Witham Family YMCA named as Center for Working Families site
BOONE COUNTY – United Way of Central Indiana announced Wednesday the expansion of its Center for Working Families network into Boone County through a new partnership with the Witham Family YMCA. Through the Center for Working Families model, the Witham Family YMCA will offer Boone County residents one-on-one coaching and resources to help them find better jobs, increase their income and build long-term financial stability.
Since 2015, United Way of Central Indiana has been the lead funder and administrator of the Center for Working Families network, often called CWF, in the region. The model was developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and has a proven track record of success validated by local and national evaluators.
The Witham Family YMCA becomes the 15th Center for Working Families site, joining sites in Hamilton, Hendricks, Marion and Morgan counties, and will begin enrolling participants in January 2027.
The need in Boone County is great: In 2024, out of a total of 28,738 households, 8,302 households were considered in poverty or ALICE, meaning they earned above the Federal Poverty Level but not enough to afford the basics of housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and technology. ALICE uses census data, which is 2 years in arrears, so 2024 is the most up to date national data available to the general population. Learn more about the ALICE data for Boone County.
“We’re proud to be Boone County’s first Center for Working Families site because it gives us one more way to be there for our neighbors,” said Zachary Boersema, executive director of the Witham Family YMCA. “Helping people build stability, find new opportunities and support their families is part of how we create a healthier, more equitable, more connected community.”
United Way has awarded the Witham Family YMCA a one-time $50,000 grant for start-up costs and a $50,000 annual award to support its Center for Working Families work. Located in Lebanon, the Witham Family YMCA provides wellness programming, youth development opportunities and community-based support services.
The Witham Family YMCA is part of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, which supports its workforce development efforts through an established network of centers. With existing community partnerships and workforce-focused initiatives already in place, the Witham Family YMCA was a natural fit for the Center for Working Families.
"We're excited to bring the Center for Working Families to Boone County with the Witham Family YMCA," said Bernadette Monk, United Way of Central Indiana's economic mobility director. "They are a trusted community-based organization that residents already know. Having a coach right there, someone who can help with employment, finances, and connecting to resources makes it easier for people to take that first step."
To learn more about the Witham Family YMCA, visit indymca.org/witham. To learn more about the Center for Working Families model and see all site locations, visit uwci.org/center-for-working-families.
About United Way of Central Indiana
United Way of Central Indiana is uniquely positioned to bring the resources of philanthropy, businesses, local government, nonprofits and neighborhoods together to tackle generational poverty. With a focus on basic needs, early care and learning, economic mobility, and safe and affordable housing, United Way helps people live the lives they are capable of living. United Way of Central Indiana serves Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties. Visit uwci.org.
About the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
With locations in Indianapolis, Avon, Fishers, Lebanon and Westfield — plus a 240-acre overnight camp and youth development services — the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis strengthens community through programs that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Each day, the YMCA empowers individuals and families to learn, grow and thrive by strengthening the whole person — with a vision for a healthier, more equitable, more connected community. As a nonprofit organization, the YMCA ensures access to life-changing opportunities for all, made possible through the generosity of donors and community partners. Learn more at indymca.org.
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