Community Foundation gives Dodge City Family YMCA $48K in gifts

YMCA

Dodge City, Kan. –The Community Foundation of Southwest Kansas recently presented two gifts to the Dodge City Family YMCA for its after-school program, and to assist with facility improvements.

Dodge City Family YMCA’s After School Program started in 2013, and quickly became one of the largest program in the state. With help from the Community Foundation it has grown to encompass before school, preschool and jumpstart programming over the last two years.  

“We were extremely grateful to receive the Scroggins grant of $25,000 in addition to KDHE 21st Century funding,” Branch Executive Director Jackie Regan said. “The additional funds from the Community Foundation will go a long way in helping us to provide the quality of program we strive to offer our community and help offset the new programming we are offering with the expansion of a Before School and a FREE jumpstart program as well as the preschool programming we offer at Sunnyside Elementary. These programs are invaluable to the community of Dodge City and serve over 600 students of USD 443. 

The Community Foundation’s second $23,000 gift will help fund the Dodge City Family YMCA’s Capital Campaign which aims to expand the fitness center remodel. 

“This project has changed drastically over the last few years. Our board has been very responsible with funding we have received, and we were able to finish our locker room remodel in 2019. We’re excited to get started on the next portion of the project,” Regan said. “These funds have made a tremendous difference in getting us closer to our campaign goal. We know our members and community will be thrilled to have these renovations complete and we expect construction to begin in early 2020” 

In addition to their Capital Campaign, the YMCA raises funds year-round for scholarships to assist members and participants with program and membership fees. And through their “Keeping Our Promise” campaign, the YMCA raises funds each fall to award deserving youth with one-year memberships. Winners from each elementary school are nominated by their teachers and chosen based on financial need, personal conduct, academic effort and several other factors. The YMCA awards the winners with their memberships at an all-school assembly in front of their peers and families at Christmastime. Regan states; “This is my favorite campaign because I really get to see the joy in the kiddos faces when they receive a free membership. It’s really fun to award, and my team and I really enjoy it.  We are very thankful that USD 443 works with us, and their staff nominate the students, so we know these kids really deserve the award.” 

For more information or to donate, contact Executive Director, Jackie Regan at (620) 225-8157 or jregan@ymcaswkansas.org.