Indiana-based Dekko Foundation recently pledged $1 Million of support toward the development of a new YMCA facility on US 30 and Mariner Drive. The pledge includes a unique community challenge that will be announced at the Y’s kick-off celebration on Monday, June 27, at the future site of the new building.

“We are grateful for this very generous gift from the Dekko Foundation,” said YMCA CEO Chad Zaucha. “We share a focus on youth development and thanks to their support we will be able to serve more children and families in Kosciusko County.”

Initial plans for the new Y include a youth and teen center, outdoor space for day camp, a health and wellness center, lap pool, instructional warm water pool, multi-purpose gathering spaces and a double gymnasium. While the Y hopes to open the new location in late 2014, the size, scope and timing of the new Y facility will ultimately be determined by the generosity of the community in support of this effort.

“There is a strong alignment between the Y’s mission and values and those of our foundation,” said Sharon Smith, program director at the Dekko Foundation. “We invest in projects that help children and youth build the skills, knowledge and character that they’ll need to travel the path toward economic freedom. The intentional way the Y sets out to build skills, knowledge and character in young people makes us feel strongly that they will continue to be successful in accomplishing that work in the long term.”

“The Y is focused on nurturing the potential of every child,” said Zaucha. “Yes, we offer swim lessons, day camp, before and afterschool programs, sports and more for children. But more than what we offer, it’s why we offer it. We believe that the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for life. We are here to support parents, caregivers, and teachers as we all try to grow confident kids into contributing and engaged adults tomorrow. The grant from Dekko will help us carry out that work on a broader scale.”

Annually, the Kosciusko Community YMCA serves nearly 14,000 children and adults through membership and programs. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure everyone regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. In 2012 the Kosciusko Community YMCA provided $136,685.96 in financial assistance to make sure that happens.

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.