On Monday, October 10th, the Family Y held the Ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony of its seventh facility in the CSRA, The Clear Channel House Family Y.
Clear Channel Radio previously operated administrative offices from the building and is now donating its use to The Family Y. The new building is located at 1147 Georgia Avenue in North Augusta.
“With a 147-year history of service in the CSRA, The Family Y is thrilled with the partnership with Clear Channel, providing us with a ready-made home to start a new Y in the North Augusta community,” said Danny McConnell, CEO/President of The Family Y. “We are excited that Clear Channel shares the vision of The Family Y in building strong kids, strong families and a stronger community.”
The new facility will offer a start-up fitness center including cardio and weight machines and daily group fitness classes. One of the first programs offered will be YMCA’s newest national health initiative called Activate America, a family-based fitness program designed to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Membership will be sold for the fitness center which includes scheduled on-site childcare for parents while working out.
Additional programs will evolve based on typical Family Y programs and unmet community needs. Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) will be offered in the coming months. The United Way’s Home Repair Initiative agency is also housed in the new facility.
“For more than 15-years, The Family Y has had a presence in the community through our Prime Time afterschool program in several North Augusta elementary schools,” said McConnell. “Through the years, there has been a great deal of interest in expanding to serve North Augusta and through our partnership with Clear Channel, that door has opened.”
The building was previously the sales office of Clear Channel Radio CSRA. When Clear Channel Vice President/General Manager Barry Kaye first saw the unused building, he knew it had great potential because of its location. It was his desire to address the needs and concerns of people on both sides of the Savannah River. After conversations about how to do this with both the United Way of the CSRA and of Aiken County, The Family Y was approached.
“Clear Channel Radio is the type of company who gives back on a global scale,” said Barry Kaye, Vice President/General Manager of Clear Channel Radio CSRA. “The Clear Channel House Family Y is our chance to continue the legacy of our stations of giving back on a local scale.”
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to serve the growing North Augusta community,“ says Danny McConnell, President/CEO of The Family Y. “Many residents of the area have previously participated in programs at other branches but this new facility will allow us to more conveniently serve those who live and work nearby.”
The charter partners in this endevor are Doctor's Hospital, The United Way of Aiken County, The Augusta Chronicle and WAGT TV26. If you click on the WAGT logo at the bottom of this newsletter, you'll be able to view the story that aired on the 10th.
The Family Y is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing programs and services designed to build healthy spirits, minds and bodies. Programs for all ages are offered, including: youth and adult fitness; daycare, after-school care and camps; aquatics lessons and fitness; adapted programs for the disabled; environmental education; and, youth sports. Financial assistance is available for all Family Y programs.
For more information about The Clear Channel House Family Y of North Augusta or any Family Y program, call 278-0882.
