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Rendering courtesy of YMCA Buffalo Niagara
Rendering courtesy of YMCA Buffalo Niagara

YMCA Buffalo Niagara plans $10 million investment into east Buffalo

Submitted

Fri, Aug 23rd 2024 10:40 am

Press Release 

YMCA Buffalo Niagara on Thursday announced its intention to invest $10 million to reimagine the YMCA in east Buffalo. The $10 million project is the Y’s latest major investment in the City of Buffalo. Community support will be a critical factor for this project’s success.

A reimagined YMCA will include improved senior, healthy living, and child care spaces, plus community-partner resources in one accessible location.

YMCA Buffalo Niagara, in July, announced its plans to invest an additional $5 million into its land on 1984 Elmwood Ave., to create YMCA Camp Swan.

“The YMCA’s main purpose is to make our community stronger every day,” said John Ehrbar, YMCA Buffalo Niagara president and CEO. “For years, there has been a high demand to do more in east Buffalo. We’re listening and we believe that action needs to be taken. We’re confident that, in these new and reimagined spaces, the YMCA will have the ability to do, and be, more for City of Buffalo residents. While we have high expectations for the YMCA in Buffalo, this critical project will only be possible through strong financial support from our community.”

Providing solutions to the needs in the community is at the core of the YMCA’s purpose. The YMCA has been working to address the needs of east Buffalo residents since 1928. Over the past four decades, the William-Emslie YMCA has served as a haven of hope and motivation for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. However, the quality of life within this community continues to be unduly affected by significant challenges:

√ 78% of households are economically disadvantaged.

√ Nearly 40% of all Buffalo children live in poverty.

√ 53% of residents are considered obese.

√ 68% of children in east Buffalo do not have access to structured activities.

√ 45% of households in east Buffalo experience food insecurity.

√ Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old.

Locally founded in 1852, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a charitable, community-based organization committed to providing programs designed to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA's focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility is reflected in the variety of programs that are offered to all ages and abilities. A not-for-profit organization, YMCA Buffalo Niagara serves more than 1 in 15 people annually through six membership branches and four camps throughout Western New York, as well as at over 40 community-based program sites. Visit www.YMCABN.org.

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