NIAGARA FALLS —
The Village People have announced they won’t change the words to their hit song, “YMCA” but the organization that inspired the tune is making some changes throughout the nation.
The YMCA’s national organization recently announced a change in its name, logo and focus in an effort to better serve communities in the 21st century.
Now known as the “Y,” and formally taking on the name given to the agency by the public for decades, the national group spent two years researching how to reach more people before making the announcement about several weeks ago.
“Everyone refers to us as the ‘Y’ anyway,” said Greg Larson, executive director of the Niagara Falls Family Y at 1317 Portage Road.
The whole idea of the change in the name and the logo is to get people talking about the Y, he said.
“A lot of folks don't realize we offer more services than any other organization of our kind,” he said.
Instead of the old tagline “Spirit, Mind and Body,” he said, noting there are three new, important components to the new Y which are youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Youth Development
“We are nurturing the youth and teens that walk through our door,” he said. “A lot of folks don't realize we offer more services than any other organization of our kind,” he said.
“We are not just providing a swim lesson or youth sport,” he explained. “We are instilling confidence, building self esteem, teaching life skills, and the types of things that are going to help the children down the line rather than just occupying their time.”
Healthy Living
“Healthy living is becoming obviously a huge focus,” he said. “We are really stepping forward and helping the nation’s health and well being.”Larson ticked off all the programs available for families at the Y, including a newly revamped locker rooms and workout areas in his building, fitness programs and classes, along with personal trainers.
He said the facility’s goal is to create a family environment.
“We don’t want ours to be an intimidating health facility,” he said. “We're really working on a comfortable environment. It’s not tights and leotards, it’s baggy shorts and sweat pants.”
There is also a swimming pool and track at the Portage Road facility and guest passes available so visitors can come in and try out the facilities. While memberships range at about $32 a month for adults and $10 for children there are scholarships available to make the Y affordable to everyone, he said.
Founded 166 years ago in England, the YMCA has attracted men and women from all religious and ethnic groups to its sports, fitness and family activities. The latest logo change yields the group’s seventh insignia since its inception. The new branding will not impact any of the currently successful programs at the Family Y, including the youth hostel and the child care programs, Larson said.
Social responsibility
“We’re making sure our doors are open and programs are affordable to our people and looking what the real needs are,” he explained.
Child care is one area that the Y on Portage Road will continue to concentrate, he said.
“We provide before and after school child care at our branch in Niagara Falls and also at Lewiston-Porter School District throughout the school year,” he said. “We have summer camp at both locations as well.”
“The cool thing about the Y is it’s really a community within a community,” he said. “People come in just as much for the social aspect as the exercising.
“It really makes for a neat, comfortable environment,” he added. “You get to know a lot of people as well as meet your fitness needs.”
IF YOU GO
• WHO: The Niagara Falls Family Y
• WHERE: 1317 Portage Road
• WHAT: Fitness center, classes, childcare, and youth hostel.
• MORE INFO: 285-8491.
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