A request for $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to assist the YWCA of Northwest Indiana will be moving forward.
The Ways & Means Committee Tuesday discussed the request and the timeline needed before the funds can be released to the entity,
Council Vice President Tai Adkins, D-4th, said the YWCA first came before the council April 5 to request the assistance. She said the YWCA has been a cornerstone of the community and the 4th District for more than 100 years. It is also home to the only operating pool in the city,
“During the COVID pandemic they did take a substantial hit,” Adkins said. The agency lost revenue and is in need of help to modernize and update the facilities and mechanical systems.
Karen Jones, executive director of the YWCA, said they would like to replace the roof, convert the interior and exterior lighting to LED and repainting the gym. All of the mechanical systems in the building are at least 22 years old. Jones said they need to repair or replace those systems.
“Our need is very great, and of the things that we would like to do, of course the pool is very, very important to us,” Jones said, adding the pool also needs work and modernization.
Jones said the YWCA recently entered a partnership with the Gary Community School Corp. to provide after school programming. Summer camp programs and swimming lessons will soon begin. Jones said they need to ensure the air conditioner works for the summer programming.
“We want to continue offering the citizens of Gary the very best services we can,” Jones said.
Councilman Ron Brewer D-At Large, said he was in support of providing the funding. He requested an itemized list of the repairs and purchases along with the cost.
Councilwoman Mary Brown, D-5th, lauded the agency for its work.
“I’m so proud of what you have been able to accomplish at the Y,” Brown said.
The ordinance will be presented at the June 7 meeting of the common council. A public hearing on the request will take place at the June 21 council meeting before final approval is expected.
Carrie Napoleon is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
