Greater Johnstown YMCA is bulking up

Since 1869, the Greater Johnstown Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) has had an enormous presence in the Johnstown area. What started in a one-room library is now large and in charge in their newest location along Johnstown's Haynes Street. Over the years, the organization has undergone several moves and renovations, and members are gearing up for one more.

The organization's current home is turning 34 and, with age, comes repair needs. The building has a leaky roof and outdated temperature systems. A renovation and expansion project will fix those issues.

The expansion will add more room to the cardiovascular suite, add a therapeutic pool building and add a youth center. Renovations include roof replacement, plumbing and electrical upgrades and parking lot improvements.

The project is a result of a needs assessment completed by the United Way of the Laurel Highlands. YMCA members were to do a similar assessment, but opted to adopt the United Way one instead, according to YMCA executive director Sharon Jones.

The assessment concluded that there were five priority areas for the Johnstown area, such as the need to help children and youth succeed, strengthening and supporting families and supporting vulnerable and aging populations. Jones said while every need cannot be immediately met, the Y has the capability to satisfy some needs.

"There's a lot we can do to meet some of those needs. We need to figure out what types of programs are needed and what facilities are needed," she said. "That's how the project came about."

The project, officially named the 3M Capital Campaign, will cost about $3.5 million to complete - a goal, Jones said, the organization has already completed one-third of the way.

"We're looking at three sources of funding. The first is from the community and local businesses. The second is through grants and various private foundations. The final way is the Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program," she said. "It's a matching program. If we raise $1.75 million through the [other two sources], the program will match that if our application is approved."

While the campaign will benefit current Y members the most, Jones said new members are in the forecast.

"We'll be able to better meet the needs of the community. The youth center will provide a place for kids to hand out, and there will be a computer lab [as well]."

Jones said the project is to break ground March 2014, and is to be finalized December 2014.