," Barnette said. "The Y couldn't exist without its volunteers."

The organization typically draws volunteers from within its membership.

"Parents of our youth programs, seniors who participate in dance and walking programs and others who can share their skills and time at the Y or in the community are recruited as volunteers," Barnette said. Our youth sports program is totally volunteer-driven."

Board members also play a major role, Banning said. Direct involvement allows the board members to appreciate all challenges at the YMCA, and gives them insight on what is needed to get things done, Banning said. "And it's important to have a strong board of directors who participate in the Y and see firsthand the benefits and problems each program might face."

"This board is strong enough and informed enough to make the tough decisions," he said. "For one thing we know that a not-for-profit organization like the Y can't exist for long by running in the red. We have to be selective and careful in supporting programs that do not meet the minimum standards we set out to maintain."

Banning said one tough decision recently made by the board was ending the YMCA's lease on the Young Street building for an after-school program. The program, designed to benefit about 150 children, was only serving 90 at the end, Banning said. The city owns the Young Street building and is exploring other uses for it now that the Y has closed it as an after-school center.

Jack Holland, the director of the city recreation and parks department and incoming YMCA board chairman, said Warren, who has been at helm since March 2005, has played a major role in the local Y's success.

"Scott's input has been instrumental in the development of a program that is diverse and inclusive in nature. Membership is available to all individuals and families, regardless of their economic standing. Programs are designed to encourage members to continue their participation and involvement at the Y," Holland said.

Banning said the members, staff and volunteers create an atmosphere that draws people to participate.

"The facility is first-rate. The programs are exceptional," Banning said. "People go there to have fun, improve their mental and physical being, for the fellowship and to stay in touch. I go there about five times each week. I go through the exercise routines, but I'm there to meet people, talk with them and have a good time."

"All the things needed for success of any business exist at the Y. There is open communication between management, the staff, members and volunteers. There is an obvious climate of fellowship within the Y and recognition of the positive role played by each and every staff member.

"That spells success."

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA
WHERE: 1507 YMCA Place, off Alexander Street
HOURS: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday

TELEPHONE: (813) 757-6677

WEB SITE: www.tampa ymca.org, click on "Choose your YMCA," then choose Plant City Family YMCA
MEMBERSHIP: Cost varies by type and income level. For a family of four, for example, it ranges from $24.75 to $63.75 per month, depending on gross income. Scholarships also are available

STRONG LEADER DINNER

One of the Plant City Family YMCA's major fundraisers is its annual Strong Leader Dinner, which singles out members of the community whose leadership has helped children and families. Winners have included city commissioner and former mayor Mike Sparkman; community activist Betty Chambers; former mayor and commissioner Randy Larson; Steppin' Stone Farm Executive Director Cindy Churchill and Mayor Rick Lott and his wife Di. This year's recipient will be Chambers' daughter Sherrie Mueller, who is guidance resource specialist at Plant City High School.

Here are the details of this year's dinner:

WHEN: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 26

WHERE: Red Rose Inn and Suites, 2011 N. Wheeler St., Plant City

COST: $75 per person

TICKETS: Call (813) 757-6677

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451 or gnewman@tampatrib.com.

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