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Last updated on March 19, 2008

Duneland Family YMCA's mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Description:
The Duneland Family YMCA is committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. We are also in partnership with the Duneland School Corporation and Geminus Headstart! The Duneland Family YMCA understands the challenges that are unique to early adolescents and teens. It is our mission to provide a safe place for the youth and families or our area. We have developed a youth center that is open 5 days per week for specified age groups. We are committed to meeting the needs of the Duneland community by offering various programs that are fun for everyone.

History:
The YMCA was founded in London, England in 1844 by George Williams to save young men from the wicked life on the London streets. The "Young Men's Christian Association" has always been nonsectarian and today accepts those of all faiths at all levels of the organization. The first U.S. YMCA started in Boston in 1851 and finally admitted women and girls to full membership after World War II.

The Duneland YMCA was established in February 1966 as the "Westchester Branch" of the Porter County YMCA. The project was initiated by the Chesterton Junior Women's Club to provide "year round recreation for all ages, a lasting project that can be expanded with the right professional guidance." With its headquarters in the Thomas School (now the site of the Thomas Branch of the Westchester Public Libary), the YMCA hosted programs such as the "Muscleman's Club," Air Rible Club, Guitar Club and gymnastics. Even then, they Y's focus was on the family with programs for all ages, ranging from preschool to seniors.

The Westchester YMCA moved to its current location at 215 Roosevelt Street in 1972 and incorporated itself as the Duneland YMCA in 1977. In 1981, a building addition shaped the YMCA's current form for the gym area, earning honors as one of the top five athletic buildings built in the U.S. that year.

Contact people:

Kym Groceman, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Cortney Coram, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (219) 926-2603

Address:

215 Roosevelt St. Chesterton, IN 46304 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.dunelandymca.org

Directions:

From S.R. 49 take Porter Avenue to the West. Turn right at the first road (Roosevelt st.) Continue on Roosevelt 3 blocks North, YMCA is on the right side of street.

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