[Charlotte, NC – March 28, 2017] – Since 1960, the Dowd YMCA has served as Charlotte’s front porch, welcoming new neighbors to the community and helping Charlotteans make lasting personal and social change in their lives and in the community. On Tuesday, April 4, the Y will further expand its reach and its welcome with a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the next phase of the Dowd YMCA. The groundbreaking ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m.

“The Y is so much more than a gym,” said Dowd YMCA Executive Director Joe Angelon. “The Dowd YMCA brings more than 15,000 people of all ages and backgrounds together in meaningful and transformative ways. Every day, members share how proud they are to be part of the organic community that happens here. Expanding and renovating our facility will allow us to better connect communities and increase social capital in Charlotte.”

The groundbreaking ceremony will include reflections from YMCA president and CEO Todd Tibbits as well as recognition of funders who have collectively contributed $14.3 million to the project to date.

The Dowd YMCA’s expansion includes a 40,000 square foot, two-level addition and activated rooftop that will extend the facility to Morehead Street. This expansion will help the Dowd YMCA address public health concerns to an estimated 20,000 new people. Currently, one out of every four Dowd members has a household income below $30,000. By expanding its reach, the Y works to remove the barriers individuals face as they pursue better health for themselves and their families.

In March the Y announced the next evolution in its partnership with Carolinas HealthCare System. Together, the organizations will address the health disparities and social determinants that disproportionately affect many of the region’s citizens and communities. As part of this partnership, CHS will have a clinical presence inside of the new Dowd expansion.  Renovation of the existing building will result in new group exercise studios, enhanced community spaces and the creation of the Center for Social Innovation. The Center will facilitate the exchange of ideas and the development of effective and sustainable solutions by providing co-working space for social mission entrepreneurs and tools and technology to engage and mobilize volunteers to amplify impact.   The Y expects to complete construction by the end of 2018.

About the YMCA of Greater Charlotte
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte, comprised of 19 membership locations and two resident camps, engages approximately 274,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the community for 140 years, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.ymcacharlotte.org