After decades of building its programs to serve the community, the Island of Hawaii YMCA is taking its first steps toward expansion.
Gov. Josh Green recently released $600,000 for the YMCA to acquire a 1.8-acre lot adjacent to the nonprofit’s property at 1320 Kapiolani St. in Hilo.
The owner of the lot, Waiakea Baptist Bible Church, has agreed to sell it to the YMCA.
“Purchasing the property is first part of our strategic plan to enlarge the YMCA,” said Chief Executive Officer Wendy Botelho. “Six years ago, we didn’t have a lot of programs, and there wasn’t really a YMCA that could benefit the whole community. These programs are happening now, and we’ve used up all the closet space we have.
“In order for us to develop further and meet needs of the community, we needed to purchase land and build a community center.”
The community center will be the extended home of the YMCA where working families, seniors and youth will have a safe space to socialize, access resources and connect with peers.
The new building will triple the capacity for the YMCA’s programs and services, giving current and new programming more resources and room to grow.
“We want to eventually offer tutoring and life skill classes for kids and teens, develop a kupuna health program, and build ‘teen garage’ as a safe place for youth to feel welcomed,” Botelho said. “Being strategically located between two housing unit areas and the high schools, I know the community center would be of great use and would help keep youth safe.”
The initial $600,000 will be used to fund Phase 1 of the expansion, which includes purchasing the land and installing a metal chain-link fence that will be installed along Kapiolani Street.
Plans and designs for the building have not been made yet, but the YMCA is looking forward to starting the process of developing the space.
“This comes at a great time, because we are constantly expanding and meeting more people as the demographics of the population changes,” said Administrative Office Manager Martha Rodillas. “As an example, we had 11 new members sign up for the fitness center just (last) week.”
The Board of Directors recently decided the YMCA could start a capital campaign to raise funds throughout the next stage of planning and development.
According to Botelho, the YMCA also will be implementing an advisory board consisting of YMCA members and the community at large during the planning and design phase of the future community center.
“The community center will be here forever, so it’s not just a one person idea, but community idea. We want them to help us with ideas and look for the needs in the community,” Botelho said. “We don’t know what the future holds just yet, but the sky is the limit.”
The YMCA in Hilo has been serving the community for 40 years with programs that are aimed to benefit the most vulnerable populations such as keiki, kupuna and working families.
The current facility has an affordable fitness center, which has been upgraded with new machines and is open daily. It’s also used for the YMCA Junior Leaders Program, youth day camps and the Family Visitation Center.
As the YMCA expands, the organization will continue offering a positive environment for anyone looking to reach certain goals, make connections, or heal from the many challenges in life.
“This is a positive, neutral place where anyone and everyone is welcomed. It doesn’t matter who you are. Everyone is welcome here,” Rodillas said.
For more information about the Island of Hawaii YMCA and its programs and services, visit islandofhawaiiymca.org.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.