09 Aug The YMCA of Greater Kansas City Receives $150,000 Grant from the Hearst Foundation

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City recently received a grant for $150,000 from the Hearst Foundation to support the construction of the Downtown Y/Kirk Family Community Center, providing 8,000 individuals in downtown Kansas City with health and wellness programs and services, including community-integrated health care provided by a major medical partner.

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City will construct the Downtown Y/Kirk Family Community Center (“Downtown Y”). It will offer state-of-the-art wellness facilities, a natatorium, a teaching kitchen, a lobby/community commons and intergenerational spaces, and space dedicated for a major medical partner.

This project will bring the full range of Y’s services with the addition of a one-of-a-kind health care clinic operated by Truman Medical Center (TMC) to downtown Kansas City in the Central Business District for the first time in 36 years. It will serve as a model project, creating unique partnerships between health care providers, public schools, and other community organizations to form an integrated health care system. It will serve 8,000 individuals (over 3,750 households) who join the Y as members. Hundreds of nonmembers with limited financial resources will also benefit from health care services.

Founded in 1860 as the seventh Y in North America, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City has over 158 years of experience in meeting the holistic needs of residents of all ages. Since its inception, the Y has been more than simply a place to exercise. The Y changes lives by helping children connect to caring adults through sports and youth development programs; by helping people of all ages develop healthy eating and active lifestyles to improve their quality of life; and by providing opportunities to connect with others and serve the community.