Nearing its fourth full year of operation, Carroll County YMCA has initiated a vigorous fund raising campaign. Membership is slowly increasing, but is reportedly not yet at the level to sustain operations.

Over $1.3 million was raised by the community and surrounding area and the facility opened in November 2003.

"The building and contents are totally paid for," said YMCA board president Teddy Huffer. "We are extremely proud of that accomplishment. We are also proud of the many services that the Y provides, all totally unique to Carroll County, for youth through senior citizens."

Youth can participate in a variety of activities, from biddy basketball to flipsters tumbling. Lifting weights in a supervised weight room and playing pickup games in the gym are available to young adults. Adult opportunities include various intramural leagues and fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, aerobics and kickboxing. Senior citizens can utilize the Y by taking a chair aerobics class.

Plans are in progress for a computer/game room, according to board member Kenrick Harness. The Y also wants to integrate a community winter swim program at both Delphi and Carroll schools.

Last winter an average of over 500 members utilized the YMCA facility per week. Nonmembers utilizing the services were estimated to frequent the Y an average of 65 times per week.

"Despite increasing membership, the Y has not yet obtained membership numbers needed to balance operational costs," said Huffer.

"Late last year the board realized there were omissions from the accounting reports and bills were not being paid in a timely manner," said board member Pat Leahy. "As a result, the YMCA found itself in serious debt, owing a multitude of late fees and assessments for unpaid accounts, most substantially unpaid government withholdings and employment taxes."

"Our board moved quickly to assess the issues and take corrective actions," he said.

One of the first steps was to enlist the Lafayette YMCA to help improve the operation of the facility, increase programming and expand services. Fisher & Associates was also hired to evaluate and reorganize accounting procedures and perform bookkeeping services.

"The evaluation showed that the daycare had overextended itself with free and reduced daycare," said Leahy. "As a result, significant dollars were lost and the program was discontinued."

"These measures, along with the hiring of Russ Siler as interim director, have helped us make significant changes and improvements," added Huffer.

Funding, however, remains an issue.

"In order to provide programming and services so many have come to enjoy it is critical that the YMCA raise $300,000 to ensure continued operations," said board member Bret Rinehart.

"With our new focus and action plan," he continued, "we hope to solicit the support and membership from all of Carroll County."

And there are ways to make that happen.

"Each individual in the county has a chance to be a part of the YMCA by providing a financial contribution," said Huffer. "It can be as simple as joining. Memberships range from $8 per month for youths to $30 per month for a family. Tax-deductible donations are also welcome, as are volunteers who donate their time and talents."

Said board member Jim Payne, "I realize that we are asking a lot of the citizens of Carroll County to donate again when they have been so generous before, but this facility has so much to offer the public that it would be a shame if it did not continue well into the future."

"The board has made a serious commitment to rectify past operational mistakes and feels confident that with financial support and increased membership from the community, the YMCA can continue to be a true gem in Carroll County," concluded Huffer.

On Aug. 27, the Carroll County YMCA will host an open house from 5 to 8 p.m.

For more information on programs or to make a donation, call 574-967-4449. The YMCA is a 501-c-3 organization.