Countryside YMCA is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the Warren County community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Although made up of three locations in Lebanon, Landen and Otterbein, Lebanon is most well known due to its size. Built on 126 acres of land, the 230,000-square-foot Lebanon Countryside YMCA facility held the title of the biggest YMCA in America for many years. This impressive facility has over 120 group fitness classes, aquatics and swim lessons, gymnastics, creative arts, youth and family activities and more.
The YMCA is much more than a building, song, gym or swim. Their mission is to put Christian principles into practice and build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. They do this by identifying the needs of the community and then finding ways to meet them.
“Thanks to the generosity of our members, volunteers and donors, we can provide lifesaving swimming lessons, a safe, nurturing space for kids to learn and grow during out-of-school time, and outreach to families and individuals who are feeling isolated,” Countryside YMCA Director of Marketing Allie Andriacco tells us.
Two of the outreach programs that are offered for free to anyone living in Warren County are the LIVESTRONG® and the Veterans Connect programs.
In 2008 the YMCA partnered with the LIVESTRONG Foundation to help cancer survivors begin the journey toward recovery with a free program that comes with a courtesy membership. This 12-week program meets twice a week for 90 minutes, focusing on strength, cardio endurance, balance and flexibility. Specialists guide participants through traditional exercise methods designed to ease patients back into fitness and help them maintain a healthy weight.
Classes focus on building muscle mass and strength, increasing flexibility and endurance and improving confidence and self-esteem. Other informational resources, such as nutrition and goal setting are also provided. But most importantly, the LIVESTRONG program encourages a warm spirit of community—a safe, comfortable place for cancer survivors to build companionship with others affected by cancer.
“This program offers adults experiencing cancer a safe, supportive environment to participate in physical and social activities focused on strengthening the whole person,” Allie tells us.
"Livestrong gave me accountability and helped me be consistent in my exercise efforts,” a LiveSTRONG participant explains.
When Countryside realized there was no local program for Veterans that included fitness opportunities, nutrition information, mental health support and camaraderie, they decided to create a free comprehensive program designed to meet these needs. Their Veterans Connect program was created to positively impact local veterans in Warren County both mentally and physically.
Participants meet twice a week and focus on age-appropriate fitness, nutrition, mental health and community involvement. In addition to these meetings, Veterans may also participate in special 5K races, trail runs and other unique social events. Any Veteran over the age of 18 is welcome and does not have to be a member of the YMCA to participate.
“We recognize that not everyone can perform at the same fitness level, and the fitness portion of Veterans Connect can be tailored for each participant,” Allie shares.
Countryside YMCA’s outreach doesn’t end with these programs. Other community programs offered are Traveling Through Grief, Early Listeners and Blessed Respite Care.
Traveling Through Grief is an eight-week study that guides participants through the grieving process with others who are experiencing the loss of a loved one. Early Listeners provides early learning programs to preschool-aged children whose families wouldn’t normally be able to afford traditional preschool. Children develop the skills they need to be successful in kindergarten through fun learning experiences.
The purpose of Blessed Respite is to give the parents or caretakers of children with special needs and foster children time to get away for some rest and fun while their child/children have fun doing various activities.
Having served the community for over 40 years, Countryside YMCA Lebanon exemplifies remarkable resilience.
“Our staying power can be attributed to our staff,” Allie enthuses. “If you’ve ever taken a group fitness class, sports league or sent your kids to our summer camp, you know how amazing our staff is. The power of the YMCA has always been its people who welcome, encourage and build true connections with members.”
Through the years, Countryside YMCA has become synonymous with Warren County, as they both work together to serve the community.
“Being near Deerfield is unique because we don’t serve just one main school district or community,” Allie explains. “So we have a bigger opportunity to welcome transplants and foster new connections between members. We need community, and commUNITY starts here.”
From simple jobs to committee work, there are lots of opportunities to donate your time and talents to the YMCA. Email volunteers.ymca@ymcastaff.org to start volunteering today! CountrysideYMCA.org.
“Our staying power can be attributed to our staff. The power of the YMCA has always been its people who welcome, encourage and build true connections with members.”