In 2012, the Oneida Family YMCA engaged in a $1,100,000 Capital Campaign entitled “Step Up For the Y”. This campaign was created to address a number of needs in both the Rome and Oneida branches; however the largest portion of the effort was to construct a new addition in the Oneida branch.
From the generous support of YMCA Members, several donors in the community, and the efforts of Assemblyman William Magee in securing funding from the Office of Children and Family Services, the YMCA was able to reach the campaign goal, which included an expansion of the Oneida building.
The Oneida Family YMCA conducted significant studies to identify a programming and facility gap in the existing building from 2010-2012. Due to the lack of rooms for children ages 8-12 years old, the Y was at a loss for serving families with children in this age category.
Children over 8 years of age were identified as too old for our child watch room, and children under 12 were too young for our weight room and other areas of the building to be left unattended. This resulted in a gap of space and programming for this crucial age for families to come to the Y together.
In addition, the Oneida branch lacked meeting and educational space for programming. The YMCA had been requested to host trainings, meetings, workshops, lunch-and- learns, and adult education, however had no space available to provide.
The result was the construction of two rooms: a multi-purpose room, primarily for family programming and a state-of- the-art conference room. The construction project is now complete, and the Y has received the Certificate of Occupancy to begin programming.
On Friday, Sept. 16, the Y hosted a tour of the new addition for those who donated towards the campaign. Donors were provided with a program and membership status update from our staff team and a preview of the programming space. New programming that will be provided will include youth bounce houses, indoor miniature golf, bubble ball fun, birthday party rentals, fitness testing as well as brand new adult cross training equipment and fitness classes.
The YMCA is confident members and the community will love the new expansion and programming that will be provided. The YMCA greatly appreciates those who supported the campaign, the work we do on a daily basis and the contribution the Y is making towards the community. For schedules of programming and more information, visit www.ymcatrivalley.org or find us on Facebook!