About the Licking County Family YMCA

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Click on a program to read more about it.

The Licking County Family YMCA is Licking County’s premier volunteer
organization. YMCA members come from all walks of life, with different
ethnic and religious backgrounds, yet they all have a common goal, to
enhance our community. We help each other strive toward developing
a strong self-image, confidence, fair play, and a purpose to value others.
YMCA activities and programs enhance family relationships, value local
community participation, and improve physical and mental fitness.

Our Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build
healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

The YMCA movement is unique. We fill a void in the community. The YMCA
welcomes and supports all individuals and families. We help develop and
instill values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The YMCA
is a place for people of all ages, races, religions, incomes and abilities.
We truly believe that we do build strong kids, strong families, and
strong communities.

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Vision Statement

The Licking County Family YMCA is a member service organization
committed to providing programs and services to meet the needs of
our community. We are committed to providing quality programs and
services with the highest level of professionalism. We endeavor to
provide clean, safe facilities with the most up-to-date equipment available.
We always seek to exceed members expectations at every opportunity.

No one will be turned away due to the inability to pay.

Our vision becomes a reality when community leaders lend their support,
when membership grows, when the YMCA is known for its high quality
community service, and when the YMCA helps participants reach their
fullest potential.

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Program Objectives

• develop self-confidence, self-respect and an appreciation of their
  own worth as individuals;
• develop Christian values based on caring, honesty, respect,
  and responsibility;
• grow as a responsible member of our community;
• appreciate that a healthy mind and body is a sacred gift and
  that physical fitness and mental well-being are conditions to be
  achieved and maintained;
• recognize the worth of all persons and work towards
  universal understanding;
• develop a capacity for leadership and learn to use it responsibly;
• appreciate the beauty, diversity, and interdependence of all
  forms of life.

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History of the Licking County Family YMCA

Founded in 1876, the Licking County Family YMCA was originally
located in the Hibbert & Schaus building in downtown Newark. The
YMCA moved to its present location, 470 West Church Street, in
1952. Throughout its 131-year history in Newark, the YMCA has
been dedicated to providing programs and services designed to
strengthen the community.

The Licking County Family YMCA is located on over 42 wooded acres
along Raccoon Creek at 470 West Church Street, just west of South
21st Street. Since 1994, the YMCA has completed over $4.5 million in
expansions and renovations including the addition of a second
gymnasium, walking/jogging track, aerobic studio, a new outdoor
pool/water park, and updated locker rooms. in 2004, the YMCA began
a $3 million expansion building a new outdoor bath house, a fieldhouse
and childcare center. The Mitchell Family Recreation Center houses the
new Schenk Gym (two multi-purpose courts) and the gymnastics center.
The new John and Christine Warner Family Center houses a state of the
art pre-school and child care center for children ages six weeks to six
years of age. The John and Mary Alford Aquatics Center includes our
new pool house, spray park and outdoor pool. The YMCA serves
residents throughout Licking County including Newark, Heath, Granville,
Johnstown, Pataskala, Alexandria, and Hebron.

The Licking County Family YMCA serves families, youth, adults, and
senior citizens with a variety of health, fitness, and recreational
programs. The YMCA conducts most of its program activities on site
with the exception of several youth sports programs held at various
school and community locations.

The mission of the Licking County Family YMCA is "To put Christian
principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit,
mind, and body for all." The four core character development values
of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are incorporated into
all YMCA programs. No child is denied access to YMCA programs
because of family finances. Financial assistance is available to all that
qualify. The Licking County Family YMCA is a United Way member agency.

1. adult health, fitness and wellness programs;
2. year round childcare for children 6 weeks to 13 years;
3. community youth sports programs;
4. youth fitness programs;
5. day camp.

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YMCA Symbols

When visiting our facility, you will notice various emblems and symbols
throughout the building. These symbols represent the YMCA’s history
and core values. When you see these emblems, you will know that 150
years of YMCA experience is behind our programs and services.

This official emblem has represented the YMCA for over 150 years.
It was developed to express the purpose and direction of YMCAs
everywhere. This symbol is known as the “John” logo. The circle
represents the oneness of humankind and encircles the Greek symbol
for Christ: Chi and Rho (XP). A Bible is open to John 17:21, "That they
all may be one," an expression of ecumenical purpose. The triangle is
superimposed on the original emblem. The inner ring symbolizes
friendship and love without end among individuals.

In 1994, the YMCA of USA launched a character development plan that
focused on caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. While positive
values have always been part of the YMCA, this effort provided Ys a
better method to develop the core values demonstrated in their
leadership, operations, and programs. The Licking County Family YMCA
implements these values throughout our YMCA.

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