Savannah’s West Broad Street Y Back in Good Standing

After a tough couple of years the West Broad Street Y is seeing better days.
You may remember back in 2005 the United Way pulled it’s funding. That move threatened their national accreditation with the Y. It also left them with barely any funding.
The building fell into disrepair and programs were cut.
Then the community stepped in to help, raising more than twenty five thousand dollars
Today the hard work of many has paid off.
News Three’s Community Reporter Alice Massimi was at the Y to hear some great news.

It’s important to note this YMCA isn’t just any Y.
This Y opened its doors in 1947, first as a USO for black soldiers and then as a YMCA for blacks during segregation. One of only 6 remaining heritage Y’s in the country it was even more important to save this one and after today it looks as though that will happen.
The Y-USA has informed the West Broad Y that their charter is no longer in jeopardy and that they’re once again a member in good standing.
For years they had been on conditional status, meaning it was believed they were not a sustainable organization and were not able to apply for grants and other support from the Y.
“This is the phoenix rising up from the ashes. Our organization that people had left for dead has been rejuvenated because the community decided to come together and work in the best interest for the entire community,” explains City of Savannah Alderman Van Johnson.
“We have 140 children here for summer camp that are all from this area. We area free lunch spot for 30 children we have them coming in any minute now, that’s part of the nutrition program the people in this area need access to resources,” says Peter Doliber the Executive Director of the West Board YMCA.
Now that the Y is in good standing the city has agreed to contribute seven hundred thousand dollars to help the Y make numerous repairs, such as a new rood and a new ac unit.
This fall they will also begin to offer infant to pre-k childcare and will expand afterschool programs.