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YMCA Reaches Out

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By JO-ANN JOHNSTON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 5, 2007

Like many of its members, the East Pasco YMCA has a plan to become more fit and flexible.

The nonprofit organization is stepping up membership and fundraising efforts, and it's trying out new services, such as a winter day camp to be offered during the Christmas school break.

A more robust YMCA could be a good thing for residents of east Pasco County, which needs more recreational programs and sports leagues, said Dade City Commissioner Steve Van Gorden.

"The YMCA can be the best thing to happen to any community," said Jennifer Silvers, who took over in May as executive director of the local branch.

The East Pasco YMCA oversees a modern gymnasium, fitness center, pool and child-care room in Zephyrhills and a smaller workout facility in Dade City. Both locations also offer classes, a nursery and organized sports programs. Dade City-based members are permitted to use the larger Zephyrhills facility or any of the centers in the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA.

The YMCA counts 1,200 individual or family memberships in Zephyrhills, 200 in Dade City.

Silvers has been talking to community groups, pumping up interest in the YMCA's programs, in hopes that people will start thinking of the YMCA as more than just a gym. It's a place where youngsters can meet and play in seasonal sports leagues, where people of all ages can learn to swim and members can take various classes.

What's happening here is nothing new. Across the country, YMCAs want to play a larger role in promoting healthy communities. Nationally, more than 400 YMCAs are "redefining themselves" to better help their communities, according to YMCA of USA. Some YMCAs, for instance, are working with school districts and neighborhoods to combat childhood obesity. In many cities, YMCAs are major providers of child care.

"The possibilities are endless," said Steve Spina, Zephyrhills' city manager and a board member of the East Pasco YMCA.

The YMCA, which started as a Christian organization, sometimes helps faith-based groups, too. A Baptist congregation has been meeting at the Zephyrhills building for about a year.

Part of expanding the organization's profile involved hiring a director with more experience. For a while after the Zephyrhills facility was built in 1995, it attracted newer managers who were still learning the ropes and only stayed for a couple of years, Spina said. The frequent turnover - at least three directors in 10 years - kept the organization from developing new programs, he said

Silvers had worked in various capacities for the YMCA of Central Virginia for five years before coming here, with experience in fundraising, marketing, membership and fitness.

She already has started ramping up public awareness of the YMCA's programs. The Zephyrhills facility made a bigger push this year to enroll children in the Saturday basketball program and attracted 83 - more than twice last year's number, she said.

The 2007 Oktoberfest at Scotland Yards raised $9,200 - an all-time high for the annual fundraiser, Silvers said. That's money that can be put into scholarships. Scholarships are a big part of the YMCA's mission: The organization never turns anyone away for lack of money. Residents can get discounted or free memberships if they can't afford the fees - $75 a month for a family, after a $125 sign-up fee.

As the organization focuses on expanding programs, its leaders know they need to ensure it remains safe and well-run.

In August, a 13-year-old boy sexually assaulted a 5-year-old in a restroom stall before an adult could stop the attack. The incident prompted Silvers and other administrators to review the training staff members receive about preventing and reporting child abuse.

Looking forward, the YMCA's staff and directors continue to seek ways to fill community needs.

Along those lines, the Zephyrhills facility will offer two new programs during the holiday season.

On Friday, from 6 to 10 p.m., the YMCA will offer child care for $5 per child. Parents will be able to go holiday shopping without their children or just enjoy a night out.

It also will offer a weekday camp during Christmas break, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 26-28 and Jan. 2-4. The camp will cost $25 a day for members, $45 for nonmembers.

TO LEARN MORE

• East Pasco YMCA: 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills; (813) 352-9622

• Dade City YMCA: 38035 Meridian Ave., Dade City; (352) 521-0484

• On the Web: www.tampaymca.org

Reporter Jo-Ann Johnston can be reached at (352) 521-3062 or jfjohnston@tampatrib.com.

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