Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The YMCA of Greater Michiana is permanently closing the South Bend-Mishawaka YMCA branch effective Tuesday.

“As we navigate the COVID-19 health crisis, we must reimagine how to best serve the greater Michiana community,” said Mark Weber, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Michiana. “This means our YMCA has made the very difficult decision to permanently close this branch.”

The Y plans to continue partnerships with area businesses and organizations to provide programming that falls into its areas of impact, such as youth development and community wellness. The closure of this facility will not be the end of the Y’s presence in St. Joseph County, according to YMCA officials.

“After extensive research and evaluation, we determined this physical location was not financially sustainable moving forward,” Weber said. “However, our work in the South Bend community is not done. We’re working on a business plan that will bring us wherever we are needed in the future.”

Local Y programs have continuously expanded outside of their physical locations, allowing them to serve the community in several ways, including working with local schools and meeting their needs for onsite before- and after-school programs that provide mentoring and a safe space for children, he said.

“While fitness centers are the face of the YMCA, we are uniquely capable of making an impact on the health and wellness of our community without a specific building or set of walls,” Weber said. “As a cause-driven organization, we only need passion, people, and commitment to continue serving and supporting our community.”

All South Bend-Mishawaka YMCA memberships will remain active through August at no charge. During this time, members may utilize alternate YMCA facilities including our Niles-Buchanan and Benton Harbor-St. Joseph branches upon their reopening. Additionally, Y membership gives holders access to most Ys nationwide.

The Y has been part of the South Bend and surrounding communities for more thann a century. Its current location of 1201 Northside Boulevard has housed the organization since 1964.