Heathy Spirits, Healthy Minds

Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Spirits

John Rolf, CEO of the Warren YMCA, was this week’s speaker.  He is a licensed physiologist, has competed in triathlons, and been an editor and publisher.  As John began his talk, he told members that he worked as Athletic Director at the Cleveland Athletic Club for more than 20 years.  Over his tenure there, he dealt with many facility issues, which made him the perfect candidate for the Warren YMCA. 

He said that many people do not understand what the YMCA is all about and don’t realize how important it is to have a Y in the community.  The organization is not a bricks-and-mortar place.  It’s all about the mission.  There are some members of the Y who have been involved for more than 50 years.  They started out as children learning how to swim and now volunteer on the board and through programs, giving back to the community.

Healthy spirit, healthy mind, healthy body is the mission of the YMCA, an important and necessary organization when you look at what is happening in the City of Warren.  While John has only been on board for 90 days, he has come to realize how important it is for the YMCA to have a downtown presence. 

Over the past five years, a great deal has been done to improve the building.  The two upper levels were once used for sleeping, but were closed in the 1970s.  He would like to determine how to use these floors in the future. 

The YMCA receives grant funding and membership dollars to fund its work.  Discussions are taking place with the City of Warren for the YMCA to serve as the community’s recreation department.  Nothing has been finalized, but since the City no longer has its own Recreation Department and the YMCA has the facility it may be a good way to meet community needs as well as providing additional funding to the Y. 

Strategic planning and building its youth programs are two of the organizations major goals.  We were very happy to have John join us today and bring us up to speed on what’s happening at the YMCA.  Those interested in learning more can log on to the YMCA website at www.thetcymca.org.