As the La Porte County Family YMCA continues to grow, so does their need for usable space and more efficient facility features. The newly resurrected Elston Advisory Board began exploring what options are available to accommodate the growing YMCA Branch, with a current membership base of 2,250 members. The YMCA has contracted FourSquare Research, Inc., a market research company that has performed over 800 studies for YMCAs and non-profit organizations throughout the United States. The YMCA sought alternative funding for the feasibility study, which they received in the form of a matching grant from the Unity Foundation of La Porte County, and private donors. To date, the Y has raised $31,000 of the $38,000 needed to fund the study. The study will help determine the potential impact a new YMCA facility could have on our community. The YMCA is asking for community support to fund the remainder of the study. Donations will be matched dollar for dollar now until October 31st, up to $8,000.00. The current YMCA facility opened in the old Elston School building in 2014, where membership has grown from 1,000 members just 4 years ago, to over 2,200 today. The Michigan City Area Schools continues to be a wonderful partner with the YMCA. As we look to the future, this is a natural movement to better serve our community. “The Michigan City Elston facility is making great strides to becoming an invaluable part of the community. This study is an amazing opportunity to help determine the needs going forward, and the potential for growth” said Jenilee Haynes Peterson, Director of Grants and Development Operations. Haynes Peterson has been working with the Elston Advisory Board to launch the feasibility study campaign, led by Board member Mike Walker. “It’s important to explore the possibility of a new facility. Our community, especially our senior and juvenile population, needs a healthy outlet that is accessible to all. If Michigan City is going to be a thriving, growing community, we need to cultivate a YMCA that will serve the community for generations” said Mike Walker, Advisory Board Member. The YMCA would like to thank those who have already pledged their support to the campaign, including Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Harbour Trust, and Horizon Bank. For more information on the Feasibility Study, and how you can get involved, please visit https://shorturl.at/qrtOT