Lei Zhang Shanbhag
The YMCA in Champaign is far more than just a place to work out. It’s a gathering space, a support network, and in many ways, a heartbeat for the community. On any given day, you might see teenagers shooting hoops in the gym, a seniors’ group sharing coffee after a water aerobics class, parents chatting while their kids learn to swim, and volunteers coaching young athletes in basketball. The energy is palpable.
When Mingming (Senior Editor of the Champaign Chinese Magazine) and I sat down with the YMCA’s Executive Director, Jeff Scott, it became immediately clear that the vision for this organization extends far beyond exercise equipment and workout schedules. “We are a Christian-principled organization. Our mission has always been about spirit, mind, and body. You treat others as you’d like to be treated… We are here for everyone.” Jeff told us. “Yes, fitness is important, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. We’re here to connect people, provide resources, and create opportunities for growth.”
Brief history of our YMCA
The present YMCA started in Champaign in 1926. But it took a very long time to get a permanent building, which was originally built in 1938 in downtown Champaign called the “McKinley Memorial YMCA.” It was made possible by an initial gift by William B. McKinley, augmented by gifts from one thousand and eighty nine citizens of Champaign County.
Fast forward 70 years, and we opened this Y in 2012 due to the need for more space. We needed a new pool, and the community was moving this direction.
The Carle Foundation donated the land, so we built the YMCA on it. The Stephens family gave the lead gift and led the philanthropic efforts. There were lots of other people, maybe as many as 250 families that participated in the capital campaign, which raised $18 million back then.
Growth and the challenge of space
In the last six years, the YMCA’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2017, its revenue stood at $4.5 million. This year, projections are close to $8.3 million. “It’s exciting,” the Director said. “But success brings its own set of challenges—mainly, space.” Right now, the facility is operating near capacity. Adding new programs often means taking time away from existing gym or studio use, which can frustrate members.
One short-term solution has been the addition of a secondary workout space that offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. For just $5 extra per month per household, members gain 24/7 access—ideal for night owls or early risers. “It’s been a hit with people who don’t want to navigate the peak-hour crowds,” the Director noted.
Still, the real solution lies in expansion. Plans are already drawn for a significant addition to the main facility. The concept is to build onto the current site, which eliminates the need to hire a completely new staff. This strategic approach would maximize resources while significantly increasing the Y’s capacity.
To meet this goal, the YMCA is pursuing a multi-pronged fundraising strategy, drawing on state government support, individual donors, corporate partners, and contributions from the organization’s own reserves. “We’re hoping that some families will step forward with legacy gifts—investments in the future of this community,” the Director said.
Beyond the main building – Reaching out
A cornerstone of the YMCA’s mission is accessibility. “Not everyone can get here, and not everyone can afford it,” the Director said. That’s where outreach programs like “Y on the Fly” come in. This mobile initiative delivers after-school and summer camp experiences directly into underserved neighborhoods. Staff and volunteers set up tents, bring games and sports equipment, serve meals, and collaborate with local partners to create a vibrant, supportive environment for kids.
The YMCA also operates an 8,000-square- foot facility at Springfield and Kenwood intersection dedicated to after-school programs for elementary and middle school students. Most offerings there are free, removing financial barriers for families. “It’s a safe place to go, a place where kids can just be kids while learning and growing,” the Director emphasized.
Building community through employment and volunteering
The YMCA is a significant local employer. During the school year, around 340 people work for the Y; in the summer, that number jumps to 453, with seasonal hires supporting summer camps and expanded programming. While most positions are part-time, the organization employs 25 full-time staff members.
Volunteers play an equally vital role. Most serve as youth sports coaches, particularly in basketball, which draws more than 700 children annually. “We couldn’t run our programs without volunteers,” the Director said. “They bring passion, energy, and a personal touch that makes all the difference.”
Investing in modern facilities
A major investment came last August, when the YMCA replaced all the second-floor strength training equipment—an undertaking that cost about $150,000. “The old equipment was over 12 years old and starting to rust,” the Director admitted. The upgrade included the addition of the EGYM system, an advanced, fully automated circuit training program that personalizes workouts for each member. “It’s been a game changer for retention,” Jeff explained. “One YMCA in Indiana told us it was their number one retention tool, so we knew we had to bring it here.”
Stories that illustrate the mission
Numbers and programs are important, but stories bring the YMCA’s impact to life. The Director recalled a recent incident involving a preschooler whose grandparents came to pick him up. Because they weren’t on the approved list and spoke only Chinese, the staff struggled to communicate. “We quickly found a bilingual member who could translate,” the Director said. “It all worked out, but it reminded us that we need to keep building stronger connections with our Chinese community, as well as other communities.”
That connection is already growing. Many Chinese students, especially graduate students from the nearby university, choose the YMCA for its welcoming atmosphere and location off campus. “Some prefer us to the campus gyms because it feels more like a community space,” the Director noted.
A hub for wellness of mind and spirit
The YMCA’s commitment to holistic health is evident in its wide range of programs, including Aquatics, Active Older Adults, Birthday Party & Event Rentals, Child Care, EGYM, Health & Fitness, Homeschool Programs, Knit & Crochet Club, Sports & Recreation, and Y on the Fly. Our 150 weekly group fitness classes range from cardio, resistance training, yoga, pilates, and dance to tai chi, meditation, indoor cycling, and even ballet.
The YMCA also offers many non-fitness programs. Support groups for dementia caregivers, book clubs, grief counseling, and survivor networks all meet regularly within its walls. “These programs are just as important as our fitness classes,” the Director said. “They address the mental and emotional well- being of our members.”
For details about the programs, please visit: https://www.sf-ymca.net/
Looking toward the future As we wrapped up our conversation, the Director’s passion for the YMCA’s role in the community was unmistakable. “If you imagine this town without the YMCA, you quickly realize how many people would lose a safe space, a support system, and a sense of belonging,” he reflected. With ambitious expansion plans and a clear commitment to inclusion, the YMCA is poised to continue its mission for decades to come.
Jeff’s family’s strong link to our Chinese community
Here are Jeff’s words on his family: “Our daughter was adopted when she was 9 months old, and now she is 20 years old. Her Chinese name is Guo Xiaohong. Her orphanage was in Beihai City. Because the director of the orphanage had the surname Guo, all of the children there were given the surname Guo.
My wife once performed a qipao fashion show at the Chinese New Year Gala about 10 years ago, at Lincoln Square Mall. Last year, my daughter Ella performed a solo song at the same gala. Sometimes, we also go to Chicago to participate in Chinese community events. We also get together with four of my daughter’s orphanage sisters and their adoptive families in Wisconsin.”
The one-hour conversation with YMCA Executive Director Jeff Scott concluded in an atmosphere filled with warmth and optimism. Though brief, the candid and forward-looking exchange deepened mutual understanding and painted a vivid vision for the future, leaving us inspired and full of anticipation for what lies ahead.
Lei Zhang Shanbhag is a group fitness instructor at the YMCA for Zumba, Ballet, and Yoga. She lives in Champaign.