A History of Success

The YMCA of Mount Vernon, Ohio serves over 25,000 people each year through program and membership services. Our facilities were made possible over the years by the generous support of many local individuals and businesses. The outline of our progressive campaign is highlighted below. These campaigns helped mold the YMCA of Mount Vernon as one of the top small to mid-size YMCAs in the country. Most communities of 25,000 people do not even have a YMCA.

In the summer of 2003 we had completed the development and construction of our third location, a collaborative effort with the Centerburg Local Schools. This facility expanded the services we provide to an area that has been very supportive of the YMCA, and in need of a facility to accommodate more people in their community.

Planning, development and construction of our full facility at 103 North Main Street, Mount Vernon.

Renovations and facility and equipment upgrades to our main facility, and construction of outdoor athletic complex.

Donation of two and a half commercial lots and pledge by Richard and Arline Landers to plan and develop a campaign for the construction of a complex to expand services and programs for the YMCA $1,050,000.YMCA Sports Center Opens.    

Strategic plan developed with the assistance of a Community Leaders survey. Signed an agreement with Centerburg Local Schools on   construction of a Wellness Center.

The YMCA of Mount Vernon, Inc. was chartered in 1907. The General Secretary (now known as the Executive Director) at the time was E.H. Jesson. In the mid-nineteen hundreds, many of the rules to the YMCA were different then they are today. For example, no women were allowed in the facility and the men didn't where bathing suits when they swam. Isn't change good!?!

In 1965 the YMCA that we see today was constructed by very dedicated men and woman. The Executive Director at the time of this construction was Bob Denzer. Mr. Denzer is still a resident of this community. He contributions to the facility were nothing short of amazing. Through the efforts of Bob and his staff the YMCA of Mount Vernon was able to financially build an endowment of 1.2 million dollars.

In 1991 Mr. Denzer stepped down to enjoy his retirement. The Board of Trustees promoted Wayne Uhrig, a program director at the time, to the position of Executive Director. Under Mr. Uhrig's leadership, the YMCA was able to construct in short time, our Sports Center now located at 200 West Chestnut Street. Under Mr. Uhrig's tenure the Centerburg Wellness Center was also directed until it's sale in late 2006.

In 2006 the Board of Trustees named Nick Clark the Executive Director. He is the 8th director of the organization in it's 100 year history. We are excited to have Nick's energy and leadership back as the YMCA looks to continue its community heritage into the next decade.