Patchogue YMCA Grows Through First Year

Since its in September 2010 the has been serving families and individuals of all ages, from more than 30 communities, in a diverse array of health, fitness and educational capacities.

Over 16,500 members have joined the fitness and community center thus far, and it is expanding every day as more and more people discover all that this local gem has to offer.

"It's huge. Since the day we opened more and more people come in. I'm still giving tours, and it's a year later," said Patchogue resident Adam Contreras, 29, the YMCA's program director.

The Patchogue YMCA recently held a and Anniversary Celebration, which gave even more families an opportunity to receive information on living a healthy lifestyle while getting the chance to tour the impressive site.

Robin Dobias, 36, Medford, visited the center for the first time at the expo and was impressed.

“I was impressed.  It's not what I expected.  There are so many different things to do, and so many different programs,” Dobias said.

Sam Greenblatt, 23, who works with Dr. Angelo Biase in Patchogue, said the YMCA has allowed him to interact with residents to promote his business by giving free chair massages.

“It's a good way to get to know the community.  I could put a bunch of ads out, but you're not meeting people face to face," Greenblatt said.

The facility's pre-school director, Tina Norbut, 30, said the pre-school program started out last year with just 11 students, and this fall has 126 two, three and four-year-olds enrolled.

"We have a lot of new people who are interested in joining childcare and pre-school," said Norbut, adding "I can't believe we've been opened for a whole year — it's crazy."

Donna Boyle, executive director, said that while she was very optimistic about the venture, it has gone beyond even her high hopes for what was possible.

"We knew it would be a success, but it even exceeded these expectations,” Boyle said. “The community has come behind us, and it really is like a community center. You see everybody here. Even people in the community volunteer here."

The civic-minded facility has given out over $232,000 in assistance so far, to people who couldn't otherwise afford to participate in the programs offered.

These funds are generated from fundraisers such as a golf outing, events like the recent Health and Wellness Expo and the annual Sports Campaign, where employees and members of the community solicit donations.

During Tropical Storm Irene, the Patchogue YMCA opened up its doors to anybody without power. Those without electricity were able to take a hot shower, use the wireless internet connection and charge up their cell phones.

"We got a lot of 'thank you's' for that," Boyle said.

The YMCA also has a free afterschool program for teenagers draws between 40 and 60 kids a day, who get to play sports, receive homework assistance and interact with their peers in a safe environment instead of being left home alone unsupervised.