ABOUT OUR Y

Our Mission: To put Christian Principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Our Vision: Helping people in our communities live their best lives.

Our Cause: Strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

YMCA-USA Character Development Values

• Caring: to love others, to be sensitive to the well-being of others, to help others.
• Honesty: to tell the truth, to act in such a way that you are worthy of trust, to have integrity; making sure your choices match your values.
• Respect: to treat others as you would have them treat you; to value the worth of every person, including yourself.
• Responsibility: to do what is right, what you ought to do; to be accountable for your behavior and obligations.

The Sidney-Shelby County YMCA is a United Way Organization.

Annual Report

2024 Annual Report
Printed copies are available at the Welcome Center.
View the Annual Report

History

Click here to read about the history of the Y.

Below is a brief historical timeline of the Sidney-Shelby YMCA.

• April 6, 1966 - Sidney Chamber of Commerce President Bob Ruther appoints Dick Henke to chair a committee to research establishing a YMCA in Sidney/Shelby County.
• 1967-70 - Dick Henke serves as first YMCA Board of Director’s President.
• January 25, 1968 - John Toncray hired as Executive Secretary (Director).
• 1968 - YMCA opens office in Ohio Building in downtown Sidney.
• April 5, 1968 - Local YMCA receives national charter.
• January 1, 1969 - YMCA moves into National Guard Armory at 304 S. West Ave. in Sidney. Facility provides gym.
• December 1969 - Bill Ross Jr. and Mr. Folkreth agree to terms for five-acre Folkreth Junkyard. Ross plans to buy land and donate to YMCA for purpose of building full facility building.
• September 1971 - John Dunathan replaces John Toncray as Executive Director.
• November 1971 - YMCA Board hires Ketcham, a Pittsburgh-based fundraising firm, to launch capital campaign to raise $850,000.
• February 24, 1972 - Frank Gleason Jr. agrees to chair capital campaign.
• May 1973 - Ferguson Construction Co. of Sidney is low bidder for building 35,000-square foot facility.
• November 2, 1974 - YMCA officially opens with building dedication held February 2, 1975.
• December 1975 - Dick Tokar hired as Executive Director replacing Dunathan who resigned in July of 1975.
• February 18, 1980 - Dennis Ruble named Executive Director replacing Tokar who resigned in December of 1979.
• March 6, 1981 - Under the leadership of Board President John Garmhausen the YMCA burned its mortgage debt. Although the capital went over its goal, inflation in the early 1970s drove building costs 18% higher than originally planned causing the debt.
• January 1984 - YMCA opens its first childcare center with four children enrolled. By 2008, the center was serving over 260 children.
• October 1986 - YMCA adds new addition to building including second gym, running track, another handball court and whirlpool/spa.
• 1987 - YMCA starts foundation through Heritage Club which today has over $2 million.
• April 30, 1991 -  YMCA dedicates new Y Knot Center to serve local youth. YMCA is now 68,000 square-foot facility. Y Knot Center today known as “300 Parkwood”.
• January 2005 - Ed Thomas Named Executive Director replacing the retiring Ruble. Ruble retired after 39 years with the YMCA and 25 as Sidney-Shelby County YMCA Executive Director.
• December 2020 - 24-Hour Access Areas added for members.
• December 2020 - Ed Thomas retires after 38 years with the Y (16 years in Sidney).
• January 2021 - David O'Leary named CEO.
• November 2022 - In collaboration with the Shelby County Commissioners, we opened a 4,896 square-foot satellite Child Development Center at Fair Haven Shelby County Home. This new center hopes to add nearly 50 infant and toddler care slots, as well as a preschool class to fill a SIGNIFICANT need in the Shelby County community.
• April 2024 - Groundbreaking for the new Child Development Center Infant/Toddler expansion project.
• January 2025 - Ribbon cutting for the new Child Development Center expansion.

STAFF AND BOARD

Board of Directors

Craig Albers, Immediate Past President, Faulkner, Garmhausen, Keister & Shenk
Jeff Banks, Vice-President, WBI & PCI
Daniel Blenman, Treasurer, Copeland
Madison Brinkman, Shelby Co. & Hegemann & Zimmerman, LPA
Adam Freytag, Freytag and Associates
Grant Gleason, Dayton Superior Products
Tim Gleason, Realty 2000 Group 
Logan Holland, Secretary, Cargill
Brian Johnson, Sponseller Group Inc.
Grace Lochard, Lochard, Inc.
Josh Ross, Ruese Insurance
Adam Vanderhorst, President, Prudential Advisors
Jenny Wagner, City of Sidney
 

STAFF

	CEO - David O'Leary
	Operations Director - Neil Murphy
	Accountant - Dawn Herrick
	HR Generalist - Mackenzie Vanderhorst
	Y Child Development Center Director - Tori Faulder
	Program Director - Rose Schutte
	Senior Program Director - Suann Kleinhans
	Membership Director - Amy Zachrich
	Marketing & Financial Development Director - Pam Fultz
	Aquatics Coordinator - Corinne Kershner
	Youth Coordinator - Abigail George
	Wellness Coordinator - Sara Lingerfelt
	Join our Team! To learn more about working at the Y, click here.

EMPLOYMENT

• To apply today, please download an application for employment here and email to Mackenzie Vanderhorst, HR Generalist, at mvanderhorst@sidney-ymca.org. You can also pick up an application from our Welcome Center and turn it in to them when completed. (Sorry, no online application available at this time.)

Have you considered the rewards of working at the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA? The direct results of your work will benefit thousands of people throughout our community - a fact that offers a great feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

At the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA, our goal is to hire quality individuals who demonstrate the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and have the talent, knowledge and desire to assist children, teens and adults in accomplishing physical, spiritual and developmental goals. Consider either a part or full-time position at the Y - you'll be glad you did!

Current Job Opportunities

Aquatics Department:

• YMCA Swim Team Head Coach

Child Development Center:

• Floater for any age group 
• Part-time and Full-Time opportunities between the hours of 4:45am to 6pm (Mon. - Fri.)
• Assistant Teacher (Infant/Toddler) - Full-Time (Fair Haven)
• Receptionist - (part-time from 1pm to 6pm Mon. - Fri.)
• Lead Preschool Teacher - (Full-time)

Cleaning Department:

• Day Cleaner - (part-time from 10am to 2pm Mon. - Fri.)

Gymnastics Department:

• Gymnastics Instructor - Part-time 

Wellness Department:

• Strength & Conditioning Coach - HIIT Class at Copeland (Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am-11:30am)

SIDNEY-SHELBY COUNTY YMCA Benefit Summary - This document is a brief description of company benefits for eligible employees. For additional information, please contact Human Resources.

 

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VOLUNTEER - GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY AT THE Y

When you volunteer at the Y, you take an active role in bringing about meaningful, enduring change right in your own neighborhood. Whether it's once a week or once a year, there are so many ways to give your time, change lives and volunteer at the Y! Volunteers enable the Y to offer affordable programs and services. They provide the caring attention a child needs to develop values like sportsmanship, compassion, and respect for self and others. They encourage positive behavior in teens and support families so they can be successful and strong. The selfless efforts of all volunteers foster healthier, more meaningful lives for people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and incomes. They inspire a cohesive and viable community, one that's a good place to live and to work. By giving time, volunteers change lives and improve communities.

• Participate on our Board of Directors and/or various committees
• Raise funds to ensure the Y is accessible to all members of the community
• Coach our sports teams and teach many of our classes
• Motivate and support youth in building the character strengths, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, smart life choices, and the pursuit of higher education and goals
• Advocate for the Y’s efforts to influence policies and initiatives that positively impact societal issues of importance to the nation, and your community
• Participate in opportunities to give back and support neighbors

Questions? Contact Rose Schutte, Program Director, at rschutte@sidney-ymca.org or call 937-492-9134, x224.

Volunteer Application:

Please click here to download and print the Volunteer Application. Printed copies are also available at the Welcome Center.  Once you have completed the application, please drop it off at the Welcome Center!

Please note that in an effort to keep our youth safe, we will be conducting background checks on frequent volunteers.

GIVE

The Sidney Shelby County YMCA is a charitable, not-for-profit organization with a 501(c) 3 IRS designation. We rely on the community to support our charitable activities through volunteerism and financial donations. There are many ways to be involved as a Y contributor.

Through our Community Partners Program, the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA strives to turn no one away who lives or works in Shelby County due to their inability to pay. Approximately 2000 individuals each year receive full or partial assistance for memberships and programs participation. Assistance helps provide opportunities for such things as Teen Leadership programs, swimming lessons, child care and many other vital services and programs. To donate online, click here or contact CEO, David O'Leary at doleary@sidney-ymca.org.

• Want to see some examples of how your gift makes a difference? Check out these testimonial videos:
  • 2025 Keynote Speaker, Chelsea Boardwine, who shares how the Y helped her family THRIVE!
    | Full version (8 min)  | Abridged Version (5 min) | Overview (2.5 min) |
  • 2024 Keynote Speaker, Marie Strunk shares how the Y helped her and her family
  • The Eilerman Family shares how the Y's financial assistance program helped them

PLANNED GIVING (Heritage Club)

The YMCA Heritage Club is a prestigious group of individuals who have supported the YMCA Endowment Fund with an outright gift of cash or securities, or who have made provisions for the Y in their estate planning. The group gathers once each year for dinner and fellowship.

The Heritage Club Planned Giving Opportunities Brochure

A group of visionary people securing the future through the YMCA Endowment Fund

What is the Heritage Club?

• A group of charitably minded individuals who have made a gift to the YMCA endowment fund or have named the YMCA in their estate plan.
• YMCA friends who believe in the YMCA mission and are committed to keeping the YMCA viable and affordable into the future.
• Supporters who believe that the YMCA makes a significant difference in the lives of individuals.
• A fellowship that meets once per year to celebrate their friendship for the Y and each other, and to welcome new members.

How does one join the Heritage Club?

Outright Gifts - A direct gift of cash, appreciated securities, or real properties may be the most convenient way to make a contribution to the YMCA endowment fund.

Charitable Trust - A vehicle that can provide current income to you and your spouse as long as either of you live. Thereafter, the trust principal goes to the YMCA endowment fund.

Gifts by Will or Trust - Working with your trusted advisors, you can assure that your heirs are provided for and specific charities can benefit from a fixed amount, a percentage of the estate, or a fixed portion of the residual.

Name the YMCA as a Beneficiary of an IRA or Pension Account

A technique that can save significantly on estate tax and through a wealth replacement insurance purchase, preserve assets for heirs.

These are examples and there are many more possibilities.

• The YMCA always encourages individuals to work with trusted advisors, legal, and accounting professionals, in order to maximize the benefits to all concerned.
• The YMCA also encourages individuals to consider other charitable interests when doing estate planning; we do work with other organizations in sharing benefits.
• Tax deductibility of any of the suggested techniques should be verified with tax professionals.

As you plan for the future, there is a lot to consider:

• Will my surviving spouse be okay?
• Can I reduce my taxes?
• Have things changed since I last reviewed my plan?
• Do my loved ones know where all the important documents are filed?
• Can I provide for the charitable organization I have supported during my lifetime?
• How will I be remembered?

Effective estate planning can help answer these questions.

At the YMCA we are prepared to share some very exciting estate planning tools with you.

We encourage you to share your plans with your trusted advisors to be sure they are right for your situation.'

For more information contact:
David O'Leary, CEO at doleary@sidney-ymca.org
300 E. Parkwood Street
Sidney, OH 45365
(937) 492-9134

TRIANGLE OF HONOR

There are a number of ways that someone can get involved in the Y and become mission partners as we strive to serve the community. Get Involved!

AS A MEMBER - Membership in the Y is a great way to meet friendly people while working out or participating in our youth or family activities. For more information see our Member Benefits page.

AS A VOLUNTEER – No matter what your talent, interests and schedule are, you can help change someone’s life at the Y. Whether it is coaching a youngster in soccer or basketball, determining policy on a committee or the Board, or caring for a baby in our Child Watch Center, we have a place for you.

• Explore your personal interests and passions
• Give back to the community
• Fulfill community service requirements for school credit
• Develop new relationships and make friends
• Gain community service experience to add to college, financial aid and scholarship applications
• Learn, grow and HAVE FUN!

For more information contact the YMCA. Ready to sign up? Fill out our online volunteer form!

AS A CONTRIBUTOR - The Sidney Shelby County YMCA is a charitable, not-for-profit organization with a 501(c) 3 IRS designation. We rely on the community to support our charitable activities through volunteerism and financial donations. There are many ways to be involved as a Y contributor. 

NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR THE TRIANGLE OF HONOR AWARD:

Eligibility

• Nominees must be/have been dedicated to the mission and core values of the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA.
• Nominees should be of a caliber that they would be immediately recognized by their peers as someone who is/was well known and admired for his/her service to the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA.
• Nominees must be or have been involved with the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA for at least 10 years.
• Nominees may be or have been volunteers (program or policy), donors, staff members or members of the community at large who have had a significant impact on the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA.
• Nominees living or deceased will be considered regardless of race, gender or financial commitments to the organization.
• Nominees must possess a record of innovative, inspirational, highly successful leadership in support of the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA.

The  Triangle of Honor Nomination Form can be downloaded here.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

Jim Lantz Memorial Scholarship

• Shelby County resident
• College Bound High School Senior
• Minimum GPA 2.5 for Qualification, after qualification GPA is not a factor
• YMCA members will receive additional consideration in determination of winner, but YMCA membership is not a requirement
• Need will be a factor
• Demonstrate commitment to community service as a volunteer, with additional credit for volunteer services at the YMCA
• Athletic / Fitness activity involvement
• Demonstrate leadership qualities
• Exemplify Christian values

Lee E. Schauer Scholarship

The Lee E. Schauer Memorial Scholarship was established in 1989 by family and friends to honor the memory of this fine young man who lost his life in a tragic accident the summer before his senior year of high school.
 

• College-bound Shelby County high school senior.
• GPA of 2.5 or higher. Please note GPA is a qualifying criterion only and will be given no weight in the selection process.
• YMCA membership is not required, however, applicants who are members and also volunteered at the Y will receive additional consideration.
• Participation in sports and/or fitness activities.
• Commitment to community service as a volunteer, particularly at the Y. Documentation will be required.
• Must demonstrate caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in daily life.
• Must demonstrate leadership qualities.

View our current program guide here.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION