Chattanooga Celebrates the Grand Opening of the James A. Henry Community YMCA
On a bright and cheerful Thursday morning, the wonderful city of Chattanooga came together to celebrate a milestone achievement—the grand opening of the brand-new James A. Henry Community YMCA. Located at 3500 Dodds Ave, this revitalized facility marks a new chapter, moving from its previous home at 460 Dodson Ave. The event was filled with smiles and a hopeful atmosphere as city officials, community partners, and staff gathered to mark the occasion.
A New Era for the YMCA
The newly renovated YMCA isn’t just a building; it’s a beacon of hope and resources for the community. It boasts upgraded equipment, a full commercial kitchen, ample office space, and plenty of activity space for various programs. One standout feature is the teaching kitchen, designed specifically for community nutrition education and workforce development.
Baron Herdelin-Doherty, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, expressed immense excitement about the opening: “Today is an important step of our five-year plan, Vision 2028, as we complete a capital campaign project and open our doors to serving more children and families in our community in providing them with nutritional options.” He went on to share that the new facility aims for the ambitious goal of reaching 50% more people by 2028.
Combatting Hunger in the Community
Year after year, the YMCA makes a significant impact by preparing, packing, and distributing a staggering 300,000 meals to children at a whopping 80 sites across the region. The J. A. Henry Community YMCA continues this vital work with its Summer Food and After School programs, delivering thousands of meals daily. Additionally, their Early Childhood Nutrition Program ensures that fresh meals are available at the YMCA’s three preschool sites in the area.
As Paula Irwin, the executive director of the J. A. Henry Community Y, pointed out, “One out of ten people in our region is facing food insecurity, and the Y is part of the solution in reducing hunger among children in our community.” The enthusiasm is palpable as they look forward to expanding operations and reaching even more kids.
More Than Just Meals
But wait, there’s more! The facility will also bolster programs that take to the streets to serve those in need. The Mobile Market brings groceries to food deserts, and Mobile Fit ensures that meals and activities reach schools, parks, and housing sites. Carol Hunter, from the City of Chattanooga Department of Community Development, couldn’t agree more: “The YMCA continues to be a strong partner in fighting hunger across the City of Chattanooga.”
The new YMCA is not just about food; it also provides health education. The Food Rx program offers an engaging 8-week class focused on plant-based nutrition education aimed at improving lives and health. And it doesn’t stop there — the facility features a dedicated space staffed by Wellpoint Tennessee associates to assist community members in navigating healthcare resources and social services.
Building Stronger Connections
“At Wellpoint, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live healthy, fulfilling lives,” said Natalie Cooper, president of Wellpoint Tennessee. With this new initiative, they are successfully breaking down barriers, helping individuals connect with their health benefits, and offering personalized support in a warm and welcoming environment.
The opening ceremony also highlighted the significance of community support. Volunteers, donors, and partners have made this ambitious project possible. The teaching kitchen, funded through a grant from the State of Tennessee, will offer practical cooking and nutrition lessons to youth, families, and seniors.
A Bright Future Ahead
With all these exciting programs and partnerships, the James A. Henry Community YMCA is set to become a cornerstone of health, nutrition, and community engagement in Chattanooga. The vibrant atmosphere of the grand opening was just a glimpse into what the future holds for the Y and the residents it serves.
This hub is genuinely a welcoming place where everyone can come together, learn, grow, and thrive. Here’s to a healthier and happier Chattanooga!
