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ABOUT THE DUNELAND FAMILY YMCA
As a mission-based nonprofit, the Y exists to serve all in our community. Every age, every ability, every person—all belong and all are welcome, starting with you.
The Duneland Family YMCA is a nonprofit organization, serving almost 5,000 people annually via programs, outreach, and events throughout the Duneland Communities..
Through our YMCA facility, our Early Learning Center, summer camps, and Out of School Learning program sites, the Y’s work is felt throughout the community daily. Our mission: To put Christian values into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We feel strongly about the for all part of our mission as we believe that all community members should have access to all that we offer, regardless of income. Therefore, financial assistance is available for almost every YMCA program. This work is possible thanks to the donors and volunteers who give their time and financial support to the YMCA so generously.
The YMCA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit social services organization dedicated to Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. We are a local YMCA Association serving Chesterton and surrounding communities, federated by YMCA of the USA. Read more about YUSA.
Above all, we’re about community.
Our programs build a healthy, spirit, mind, and body for all.
JOIN TODAY!
To help, we offer a variety of membership options, including free and reduced-rate membership options and scholarships so that every neighbor can have the same opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. As a member, you’ll enjoy the widest array of wellness programs, services, classes, and locations with enhanced precautions to keep you safe. The best part is that as you grow healthier, your membership support also helps the Y provide life-changing support to our neighbors in need. So make today your day to grow stronger and help strengthen all in our community by joining the Y family!
Our Cause
At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
Our Mission & Focus
Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Our Areas of Focus
For Youth Development
Nurturing the potential of every child and teen
We believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for the future. At the Duneland Family YMCA, children and teens learn values and positive behaviors, and can explore their unique talents and interests, helping them realize their potential.
For Healthy Living
Improving the nation’s health and well-being
Being healthy is about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. At the Y, you can work toward that balance by challenging yourself to learn a new activity, fostering connections with neighbors, or joining family-centered activities.
For Social Responsibility
Giving back and providing support to our neighbors
The generosity of others is at the core of the Y’s existence as a nonprofit. It is only through the support of volunteers and donors that we are able to support and give back to our communities.
Our History
From our beginnings more than 50 years ago, the Duneland Family YMCA’s history has been marked by undeniable accomplishments in the face of the challenges of changing times, but more than anything, what marks our history is our commitment to helping people. The Y is a safe, reliable community resource where both the young and young-at-heart can learn, grow, be accepted and connect with family and community members.
Members of the Y realize they are not just casual users of a facility but connected, committed members of a Y community. People have come to the Y for many reasons over the years – beginning with the Chesterton Junior Women’s Club, who provided “year-round recreation for all ages, a lasting project that can be expanded through professional guidance” in February 1966 as the “Westchester Branch” of the Porter County YMCA. Soon after, programs began such as “Muscleman’s Club,” Air Rifle Club, Guitar Club, and gymnastics located in the Thomas School. After efforts to raise funds for a new building, the Westchester Branch opened its doors at 215 Roosevelt Street in 1972 and in 1977, the branch became incorporated as the Duneland Family YMCA.
Over 50 years later, The Duneland Family YMCA continues to serve the Duneland Communities. Today, our branch offers a variety of recreational and fitness programs, 5 school-age education program locations provide safe and enriching experiences before and after school, 1 state licensed early learning center that offers care to infants as young as six weeks, and a summer camp to create an unforgettable summer for school-age children.
And while our mission work is due to the multiple generations of committed and responsive leaders, the equally important players in this milestone achievement are our volunteers, donors and our employees. To them, we are eternally indebted. To all of you who advance our mission each and every day, in small but significant ways, thank you for your continued support! Your support has impacted someone you may never meet, but rest assured that you made the impossible possible for that person.