YMCA of Central Ohio in the Headlines

 

For media inquiries, please contact:  
Kisha Swift 
765-749-9927 
kswift@ymcacolumbus.org

Delaware County Among Healthiest in the State & U.S.

Delaware County has the highest life expectancy in Ohio; plus nearly 100% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The Delaware Community Center YMCA is proud to be included in this honor, and to offer access to programs and a wellness community to Delaware residents. 

The Delaware Gazette
April 2, 2025

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After School Team Receives Program of the Year Award

The Pickaway County Family YMCA team was honored at the Children's Hunger Alliance Menu of Hope event for providing after school and summer meals to local children! Serving over 2,100 meals in 2024 and providing care for kids every day—Pickaway is one of 6 YMCAs to receive the award. 

Circleville Herald
March 13, 2025

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Excitement for Hockey at YMCA Street Hockey Rink Groundbreaking

Columbus Blue Jackets, NHL and YMCA of Central Ohio team up through the NHL Stadium Series Legacy Project to grow the game with a new rink at the Liberty Township/Powell YMCA! The rink is expected to be complete by late summer.

NHL.com
March 6, 2025

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Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA: Investing in the Neighborhood

The Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA is among many Near East Side organizations receiving support from The Columbus Foundation. From group fitness and water safety to food giveaways and health screenings, the Ward YMCA boldy supports and strengthens its community.

The Columbus Foundation
March 2025

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Liberty Twp./Powell YMCA Breaks Ground on Brand New Street Hockey Rink

The Liberty Township/Powell YMCA has broken ground on the first outdoor street hockey rink at a YMCA in Central Ohio. This project is all thanks to our partnership with the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Liberty Township and City of Powell.

10TV - March 1, 2025
NHL - February 27, 2025

10TV Article   NHL Press Release

Founder of Columbus moving firm, the oldest Black-owned business in US, also moved slaves

E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. - whose owner's namesake led to the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA in 1991 - is recognized as the first black-owned business in the United States!

The Columbus Dispatch
February 23, 2025

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How to Choose the Right Summer Camp for Your Child

Columbus Monthly shares tips on finding the perfect summer camp experience, showcasing the uniqueness of overnight camp at YMCA Camp Willson and our Day Camps starting in June. Parents, read more and learn what to consider when choosing a camp for your child! 

Columbus Monthly
Feb. 21, 2025

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Before and after school programs available to South-Western City Schools families

For South-Western City Schools parents with early morning and late afternoon obligations or those with children who wish to socialize outside of school hours, before and after-school care programs are offered through the district’s community partnerships.

City Scene
Posted February 11, 2025

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Columbus woman finds 'little piece of heaven' at Touchstone's permanent supportive housing

Carolyn Ford was unhoused — living in shelters, transitional housing and with friends — for more than 20 years before a recommendation from the YMCA of Central Ohio landed her the very first apartment at Touchstone Field Place.

The Columbus Dispatch
Posted February 11, 2025

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Central Ohio Pillar Award

We’re thrilled to share that our President & CEO, Tony Collins, has been recognized with the Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service! In January, Tony will receive the prestigious Nonprofit Executive Director of the Year Award—a true testament to his dedication and leadership. Tony is a two-time recipient and first received this award in 2021.

Smart Business
December 20, 2024

Read More   2024 Recipients

Community Outreach with Tony Collins

In this episode of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Tony Collins, our president and CEO, details the recent strides YMCA of Central Ohio has made in helping solve the local housing crisis. 

Community Rec Magazine Podcast
Posted December 13, 2024

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As Covid Cash Dwindles, Local Shelters Seek Massive Bump in Funding to Fight Homelessness

Leaders of Columbus' homeless, family and domestic violence shelters are calling for more money, or they warn more people, including families with children, will end up living outside and domestic violence victims with nowhere to go could die.

The Columbus Dispatch
Posted December 12, 2024

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Blue Jackets Foundation Announces $1.1 Million Granted to Central Ohio Organizations

YMCA of Central Ohio is forever grateful to receive a $250,000 grant from the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation! Funds will support our ever-growing street hockey programs. We're one of 27 organizations across the region to share the gifted $1.1 million. The CBJ Foundation is a constant supporter of our mission, especially with our Youth Development efforts.

NHL.com
Posted October 29, 2024

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Community Support through the YMCA

President & CEO Tony Collins was a guest on the 85th episode of The Small Nation Podcast. In this interview, Tony talks about everything from his personal YMCA experience growing up in Lancaster, the importance of community centers like the Y and year-round youth programs to YMCA of Central Ohio's evolution as a brand in recent years. 

Small Nation
Posted August 21, 2024

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Manchester City hosts soccer clinic at YMCA

Manchester City visited the Whitehall Community Park YMCA during their off-season U.S. tour to host soccer clinics for 80 YMCA Day Camp kids.

NBC4
Posted August 2, 2024

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Career opportunities with the “Y”

Competitive pay, great environment, flexible schedule, rewarding…  Finding a job that checks all these boxes can sometimes be a challenge.  The YMCA of Central Ohio says they offer all these and more, and they are on a mission to find passionate folks to join their team.  Learn more about what they offer.

NBC4
Posted Jul 19, 2024

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YMCAs Provide a Safe Space for Youth and Teens

Mayor Andrew Ginther visited the Hilltop YMCA to see the difference that additional funding can make for youth and teens in Columbus. The Summer Teen Experience provides a safe space for teens to learn and form new friendships while school is out.

NBC4
Posted July 2, 2024

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NBC4's Gabrielle Phifer Conquers Her Fear

In February, Daytime Columbus reporter Gabrielle Phifer set out to learn how to swim. She took beginner classes at the YMCA of Central Ohio and is now sharing her progress from start to courageous finish!

NBC4
Posted May 21, 2024

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Brandi Braun AL-Issa Talks Strategy and Culture at the Y

Brandi Braun Al-Issa talks strategy, leadership and culture at the YMCA of Central Ohio with Cbuzz.

Cbuzz
Posted May 1, 2024

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Tips for Families During National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month, and the YMCA of Central Ohio has tips for families ahead of the summer pool season!

NBC4 WCMH
Posted May 1, 2024

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Tackling Franklin County's Kindergarten Readiness Crisis

More than 60% of children in Franklin County are not ready for kindergarten. YMCA programs are making a difference in that statistic, with 90% of children leaving Y programs kindergarten-ready. What makes the YMCA of Central Ohio different? A mom explains her experience, and a teacher explains the steps parents and caregivers can take.

NBC4 WCMH
Posted March 31, 2024

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Summer Camp's Lifelong Impact

Kids gain powerful skills when parents invest in a summer camp experience. Marci Hasty, Executive Director of Camping Services at the YMCA of Central Ohio, explains how children gain a new understanding of ways to live, work and play within their community through their summer camp experiences.

Columbus Monthly
Posted March 29, 2024

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"Do it afraid:" adults say it's not too late to learn a life-saving skill

Two adults who take swim lessons at the YMCA of Central Ohio explain why and how they overcame their fear, showing us all that it's never too late to learn a life-saving skill.

NBC4
Posted February 27, 2024

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YMCA CEO Joins Panel of Experts for Workforce Development Discussion

President & CEO Tony Collins contributes to a Panel of Experts for the introduction of the 2024 Columbus Business First Workforce Development Guide.

Columbus Business First
Posted February 23, 2024

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YMCA of Central Ohio and Children's Hunger Alliance partner to feed Columbus kids

The YMCA of Central Ohio's partnership with the Children's Hunger Alliance is helping kids in and around Columbus thrive. With grocery prices still sky-high, families rely on the Y as the largest provider of child care in the state to keep kids fed and thriving academically.

NBC4
Posted February 9, 2024

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Accomplish your physical fitness goals in 2024

The YMCA of Central Ohio gives you some of the most helpful tips to keep in mind while striving to meet those New Year's resolutions.

NBC4
Posted January 5, 2024

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Former teacher helps children celebrate birthdays at Van Buren Center

A former teacher shares love and joy with children experiencing homelessness by helping them celebrate their birthdays at YMCA Van Buren Center.

NBC4
Posted November 27, 2023

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YMCA, OhioHealth, Pickaway-Ross partner on Sports Medicine classroom

The Pickaway County Family YMCA has partnered with OhioHealth Berger and Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center to create a sports medicine classroom at the Y.

Circleville Herald
Posted Oct 11, 2023

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YMCA & Metro Parks host inclusive outdoor event

The YMCA's Outdoor Inclusive Adventures works to celebrate all abilities and is a wheelchair friendly event.

MyFox28
Posted Sept 10, 2023

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Building Columbus Awards: Hilltop Early Learning Center wins in Neighborhood Impact category

The Hilltop Early Learning Center is one of the Best Neighborhood Impact projects in Columbus Business First’s inaugural Building Columbus Awards.

Columbus Business First
Posted Sept 2, 2023

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Blue Jackets host youth hockey clinics at YMCA branches around Central Ohio

Several YMCA locations across Central Ohio are hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets' youth hockey clinics for free.

WBNS 10TV
Posted August 19, 2023

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Sen. Kunze visits YMCA to see food program in action

Ohio State Senator Stephanie Kunze visited the Pickaway County Family YMCA to take a first-hand look at the impact of the Children’s Hunger Alliance food program.

Circleville Herald 
Posted July 25, 2023

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YMCA of Central Ohio's CEO named one of the top executives in Columbus

Columbus Business First shared its annual list of most-admired executives in Central Ohio. Tony Collins, the CEO of the YMCA of Central Ohio, was awarded the C-Suite award for leadership in the nonprofit sector.

Columbus Business First
Posted July 27, 2023

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