JEMI CHEW Staff Writer

When you walk through the door of the Telford YMCA, you are not just a number.

“ You are a person, we know about you, and we want to learn about you and your wants and your needs and try to help you achieve your goals,” CEO Jamee Carper said.

That is what makes the“ Y” so special – it is a space for the community that serves everyone’ s needs, from young to old.

And for some seniors, their childhood memories even began at the building where the YMCA is located.

“ These are people that either their parents went to high school here when it was Richmond High, or they went to the daycare here before it was torn down,” Carper said.“ Most of these people that are still coming in

these doors have been here and they have stayed, and I think that is a true testament of what we offer and that community focused mindset that we have.”

The services and programs that the YMCA provides are extensive.

There are over 40 group exercise classes throughout the whole week with different types of activities to suit various individual fitness goals including water programs, such as aqua arthritis, which helps to reduce arthritis pain.

Other programs include Pilates, yoga, Zumba, cycling, and even low impact cardio and toning classes for those looking to improve muscle strength without overstraining themselves.

The YMCA also provides after school care for students at Kit Carson Elementary, Kirksville Elementary, Boonesborough Elementary,

and Madison Kindergarten Academy.

Middle and high schoolers have access to the Achievers program, which is a college and career readiness program for historically marginalized youth. There are also upcoming youth leagues for basketball and volleyball in the summer.

Community events such as birthday parties and baptisms are welcome, and the homeless are allowed to use the showers and get a cup of coffee. In April, the YMCA will be hosting a banquet for the Achievers program and a 5K run / walk in May.

Now, they are also offering lifeguard instructor courses and CPR classes. And the list of programs and events keeps expanding.

In other words, the“ Y” does everything.

“ Richmond is a small town, so you have to be able to

provide services that you normally – if you were in a larger city – would have as multiple services,” Carper said.

Carper said the vision for the Telford YMCA was to be a community hub for all. And that means continuing to grow their programs and speaking with members of the community to tailor what the YMCA offers.

“ We have a lot of great staff that are willing to put in the work to make sure that these programs are running efficiently,” Carper said.“ We have a lot of volunteers as well that come in and help us. Everything we do here is community focused, and we couldn’ t do anything we do without the help of the community, our community partners, and just the amazing staff that we’ ve built here at the Y.”

Food service coordinator Kaitlyn Bowling, group

26 Community Guide 2026