Who could have envisioned when Southeastern Indiana YMCA opened its doors April 4, 1993, that all years later, adult members could experience Pilates, power yoga, sand volleyball league, cycling and arthritis water exercise; and youth could try out ballet, special needs tae kwon do, drama, elite training basketball camp and cardio kids, among many diverse offerings. Family activities range from a father-daughter ball to an Easter egg hunt, from two 5Ks to a bike ride and cookout. Executive director Jerry Lanning, here from the start, reports, “It is a goal that all of our programs and special events are mission driven. Our mission is ‘to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.’” To attract new members, for the first time free one-month memberships are being offered in May and June. The director explains, “We believe that everyone who has an opportunity to experience the Y and its programs will make it a priority in their lives. We give them an opportunity to try it and see if it fits. Eliminating the cost barrier we hope will let them value the Y,” perhaps leading to a permanent relationship. One idea that has really taken off is income-based memberships, now three years old, “because it was the right thing at the right time. The economy problems made this program very relevant to every household,” he says. With the facility more affordable, “everyone has access.” Leaders go one step better in two cases: “The Y will continue to offer free short-term memberships to the unemployed and all military families deployed.” Discounting memberships in some cases is doable because of the annual Strong Kids fundraiser. Contributions “dramatically increased” to $118,000 in 2009, after starting out a few years ago at $36,000. The director notes, “Even during economic hard times, people responded to something that they can see makes a difference in their community. “This program supports income-based memberships and programs where children and families need financial assistance.” Now Lanning and the SIY board are working to achieve 2010 goals: • A new corporate initiative will offer services based on company needs, especially wellness programs. • “The senior membership is our fastest growing,” he divulges. “Serving this population with health and recreation needs with a wide variety of activities has been successful and we want to build on that success.” • The director wants the licensed child care family center to have the reputation “as a place where we not only care for the child all day, but provide events and activities for the family after child care hours.” • SIY will continue to collaborate with “community partners” – schools, Margaret Mary Community Hospital, Red Cross and the city of Batesville. • Employees will continue to help each person who desires to make lifestyle changes by listening to his or her wants, then proposing individual services that will reach the goals. Lanning is proud of how the nonprofit has expanded. He reflects, “In the early years, we were just trying to see if the Y would work in Batesville. National YMCA statistics didn't give us a very good chance of success because of the small population base.” In this area, only the Vevay YMCA has a smaller population base “and Vevay is mostly supported by Grand Victoria (casino) through its foundation with an annual grant.” He adds, “Gaining credibility was an early goal and dismissing the notion that we were part of Hillenbrand Industries was a challenge.” 2009 income was $1.84 million, just above expenses of $1.79 million. Lanning and board members always are wrestling with how to be good stewards of the center and “securing the Y in these tough economic times for our children and our grandchildren. The building is 18 years old and is needing larger repair and replacement items.” What the director finds rewarding is “working with volunteers who know so much more about their special talents and are willing to share them ... I have unlimited resources that are social and professional that make the Y a better place for the community.”