The Lima Y and the Health Partners of Western Ohio (HPWO) have teamed up to offer the Empower Project to minority women to help combat a leading health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the 15.7 million people with diabetes in the United States, more than half are women. Additionally, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is at least 2-4 times higher among minority women than among white women.

Thanks to a grant from the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, the Project uses peer mentors and education classes to help minority women reduce the risk factors of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life. The inaugural group of 17 women recently began the program. Together they participate in classes at the health center, learning more about nutrition, healthy behaviors, and life-long habits for better health. Peer mentors who have successfully managed their diabetes provide motivation and real-life testimony to help the women achieve their goals.

Teens gather at the new AMP (Aspirations Made Possible) Teen Center at the Y Annex to receive homework help, participate in teen leadership programs, and just hang out in a comfortable and safe environment. Free to all middle and high school students in Allen County, the center seeks to give students the skills they need to realize their full potential, all while having fun.

“I’m really excited about our Robotics program,” said Heather Graham, Director of Teen Leadership Development. “This is the first year that middle schoolers can participate, as well as the high schoolers. The kids have such great imaginations and are really talented. We’d love to see more community volunteers who are interested in science, engineering, or just learning about robotics with the kids.”

The Lima Family Y is pleased to welcome the 2011 inductees to the Triangle of Honor: Harry Shutt and Joe Fassett.

The Triangle of Honor recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of the Y, its mission and impact on the community.

The Lima Family YMCA is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Graham as Director of Teen Leadership Development Programs, Jennifer Parker as Director of Aquatic Programs and Jacob Klay as Lead Aquatic Specialist.

At the Y, we know that our community is stronger—and healthier—when we work together. That’s why we are so encouraged by our recent selection to join the national Y’s Pioneering Healthier Communities (PHC) initiative. “The purpose of the PHC Initiative is to educate and engage community leaders regarding the important role that policy, environment and community design have on health outcomes,” said Jerry Courtney, Lima Y CEO. “We have a great group of people and organizations working together to make positive changes in our community.”

Lima YMCA President & CEO, Jerry Courtney and Janis Sunderhaus, CEO of Health Partners of Western Ohio will be team coaches that will lead the community’s efforts. Others involved include:

You might have seen them in their lime green shirts at Rally in the Square. Or maybe you noticed the city’s landscaping looks a little extra tidy. You can thank some of the men from the YMCA Annex.

The Annex has taken on a new life as a shelter for homeless single men and as a collaborative center for nonprofit organizations. Currently, the Annex has 66 rooms for homeless men, many of whom are veterans.