Ransburg YMCA scheduled to close in April INDIANAPOLIS (WISH)- For decades, the Ransburg YMCA has served families on Indianapolis’ east side offering everything from youth programs to fitness classes, but now the future of the location is uncertain. For many in the community, the Ransburg Y MCA is a cornerstone for the east side community, providing a safe place for kids, seniors and families to stay active and connected. Staff were notified that they are scheduled to close the week of April 3rd. “We’re not going down without a fight. You know? We’re going to go down swinging,” said Susie Cordi, Ransburg YMCA member. “It’s always been a nice place, I learned how to swim here when I was three years old, so it’s somewhere that’s always been a good place, and I want to see it stay,” said Deanna Walters, Ransburg YMCA member. A Ransburg board member says the location has had financial challenges over the past few years, and has been looking for community partnerships. “There was a lot of effort that went into that, a lot of hard work but within the time frame for an actual contract signing or MOU was just too quick, so now we’re looking for any partners who might want to come in. Anything from naming rights, one of the health systems in Central Indiana would be ideal,” said Vanessa Stiles, Ransburg YMCA volunteer center advisory board member. Stiles says the Ransburg YMCA needs $1 million dollars to continue operating for the rest of the year along with a long-term partnership. One of the biggest concerns members have is families getting affordable child care within the community. The nonprofit gets state vouches to pay for care. Indianapolis City-County Councilor Michael-Paul Hart says he’s working on possible solutions and partnerships within the community. “Specifically with the health-care providers in Marion County to provide another option utilizing all of those assets at the YMCA to provide something that is systematic and that works and keeps those doors open for everyone in Indy,” said Hart. Ransburg YMCA members will be alerted about the closure via email and given options concerning their membership. “It’s not just a building. We have a saying ‘you can belong anywhere, but at Ransburg you’re a family’, and we want to continue our family,” said Stiles. ...read more read less