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NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (March 31, 2008) - The Greater Indianapolis
YMCA is offering family members of state National Guardsmen an
affordable way to stay active and healthy while their loved ones
are deployed.
The organization has created "Operation Indiana Partners," which
allows the families of deployed Indiana National Guardsmen to enjoy
free memberships.
"We want to make sure their families have lots of positive
activities during these difficult times," said Eric Ellsworth,
president and chief executive officer of Greater Indianapolis YMCA
during a recent news conference at the YMCA's Fishers, Ind.,
branch.
Operation Indiana Partners and the Greater Indianapolis YMCA got
favorable reviews from Indiana's adjutant general, Army Maj. Gen.
R. Martin Umbarger.
"This is really a special day for us in the Indiana National
Guard," he said. "The YMCA has stepped up and offered free
memberships to National Guard families. We hope all our families
take the opportunity and take advantage of the YMCA's
generosity."
Participating facilities also are offered up to two hours of
free child care during specified time periods. That's time for
mothers like Colleen Curtis to get away for at least a little
while.
"I think mostly it helps with him," she said, referring to her
son, Jaxon. "It gives me a break to have 'me' time. I just want to
say how awesome this is. The overwhelming support is amazing."
New YMCA members taking advantage of the program know that
little things can make a difference.
"As a military wife, it's very hard with a loved one being gone,
and this definitely helps," said Guard spouse Ashley Witt. "It made
my day. Things like this can really change your mood. It's the
little things like this that can make the families happy."
About 43 facilities throughout Indiana participate in Operation
Indiana Partners, according to YMCA's Web site. Though the years,
the YMCA has tended to the needs of servicemembers, prisoners of
war and civilians through some of the country's most turbulent
times of war and poverty.
The organization established an armed services department in
September 1898, and in 1902, YMCA facilities were built on military
bases. In 1903, special training was made available for the Army
and Navy. By 1914, there were 31 military YMCAs and 180 traveling
libraries, allowing almost a quarter of a million men to stay in
dormitories.
During World War II, the YMCA gave aid to about 6 million
prisoners of war from 36 different countries.
Today, the YMCA still offers its support by lending
servicemembers and families an opportunity to participate in
structured and positive activities, ensuring emotional and
financial preservation.
"This is just one way to help our brave men and women who serve
in the National Guard," Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman said.
Editor's Note: Military families can also avail
themselves of the Defense Department's America Supports You
program, which highlights home-front groups across the nation that
are providing a variety of services and support to troops and their
families. A listing of these groups and information about their
efforts is available at www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
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