Lexmark Newsroom

Lexington, KY (May 13, 2014) — The YMCA of Central Kentucky has announced plans to expand its presence in the Lexington market. The proposed plan includes expanding the existing North Lexington Family YMCA to accommodate a growing population, as well as the need for additional programs and services in that area. The 161-year-old non-profit also is resuming its plans to build a new Y facility in the underserved Hamburg area. 

“There are many areas of our community that currently are underserved,” said David Martorano, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Kentucky. “We’re so much more than a swim and gym. We offer important programs such as afterschool care, summer camp, youth sports and healthy living services that aren’t readily affordable or accessible elsewhere. We feel it is important to provide our services where they are needed most.” 

The expansion at the North Lexington Family Y will be made possible by a $1.5 million matching gift from Lexington-based Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK). Watch the video from Lexmark detailing the gift. The Y aims to raise the additional $1.5 million matching funds by the end of the year. Once the matching funds have been secured, the Y can begin work on an expansion that will include an additional 3,500 square feet of fitness and wellness space, as well as added space for healthy living programs such as Livestrong and Diabetes Prevention. 

Martorano added, “The entire Newtown Pike corridor is growing and the Y is excited to be a part of that important resurgence.” 

Concurrently, the Y will resume its plans to build a new Y facility in the Hamburg area. Several years ago, the Y announced plans to build a facility in Hamburg, but suspended efforts when the global economic crisis impacted fundraising locally. 

“In 2009, we hit the pause button on the Hamburg project but it is time to resume those efforts,” Martorano said. “There is a tremendous need in that area for healthy living programming as well as youth development programs. The Y is uniquely positioned to offer all of those services under one roof. We are able to grow our presence, while concurrently positively impacting lives. And, we won’t have to turn anyone away due to the inability to pay. That’s important because everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.” 

In 2013, the YMCA of Central Kentucky gave away more than $1 million in financial assistance to deserving families. 

 “We are proud to be able to support the YMCA of Central Kentucky in its efforts to strengthen our community, particularly the north side of Lexington, which is home to Lexmark’s global headquarters,” said Jeri Isbell, vice president of human resources for Lexmark. “The YMCA brings innumerable health and wellness benefits to our employees and their families, as well as thousands of others in the area. It is important to us that Lexmark be a major contributor toward improving quality of life for everyone in the communities where our employees live and work.”

Located on West Loudon Avenue, the North Lexington Family Y opened in 2000. Currently, it serves a diverse membership base comprised of 5,550 active members. In addition to its health and wellness offerings, the North Lexington Family Y is home to several signature programs including those combating chronic disease. Livestrong at the Y helps cancer patients regain their strength physically and emotionally following treatment while the Diabetes prevention program helps people at risk for Type 2 Diabetes make changes in their nutrition and lifestyle. 

The North Lexington Family Y also is home to the YMCA Black Achievers program. Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, the YMCA Black Achievers program has graduated more than 8,000 high school seniors and awarded more than $10 million in college scholarships. 

The YMCA of Central Kentucky

The YMCA of Central Kentucky has been serving Lexington and the surrounding area since 1853. The Y is for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility and provides programs that support the healthy development of people of all ages. Through the generous contributions of our donors, the YMCA of Central Kentucky provides financial assistance that enables all members of the community to enjoy YMCA programs, regardless of income. The YMCA of Central Kentucky operates three full facilities in Lexington, as well as program offices in Jessamine County and Scott County.