Pike County YMCA asks for community support with annual campaign

For nearly a quarter of a century, the Pike County YMCA has offered services to the community that make it a gathering place for those who utilize the facility and services provided.

In the past couple years many changes have been made to the building and the management at the facility to expand and provide those services.

Joey Kuntz, a 2010 Waverly High School graduate, became the interim executive director in late 2022 and officially was named the executive director in January 2024.

Kuntz has worked at the YMCA off and on for 16 years and is now tasked with leading the Pike County Y into the future.

Kuntz unknowingly started his YMCA career by working as a lifeguard while he was still in high school. After high school graduation, he attended Otterbein University to play football and studied Health Promotion and Fitness.

Returning to the YMCA, Kuntz implemented personal training and the “Boot Camp” fitness class. Then he was asked to be the Aquatics and Wellness Director, which led into Sports Director. In addition, Kuntz has also worked in the Before and After School programs.

Kuntz completed the YMCA Leadership Academy. He has also been learning under Steve Clever, CEO of the Ross County YMCA.

“Steve has been super. He’s CEO of the Year for Ohio. I’m grateful for that opportunity to learn from him. It is very beneficial,” Kuntz said.

“It doesn’t ever feel like a job. There’s no other place that I know of where you get to make connections with two-year-olds all the way to 100-year-olds. The Y to me has always felt like my second home and second family. Now to be at the forefront of it is awesome.”

According to a press release, the Pike County YMCA completed a $2 million capital renovation which included a complete remodel of the fitness center, updating the pool system, a new chiller and HVAC system, and creating a new lobby. All funds from the renovation were provided by generous community and business donors.

Improvements to the pool began in the filter room with a new filtration system, along with new lighting, an exhaust fan and a dehumidifier. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) for the facility was upgraded with boilers, circulating pumps, air handlers, temperature controllers, ducts and dampers, hot water boilers and a chiller. The fitness center received all new synthetic flooring as well as all new equipment.

Lighting was improved around the facility on the exterior, in the lobby and hallways, and the gym. The lobby was renovated with new flooring, paint, a new wall, new furniture and a coffee bar. Ceiling tiles were replaced in the halls, locker rooms and bathrooms. Security cameras around the facility provide additional safety. New doors were installed, including two entry doors with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) auto entry and a steel door.

Another change was swapping the “Kid Fit” room (fitness room with smaller equipment that kids can use) and the childcare room within the facility. The new child watch room is much larger, offering more room for children, toys, books and more. Child watch is offered at no additional cost when a staff member is available to do so. The room is also open for free play when the YMCA is open.

The Pike County YMCA has begun its latest annual campaign, asking those who are willing and able to donate financially. The total campaign goal is $280,000. The purpose of the campaign is to upgrade the facility so everyone can have access to all services provided by the YMCA.

“We are a 501 ©(3) non-profit. We’re not a big corporation,” Kuntz said. “We do need the support of the community to even exist.

According to the press release provided by Kuntz, the YMCA serves Pike County through essential child care services, subsidized memberships for those in need, life saving swim lessons and community safety programs. These programs continue thanks to the invaluable support of the individuals and businesses in Pike County. The YMCA is striving to raise the funds to continue to meet these vital community needs.

In 2023, the YMCA served nearly 300 children in the child care and summer day camp programs. Additionally, over 470 families are served by subsidized membership. The Y also serves 371 senior members, including through the Silver Sneakers program. Through 2023, the YMCA sincerely appreciates the decades of community support, and looks forward to continuing to partner with Pike County to strengthen the health, youth development, and opportunities for children and families.

The Pike County YMCA is asking all who can to donate to the annual campaign. Donations can be made in person at the YMCA, online at www.pikecountyymca.org, or by calling the Y at (740) 947-8862. If you have any questions or wish to learn more, email jkuntz@pikecountyymca.org.