Y-Haven

09/26/2025

This Wednesday, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland celebrated Founders Day, recognizing the Y’s establishment in Cleveland in 1854. 💙

Volunteers are the heart of our organization. Their contributions enrich lives and make it possible to offer programs and services that otherwise would not exist. The Community Impact Award honors volunteers who inspire us by giving of themselves to benefit their neighborhood YMCA and its members.

✨ Congratulations to this year’s recipients:

Nora Bruder & Juliana Cerny (French Creek & West Shore)

Nick Schkurko (Garrettsville)

Herb Hall & Fabian Ferreri (Geauga)

Lily Goodwin (Hillcrest)

Kelly Jablonowski (Lakewood)

Nick Kishmarton (North Royalton)

Keith Rintamaa (Parker Hannifin)

David Thompson (Warrensville Heights)

Kerry Adams & JR Bellomy (West Park–Fairview)

Gregory X. Boehm (Y-Haven)

Jennifer Woznicki (Youth Development)

👏 Thank you for your service, dedication, and impact!

09/13/2025

✅ Mental Wellness Resource Fair a Success at Warrensville Heights Family YMCA!

Today, our Warrensville Heights Family YMCA proudly hosted a free Mental Wellness Resource Fair, connecting more than 250 attendees with 11 local organizations offering vital services in mental health, youth and family programs, job training, financial literacy and substance use support.

This all-hands-on-deck event brought together our board and committee members, frontline and leadership staff, and dedicated volunteers—showcasing the Y’s commitment to strengthening community well-being and belonging.

🌐 Learn more about the YMCA of Greater Cleveland’s mental wellness services here: https://bit.ly/3VcIpqL

09/12/2025

Find the support you need at the YMCA Mental Wellness Resource Fair!
Join us September 13 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Warrensville Heights Family YMCA. This free event connects you with local organizations offering services in mental health, youth and family programs, job training, financial literacy, and substance use support.

Learn more about YMCA Mental Wellness Services: https://www.clevelandymca.org/wellness/mental-wellness-services/

See you Saturday!

08/27/2025

Very nice story about Y-Haven by Jess Starr from Freshwater Cleveland!

The YMCA of Greater Cleveland's Y-Haven underwent a two-year, $7 million renovation of its residential treatment and transitional housing facility. The improvements provide a dignified and comfortable environment for individuals recovering from addiction.

08/22/2025

🏢 Y-Haven Renovation Spotlighted on Channel 19 News! 🎥

WOIO Channel 19 stopped by to cover the incredible transformation happening at Y-Haven — and more importantly, to hear directly from residents whose lives have been changed by the center.

From finding stability to rebuilding confidence, their words say it best.

👉 Watch the story and hear firsthand how Y-Haven is more than a place to stay — it's a place to grow.

Y-Haven unveiled a $7 million renovation to three floors of its residential recovery center, a two-year project that helps about 200 Clevelanders in need

08/21/2025

✨ Today we celebrated a new chapter for Y-Haven with a ribbon cutting at our newly renovated facility!|

We were honored to hear from YMCA of Greater Cleveland Board Chair LaRese Purnell, Y-Haven Executive Director Ed Gemerchak, and YMCA of Greater Cleveland President & CEO Tim Hilk. But the most powerful moments came from residents Naeema and Nathaniel, who shared how Y-Haven’s programs and staff have given them their lives back. 💙

This $7 million renovation transforms our residential space into a more dignified, comfortable, and healing environment for those overcoming homelessness and addiction.

We are deeply grateful to the many funders, partners, and supporters who made this project possible. Together, we are building hope and changing lives. 🙏

📍 Learn more about Y-Haven and the YMCA of Greater Cleveland: www.clevelandymca.org

08/19/2025

✨ Big news for our community! ✨

Y-Haven, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland’s program for individuals overcoming addiction and homelessness, has just completed a $7 million renovation of its residential facility on Woodland Ave.

These updates—new rooms, wheelchair-accessible showers, modern lobbies, art in common areas, and more—create a safe, comfortable, and healing home for our residents.

Thanks to the support of Cuyahoga County, the State of Ohio, and many private donors, we’ve taken a big step forward in our mission. And we’re excited about what’s next: creating Community Commons, new gathering spaces to further support recovery and belonging.

Read more in Crain’s Cleveland Business (Subscription required): https://www.crainscleveland.com/nonprofits-philanthropy/y-haven-renovates-facility-7-million

💙 Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier Cleveland.

Y-Haven, an addiction treatment and transitional housing provider through the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, has undergone a $7 million renovation to improve three residential floors in its facility.The Y-Haven facility, at 6001 Woodland Ave. in Cleveland, has been home to the center for the last 30…

08/15/2025

Good news from Y-Haven!

Y-Haven, an addiction treatment and transitional housing provider through the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, has undergone a $7 million renovation to improve three residential floors in its facility.

The Y-Haven facility, at 6001 Woodland Ave. in Cleveland, has been home to the center for the last 30 years and has not gone through any major renovations until now, the organization’s leadership said. The renovations help to create a more dignified, comfortable and healing environment for residents.

This is the first phase of renovations for the Y-Haven facility, Ed Gemerchak, senior vice president of behavioral services at Y-Haven, told Crain’s. The organization also has secured $850,000 for the second phase of renovations, the total cost of which are still to be determined.

“Over the past 30 years, we've really been pouring our resources into the services for the people we're trying to serve. So where our money was going to really fulfill our mission, but the building, for a long time, was not able to get that support,” Gemerchak said. “With the help of the county, the state and private individuals, we've been able to raise the money and make this long-needed renovation.”

Read more here: https://www.crainscleveland.com/nonprofits-philanthropy/y-haven-renovates-facility-7-million?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=soc-own

08/13/2025

📉 Hopeful News in the Fight Against Fentanyl

Fentanyl deaths are down in Cuyahoga County—but the crisis isn’t over. At Y-Haven, we see the impact every day. Our recovery housing, treatment and support help residents rebuild their lives. Progress is possible when we work together. 💙

Watch the full story here: https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/dayton/news/2025/08/13/fentanyl-fatalities-trend-downwards

Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson said the trend is positive, but cautions against claiming victory over the fentanyl epidemic.

06/09/2025

At the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, wellness means so much more than reps in the weight room. In his new op‑ed for Cleveland.com and Sun Newspapers, our President & CEO Timothy Hilk shares how we’re weaving mental‑health support, emotional resilience and a sense of belonging into every fitness class, swim lesson and community gathering we offer.

✅ Mental Health First Aid training for staff
✅ Partnerships with local behavioral‑health providers
✅ Stress‑reduction programs, support groups and confidence‑building classes for youth and seniors
✅ Y‑Haven’s life‑changing housing, recovery and workforce services

It’s all part of our belief that true wellness embraces spirit, mind and body.

Read Tim’s full piece and see how the Y can help you nurture your whole self. 👇
https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2025/06/ymca-nurtures-mental-and-physical-wellness-in-greater-cleveland-timothy-hilk.html

At the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, we believe true wellness is more than physical fitness. It includes mental resilience, emotional balance and a sense of belonging, writes guest columnist Timothy Hilk.

06/06/2025

🎉 Happy 181st Birthday to the YMCA! 🎉

On June 6, 1844, 22‑year‑old George Williams and 11 friends opened the doors of the very first YMCA in London, offering young workers a safe place to grow in spirit, mind, and body. The movement reached America seven years later when Captain Thomas Valentine Sullivan helped found the first U.S. YMCA in Boston.

For 181 years—and 171 of those right here in Greater Cleveland—the Y has continued to evolve, always focused on strengthening community and helping every person reach their full potential.

Take a journey through the YMCA of Greater Cleveland’s own remarkable story—complete with archival photos and short videos—on our history page: https://bit.ly/4kox1D3

Here’s to the next 181 years of building healthier, more connected communities. 💙