Garrettsville Family YMCA

09/02/2025

High-quality child care isn’t just about convenience—it’s about building a strong foundation for lifelong success.

In her op-ed for Cleveland.com, our Senior Vice President of Youth Development, Natisha (Tish) Bowling, explains how early childhood education strengthens families, fuels STEM achievement, and impacts Ohio’s economy.

At the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, our early learning and school-age programs are nationally accredited and consistently earn top ratings in Ohio’s Step Up To Quality system. We are proud to provide safe, nurturing, and enriching experiences for children—because quality child care benefits everyone.

👉 Read Tish’s full op-ed here: https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2025/08/invest-in-your-child-and-your-career-natisha-bowling.html

Choosing high-quality, professionally staffed child care isn’t just a convenience; it’s a powerful investment in your child’s development and your family’s economic future, writes guest columnist Natisha Bowling.

08/27/2025

✨ New Local Coverage from News 5 Cleveland! ✨

Yesterday, News 5 Cleveland stopped by the Hillcrest YMCA to talk with our very own Rose Scotland — a living legend who just turned 100 and refuses to slow down.

From surviving a near-drowning in Lake Erie to teaching arthritis-friendly water exercise for more than 15 years, Rose inspires everyone she meets with her energy, her spirit, and her mantra: “Keep moving.”

Watch the full story and video here:

We introduce you to a woman who’s been active for a century — and she’s now helping others stay moving in their golden years, too.

08/27/2025

We’re thrilled to announce the completion of a two‑year, $7 million renovation of our Y‑Haven facility in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood—a space that now offers even more comfort, dignity, and hope to those on the path to recovery.

On August 21, we celebrated the unveiling with residents, staff, donors—including Cuyahoga County—and partners who made this vision a reality.

What’s new:
- Three fully renovated floors with 200 new resident rooms and 24 updated offices, many now inhabited by staff who were once residents themselves .

- Enhanced lighting, original artwork, ADA-accessible features, and a welcoming lobby that reflects our mission of radical hospitality.

Especially meaningful was hearing from residents like Nathaniel Hearn, who shared how the fresh, dignified surroundings empower him to focus on recovery and rebuilding his life.

Y‑Haven has been offering residential treatment, mental health counseling, transitional housing, and healthcare since 1993. This renovation marks a renewed commitment to providing every person with a place that truly feels like a home while they heal.

Let’s keep this momentum going! Your support—through sharing, volunteering, or donating—helps us provide hope to those who need it most. Together, we’re building brighter futures.

Read the full story here: https://www.freshwatercleveland.com/features/Renewed-Hope-For-Recovery-YMCA-Of-Greater-Cleveland-Unveils-7-Million-Y-Haven-Renovation-Project_082725.aspx

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.

08/26/2025

We couldn’t be more honored to celebrate Rose Scotland, who turned 100 years old on August 25, 2025—and what did she want to do for her centennial? Keep teaching!

For 20 years, Rose has brought energy and compassion to the Hillcrest YMCA in Lyndhurst, leading her “Hinges and Twinges” aquatics class for seniors and folks with mobility challenges—starting her instructor career at age 80!

It all started when she nearly drowned in Lake Erie as a teen. Determined not to be held back, Rose went to the YMCA downtown for swim lessons—and a lifelong love of teaching was born. Now, every Tuesday and Thursday, she continues to inspire at Hillcrest.

We asked her secret to 100 years of resilience and joy—and it’s beautifully simple: “Be kind. If the whole world would be kind to each other, oh what a wonderful world.”

Please join us in wishing Rose a wonderful birthday and thanking her for her kindness, strength, and unwavering dedication. 💙

Watch the full story here: https://www.cleveland19.com/2025/08/25/her-100th-birthday-lyndhurst-woman-shares-her-biggest-life-lesson/

Asked how she wanted to celebrate her 100th birthday on August 25th, Rose Scotland said she wanted to be at work.

08/22/2025

Honoring a Life, Saving Others

When tragedy struck at Lakeview Park, Mary Smink Worthy chose to honor her friend, Jordan “Juice” Kadi, by creating something positive. Through T-shirt sales and a generous donation from APG&E Cares, funds were raised to provide swim lessons at our West Park YMCA.

Swimming is more than recreation—it’s a life-saving skill. Thanks to this effort, children and adults in our community will gain water safety knowledge that could prevent future tragedies.

We are grateful to Mary and APG&E for turning grief into hope and honoring Juice’s memory in such a meaningful way. Read about Mary's generosity here:

Mary Smink Worthy, of Lorain, raised funds to pay for swimming lessons at the West Park YMCA in memory of her friend, who drowned at Lakeview Park beach in June.

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

08/21/2025

Is your little one ready to discover, grow, and prepare for kindergarten? YMCA Preschools are now open for fall registration!

📍 Locations:
- Warrensville Heights YMCA
- West Park-Fairview YMCA
- Vermilion YMCA

Our programs focus on early literacy, STEM, social-emotional learning, and more—all aligned with Ohio’s standards. Secure your child’s spot today and watch them thrive!

Register today:https://bit.ly/4lCRNhU

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

August is Make-A-Will Month, the perfect time to create your legacy. When planning your estate, consider including the YMCA of Greater Cleveland to ensure future generations have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Your gift today can shape tomorrow!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4fOk7wD

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.

08/04/2025

📚✏️ Supporting Students. Strengthening Community.

We were proud to partner with Lorain City Schools for the Stuff the Bus event on August 2 at the Lorain Walmart—and we’re not done yet! 🎒

Through our new collaboration, we’re now offering Y-Club before and after school care for all Lorain elementary students at Stevan Dahanos and Admiral King Elementary Schools. Families who register will receive free book bags filled with school supplies, including many of the items most requested by teachers.

As district funding changes, we’re stepping up to ensure kids have what they need to succeed—both in and out of the classroom. Join us again on August 9 at Walmart and August 10 at the Mexican Mutual Society for more back-to-school support!

Read the full story here:

Lorain City Schools, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, hosted a Stuff the Bus event Aug. 2 at the Lorain Walmart, 4380 N Leavitt Road, as part of new programming for the 2025-2026 …