The Jamestown Area Y and its five individual branches — Jamestown Y’s downtown location, the Lakewood Family YMCA, YMCA Camp Onyahsa, the Eastside Y and YMCA Heritage House Childcare Center — have long been a part of the fabric that comprises the community and contribute as much as they can.

Moreover, the Y’s core focal areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility are evident by the sheer number of program participants, non-members services provided and how it advocates for all community members in general.

“The Jamestown Y has provided 422 children with the opportunity to attend school-age and early education care programs,” said John Barber the Jamestown Area YMCA’s operations director. “164 adults and kids with special needs took part in the Special Olympics, participated in a Camp Onyahsa’s Special Needs Camp, and camped in both our day camps and our resident camp.”

“We served 2,902 community youth members through engaging, active, play and social connection with programs like the Youth Basketball League, the Jets Swim Team, the free community teen center and other sports-focused play leagues,” Barber continued. “We also had 941 adults playing competitive sports, like our adult basketball program, volleyball league, Enhanced Fitness, Water X and Active Living programing.”

The Jamestown Area YMCA’s Downtown Branch, located on Fourth Street, has long been a staple of the city and is woven into the fabric of the community. P J file photo

The Y’s also reached and served those in the community who may be considered at-risk, underserviced or economically disadvantaged.

“We provided scholarships to more than 1,650 members, served more than 67,425 meals to kids during the summer months and after school hours … fighting back against food insecurities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s declared food desert areas here,” Barber said. “We also taught 1,073 middle school students’ vital lifesaving, water-skills, 137 seniors cared for through our Wellness Check-Ins programs and 147 military veterans were provided free YMCA membership as part of our collaboration with the Pfc. Joseph Dwyer, Peer-to-Peer Program Veteran Program. Most of these programs are free of charge and open to the public.”

Moreover, while the Y is also a gym, it’s also much more than that. It’s a community-focused, community-minded central-fusion point. “All are welcomed at the Y, regardless of your race, national origin, sexual preference, marital status, creed or religious affiliation,” said Barber. “Last year alone we mobilized 135 Y-volunteers and conducted more than 5,240 hours of community services. “We’re invested in our community, and hope to be for the next 170 years,” Barber said.