SAN ANGELO, Texas — The YMCA of San Angelo has received a $100,000 grant from the San Angelo Area Foundation for its “The Big Picture” capital campaign.
A press release from Jelly Nonprofit Consulting said the campaign goal is $7.5 million, which will allow the YMCA to construct a second facility and expand its services.
The YMCA has purchased the property at 2833 College Hills Blvd. for the expansion. The capital project includes renovating the existing 11,000 square-foot facility to accommodate the preschool program and Y-Town; as well as constructing a new 12,000 square-foot multi-use center.
Y-Town is a planned interactive miniature city with themed activity rooms, such as a grocery store and construction site, for children to learn through activities and play. The multi-use center will include an indoor playground, basketball court and cafeteria. Additionally, day camps, after school programs, accommodations for field trips will be available. These areas will be available for private parties and special events.
Because of demand for the YMCA's services, namely the preschool program, staff and board members have determined there is a great need for expanding its capacity.
The preschool program serves children ages 3-5 and currently accommodates 30 children. Its waiting list averages 75 children and a one-year wait.
The new location will have the capacity to serve 72 children in preschool alone. This, in part, is because the YMCA will not turn anyone away for inability to pay for membership and/or programs; and awards scholarships to help with fees to join.
In 2018, the YMCA granted more $338,713 in scholarships association-wide. The new location, according to the release, will increase the daily capacity for day and summer camps.
YMCA of San Angelo Executive Director A.J. Moore said, “During this season of gratitude, we could not have asked for a better gift. We are thankful for the San Angelo Area Foundation’s commitment to this campaign. Their generous support brings us very close to reaching our first $1 million dollars raised, which we hope to reach by the close of this year.”
For more information about the project, contact Moore at 325-655-9106; or amoore@ymcasanangelo.org, or visit ymcasanangelo.org/the-big-picture-capitalcampaign.
