ABOUT OUR Y

Mission

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

Vision

Helping People Life Better LIves.

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

 

2023 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.
 
STAFF AND BOARD

Board of Directors

Craig Albers, President, Faulkner, Garmhausen, Keister & Shenk
Jeff Banks, Vice-President, WBI & PCI
Daniel Blenman, Treasurer, Copeland
Madison Brinkman, Shelby Co. & Hegemann & Zimmerman, LPA
David Buchanan, Wilson Health
Adam Freytag, Freytag and Associates
Grant Gleason, Dayton Superior Products
John Grazioso, Past President, Copeland 
Logan Holland, Cargill
Josh Ross, Ruese Insurance
Adam Vanderhorst, Prudential Advisors
Jenny Wagner, City of Sidney
Jay Westerheide, Westerheide Construction
Allen York, Secretary, CBT Company

STAFF

CEO - David O'Leary 
 
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
 
  Facilities Director - TBD
 
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

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

Child Development Center:

Maintenance:

Wellness:


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.

Download then print an application for employment here or stop by the Welcome Center to pick up a printed copy to fill out.

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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.

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.


 
NEWS AND EVENTS

24-Hour Access is INCLUDED with your membership!

Stop by the Welcome Center to learn more or call 937-492-9134!  After-hours access is for members only and allows you to access the Wellness (Fitness) Center, Men & Women's Restrooms, Racquetball Court, and the Schauer Gym (basketball, soccer, etc.).

Read all the details in the waiver here.

COMING THIS SPRING:

 

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
 
 
The Sidney-Shelby County YMCA is proud to be able strengthen our community by presenting two deserving high school seniors one of two memorial scholarships annually. Applicants must live in or go to school in Shelby County, Ohio. The application window for the 2024 Scholarships is now closed. Links to download and print the applications for the 2025 scholarships will be released in January 2025 and printed copies will also be mailed to local area high schools and available for pick up at the Welcome Center.
 
 
The Sidney-Shelby County YMCA, in collaboration with generous benefactors, established the Jim Lantz Memorial Scholarship in 2011 in memory of Jim Lantz.
 
Jim was a sophomore at Sidney High School. Tragically, he died in an automobile accident in November of 1986. He would have graduated in June 1989. Jim had planned to go to medical school, and his dream was to become a doctor. He played football and basketball and he was a 4.0 student. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts and enjoyed opportunities to help others through community service.
 
The scholarship is a one year nonrenewable $1000 scholarship established in his memory, and will be available at all area high schools and the local YMCA. Applicants must be a college bound high school senior and a Shelby County resident. The minimum GPA for qualification is 2.5, and after qualification GPA is not a factor.
 
YMCA members will receive additional consideration in determination of the winner, but YMCA membership is not a requirement. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to community service as a volunteer, with additional credit for volunteer services at the YMCA. Need will also be a factor considered in evaluation of applicants. Applicants must also demonstrate leadership qualities and exemplify Christian values.
 
Scholarship applications will be mailed to area high schools in mid-February and are also available online at the links at the top of this page. Printed copies are also available at the YMCA Welcome Center.
 
Application Criteria
  • 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
 
Congratulations to the past winners of the Lantz scholarship:
 2024 Jarrett Payne University of Alabama
 2023 Connor Simpson University of Cincinnati
 2022 Hope Bixler Miami University
 2021 Jayden Humphrey  University of Findlay
 2020  Angela Brunner  Indiana University
 2019
 Samantha Edwards
 Rhodes State College
 2018
 Hailey Wick
 University of Cincinnati
 2017
 Katie Edwards
 Wright State University
 2016
 Spencer Hina
 The Ohio State University
 2015
 Alex Willman
 University of Cincinnati
 2014
 Cameron Hina
 Urbana University
 2013
 Allison Neu
 The Ohio State University
 2012
 Matthew Ulrich
 University of Dayton
 2011  Katie Borchers  The Ohio State University
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.
 
It is the wish of the Schauer family that this scholarship be awarded to a college-bound high school senior for whom the award will truly make a difference. For that reason, the award is intended to reach those students who may not qualify for other scholarships - "average" students who are involved in their community and in school activities, who are leaders and display character traits like caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, but whose GPA may eliminate them from consideration for other scholarships.
 
The criteria for the scholarship are:
  • 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.
This scholarship is payable over 4 years, and students must establish proof of satisfactory progress to renew each year.
 
Scholarship applications will be mailed to area high schools in mid-February and are also available online at the links at the top of this page. Printed copies are also available at the YMCA Welcome Center.
 
Congratulations to the past winners of the Schauer Scholarship:
2024 Brittany Arnold Northern Kentucky University
2023 Jaycee Roach University of Cincinnati
 2022 Shelby Ham The Ohio State University
 2021 Natalie Herrick  Edison Community College
 2020  Nathan Johnson  University of Toledo
 2019
 Allie Herrick
 University of Findlay
 2018
 Troy Oltman
 The University of Dayton
 2017
 Kevin Fultz
 University of Toledo
 2016
 Madison Allison
 University of Findlay
 2015
 Alex McLain
 Wright State University
 2014
 Lauren Vanderhorst
 The University of Dayton
 2013
 Collin Smith
 Bowling Green University
 2012
 Abigail Ball
 University of Cincinnati
 2011
 Lesley Burdiss
 Wright State University
 2010
 Brittany Forwerck
 Xavier University
 2009
 Derek McCracken
 The Ohio State University
 2008
 Jessica Scott Taylor
 Miami University
 2007
 Cayleb Paulino
 Wilmington College
 2006
 Lindsay Smith
 Ohio Northern University
 2005
 Krista Corbin Boren
 Bowling Green University
 2004
 Julie Barhorst
 Cedarviile University
 2003
 Stephen Eck
 Case Western University
 2002
 Alison Kunk
 Ohio Northern University
 2001
 Brian T. Landrum
 The Ohio State University
 2000
 Takashi Okamoto
 Boston University
 1999
 Amy Burnside
 Bowling Green University
 1998
 Michael Thorpe
 The Ohio State University
 1997
 Kelly Jo Gray Grinstead
 University of Dayton
 
 Valerie Sprague Smith
 Bluffton College
 1996
 Melissa Moorman
 Bowling Green University
 1995
 Cassandra Carter
 Wright State University
 1994
 John Gross
 Washington University
 1993
 Betsy Leistner McKinley
 Purdue University
 1992
 Kelly Velikan Nadeau
 Ohio University
 1991
 Amy Miller DeVore
 Purdue University
 1990
 Christopher Sperl
 Loyola University
 

View our current program guide here.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

What We Know Today

1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys in the U.S. experience sexual abuse by the age of 18.

90 percent of children who are abused know the abuser.

There are more than 42 million survivors of child sexual abuse in the U.S. Yet, many child victims may never disclose their abuse.

1 in 5 children is solicited sexually on the Internet before the age of 18.

Yet, when adults collectively understand the risks and red flags of child sexual abuse, we can do more to keep kids safe. When we all take action, abuse is preventable.

Our Commitment to Child Protection

As a youth-serving organization that reaches 8 million children and teens every year, the Y’s most important work is creating safe environments for young people. That any child or teen would experience harm in our care is unacceptable. Ensuring the safety and well-being of young people is foundational to everything we do at the Y to help them learn, grow and thrive.

How We Create Safe Spaces for Children and Teens

As an organization, we have taken the following actions to keep kids safe in our Y facilities, camps and programs and maintain the reputation of safety we have built during our 175-year history.

All Ys in the U.S. are required to implement child sexual abuse prevention practices and policies to remain a member in good standing with the National Council of YMCAs. These requirements include:

  • Completing a child abuse prevention self-assessment, administered by a Y-USA–approved vendor, at least every two (2) years
  • Having a policy that requires criminal background checks for staff and volunteers
  • Providing and requiring training for staff and volunteers on preventing and responding to child abuse
  • Requiring staff and volunteers to report child abuse in accordance with applicable laws
  • Having a policy that requires screening all adults against a national sex offender registry and written protocol for how to respond when adults are identified as registered sex offenders
  • Reporting the following events to Y-USA:
  • Allegations and/or criminal charges of child abuse, child sexual exploitation, or child sexual misconduct involving a current or former YMCA staff, volunteer, or member (including incidents related to the YMCA and outside of the YMCA)
  • Allegations of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or sexual misconduct between youth participants in attendance at a YMCA and/or enrolled in YMCA activities.
  • YMCAs have access to resources to assist them in meeting these requirements. Provided by and facilitated by Y-USA, these resources are accessible through Link, our internal knowledge-sharing platform for YMCA staff.
     

Policy Prohibiting the Abuse or Mistreatment of One Consumer by Another Consumer

The YMCA has zero tolerance for abuse, mistreatment, or sexual activity among consumers within the organization. This organization is committed to providing all consumers with a safe environment and will not tolerate the mistreatment or abuse of one consumer by another consumer. Conduct by consumers that rises to the level of abuse, mistreatment, or sexual activity will result in intervention or disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal from the program. 

In addition, our organization will not tolerate any behavior that is classified under the definition of bullying, and to the extent that such actions are disruptive, the SIDNEY-SHELBY COUNTY YMCA will take the necessary steps to eliminate such behavior.

The YMCA has partnered with Five Days of Action and Darkness to Light to bring the Stewards of Children child sexual abuse prevention training to our communities. Our Y is working with our staff and our members to keep our children safe. When adults actively seek to make a difference, a cultural change can occur. We’re working to shift from a norm where child sexual abuse is kept in fear and denial and children are easy targets, to a community where every child is protected through a community of trained and aware adults.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The SIDNEY-SHELBY COUNTY YMCA is joining with YMCAs from all across the country for Five Days of Action to raise awareness about how to prevent child sexual abuse. 

We want all children to be safe. The safety and protection of children and teens in our care is our primary concern.  Thank you for joining us in raising awareness to keep kids safe!

Praesidium Accreditation® publicly demonstrates to consumers that the YMCA of Youngstown has achieved the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.

 ....

RESOURCES

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Protecting Children During a Crisis from Darkness to Light is a 30-minute online training available in both English and Spanish designed to help caregivers navigate through unusual circumstances you might face during times of crisis. Learn how to evaluate current strategies and consider new ones. Learn More

REFERENCE VIDEOS

Child Abuse Prevention
https://youtu.be/9bNCid0NjV8

Talking with Kids
https://youtu.be/xX57AZjsKkc

1 in 10 children
https://youtu.be/0lRIV6ylrj4

Consequences of Child Abuse
https://youtu.be/D9bEPApPokU

RESPONSE

You do not need proof that abuse is occurring to make a report, only reasonable suspicion. Reporting child sexual abuse is key in preventing and intervening in abuse.

If a child discloses abuse to you:

  • Give attention, compassion, and belief.
  • Listen calmly and openly.
  • Don’t fill in gaps.
  • Don’t ask leading questions about the details.
  • Ask open-ended questions like, “What happened next?”
  • Don’t overreact.
  • Say, “I believe you” and “what happened is not your fault.”

If you believe someone is being sexually abused at the SIDNEY-SHELBY COUNTY YMCA, please contact the following people so we can take action:

David O'Leary, CEO
doleary@sidney-ymca.org
937-492-9134, x205

Tyler Barhorst, Operations Director
tbarhorst@sidney-ymca.org
937-492-9134, x204

Mackenzie Vanderhorst, Business Assistant
mvanderhorst@sidney-ymca.org
937-492-9134, x235

Or, contact the Child Protective Services at the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services at 1-855-OH-CHILD (1-855-642-4453).

The YMCA has partnered with Praesidium for Child Abuse Prevention who has a Y Helpline. Make an anonymous call to the Y Helpline for confidential, expert consultation for your abuse prevention questions and issues. Their phone number is 855-347-0751. You are able to report 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Call or text 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1.800.422.4453). Professional crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 170 languages. All calls are confidential. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources.