“We are committed to seeing every person in our community achieve better health and well-being,” said HFAH President and CEO Paula Autry. “Strengthening our partnership with the Jackson YMCA will make state-of-the-art equipment and resources available to our patients and will make health-care services more accessible to YMCA members. This innovative collaboration will create a unique benefit for members of our community that is still relatively rare across the country.”
The Y is in the final phase of a campaign to raise funds for an approximately 75,000-square-foot facility in the heart of downtown. Celebrating its 125th year of service in Jackson, the YMCA has raised close to $23 million in pledges and contributions.
“At the Y, we believe in a holistic approach to development, promoting healthy Spirit, Mind, and Body for all,” said Jackson YMCA CEO Shawna Tello. “Having Henry Ford Allegiance Health as an on-site health-care partner expands the capacity of both organizations to reach and impact the health outcomes of an ever-broadening cross-section of our community.”
“Working in collaboration with HFAH, the YMCA will be able to encourage individuals and families to engage in healthcare and wellness-focused programs and services,” Tello added. HFAH and
YMCA health-focused collaborations have included:
- Student sports physicals held at the YMCA
- Diabetes Prevention Program
- Shape Up Jackson: HFAH joined the Y as a sponsor this year for the annual weight-loss contest sponsored by K105.3FM and provided health and wellness tips
- The HFAH Get Moving! 5K Run/Walk Series: The Y has served as an annual sponsor to the Race to Health event in September.
“Being a catalyst for collaboration and positive change have been priorities for the volunteer and staff leadership of the YMCA from the beginning of our capital campaign,” said YMCA Board Chair/Chief Volunteer Officer Matt Curfman. “Having the region’s premier health care provider as an on-site partner strengthens the case made for the philanthropic investment so many individuals, families, foundations and businesses have made in the Jackson YMCA.”
Along with HFAH, earlier this year the Y announced Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jackson (BBBS) will occupy approximately 1,000 square feet in the new downtown facility. The co-location will allow Bigs (adult mentors) and Littles to utilize the YMCA gym, play equipment, community space and more for shared activities. Working more closely with BBBS will allow the Y to reach more kids and families. Working in partnership, the YMCA and BBBS can create opportunities to recruit more Bigs and tailor programs to meet the wide range of needs and interests of the Littles.
Working with construction manager Granger Construction Co., Y leaders anticipate beginning site work in the first half of 2022, with construction typically running 12-16 months. In addition, the Y’s Building and Design team continues to work with Bergmann and Gro Development Inc., a leader in design and development of YMCAs, to develop the branding, fit and finish of the new facility. The Y’s Capital Campaign committee’s efforts to identify philanthropists, funders and local foundations willing to support the YMCA and invest in its potential are ongoing.
For more information, visit www.JacksonYMCA.org.