Welcome to the
The Duneland Family YMCA strengthens the foundations of our community through well-being and fitness, camps, family time, swim, sports and play, and other activities for people of all ages, incomes and abilities. We’re more than just a place to work out. At the Y, we help build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all with the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility at the heart of everything we do.
With a commitment to nurturing youth development, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.
About the Duneland Family YMCA
The Duneland YMCA was established in February 1966 as the "Westchester Branch" of the Porter County YMCA. The project was initiated by the Chesterton Junior Women's Club to provide "year-round recreation for all ages, a lasting project that can be expanded through professional guidance." With its headquarters in the Thomas School, the YMCA hosted programs such as "Muscleman's Club," Air Rifle Club, Guitar Club, and gymnastics. Even then, the Y's focus was on the family programs for all ages, ranging from preschool to seniors.
The Westchester Branch moved to its current location at 215 Roosevelt Street in 1972 and incorporated as the Duneland Family YMCA in 1977. In 1981, a building addition shaped the YMCA's current form for the gym areas, earning honors as one of the top five athlectic building built in the United States that year.
Although we are considered an independent YMCA, we have a strong connection with other local YMCA's in Northwest Indiana which has come to be known as the "Toll Road Ten." The "Toll Road Ten" consists of: YMCA of Portage Township, YMCA of the Hammond Area, Niles-Buchanan YMCA and YMCA of Michiana.
The goals of the Duneland Family YMCA are to provide activities for the youth in our area that shape values and encourage life-long community service. We strive to support and strengthen all Duneland area families and encourage and support them in the development of healthy lifestyles. We provide older adults with opportunities to create healthy and productive lives for themselves and the community; and we are continually at work trying to create an environment that will attract a diverse group of people who will work together to create a community where all participate.
"The Duneland YMCA Way" describes the commitments of staff at the YMCA. We are constantly striving to provide all participants with the highest quality programs and service so that every person will feel as though they were treated with courtesy.
