EXPANDING EARLY EDUCATION
YMCA of DeKalb County Breaks Ground for $3.7 Million Project
AUBURN — Judging how these youngsters were shoveling, ground would be prepared in no time for the YMCA of DeKalb County’s childcare/early learning expansion project.
Even with some having to hold their hard hats with one hand and shovel in the other, these tykes showed their determination.
Like the adults who gathered at the YMCA’s newly acquired property at 500 North St., the youngsters were eager for the $3.7 million project to begin.
While it won’t solve all of the need for the childcare/early education in DeKalb County, this project represents the YMCA’s commitment to expand those services.
“It’s just a lot of excitement, anticipation,” said YMCA chief executive officer Bob Krafft. We have a lot of families that are asking for spots. We have people that make reservations for
their infants when, as soon as they get pregnant, before they even have a baby, they’re trying to get in.
“We’re excited that we’ll be able to fulfill some of that need now with six more classrooms and then be able to almost double the size of before and after school and summer camp and getting them all on the center of the campus.
“It helps us as well because currently, we have before and after school over in the shopping mall, and there’s a lot involved with trying to get them across the properties to get here,” Krafft said.
“It’ll be great where they’re right here where they can use the playground, the splash pad, the inside of the Y. It just really complements it to have our kids all in the center of our 58-acre site.”
The project represents a major expansion of the YMCA’s childcare/early learning facility, located between C.R. 36-A and North Street. In all, the YMCA has 58 acres of property, including the YMCA building on the south side of North Street, the childcare/early learning facility, the new North Street property and several soccer fields/recreational space on the north side of C.R. 36-A.
Late in 2025, the YMCA was able to acquire the building that housed several businesses and entities, including Signature Construction and the DeKalb County CHANGE Academy, and in the past, a movie theater.
Wednesday’s ceremony took place in that space. It will be remodeled as part of the project to bring childcare/early learning under one roof.
Longtime partner steps up in a big way
Construction of the new facility and remodeling the North Street building is expected to take 9-10 months, Krafft said.
The new space will include two therapy rooms; an expanded kitchen and a staff work area. Those therapy rooms will allow First Steps team members to work with children in their own space instead of a hallway. First Steps assists in identifying learning disabilities or speech impediments with children at an early age.
Krafft said the United Way of DeKalb County has long been a partner to the YMCA, especially in helping procure $1.5 million — nearly half of the funding needed for this project.
“Groundbreakings aren’t really about shovels and dirt. They’re about possibility. They’re about a community saying this matters and we are willing to invest in it,” said Tyler Cleverly, United Way of DeKalb County executive director.
“On behalf of United Way of DeKalb County, I’m proud to stand alongside our longtime partner, the YMCA of DeKalb County, as we break ground on his early learning expansion.
At United Way of DeKalb County, our mission is simple: We bring people and resources together to create lasting local change,” Cleverly stated. “Today is a powerful example of that mission in action.
“Childcare isn’t just a family issue; it’s a workforce issue, a community issue. It affects parents, employers and our local economy.
“Many hard-working families are doing everything right and (are) still struggling to afford quality care,” he said. “This project helps close that gap.
“That’s why we were proud to recommend this project through Indiana United Ways Statewide Capital Projects Initiative. It strengthens families, expands opportunity and builds a more resilient DeKalb County,” Cleverly said.
Donors play important roles
“We have members that pay membership here, we have corporations and citizens in our community donate on an annual and capital basis. By doing that, we have a model that works,” said YMCA board president Matt Fetter.
“A lot of people don’t know this, but the YMCA in the United States is the largest childcare provider in the country.” The YMCA has offered childcare and early learning opportunities for more than 40 years.
“I can’t thank our staff enough and our leadership for getting us in that position. I thank our board, I thank all of our donors and the community leaders that have made this happen … it’s an exciting time here at the YMCA,” Fetter said.
Passionate educators
YMCA early learning director Chelsey Robinson said staff puts “a lot of passion and effort into our programming and all of the exciting things that we get to do.
“We’re also fortunate that we get to have the Y to stand behind us, the leadership team that is there to always support us when we have questions or anything like that.
“A lot of childcare facilities do not have that, so that’s one of the parts that’s very, very important and special to our program,” Robinson said.
“We can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Running toward, not away from a problem
This addition and expansion is part of a greater $13-$14 million project overall, and FCI Construction and the YMCA board have been at the forefront.
A new women’s center and children’s playscape were dedicated in August.
“Our board said we’re going to do the hard stuff. We’re going to run toward the problem instead of away from the problem, which is really unique,” Krafft said.
FCI president Nick Alwine was cited for helping the YMCA find ways to reduce costs and maximize their dollars.
“We’re so thankful that you continue to show trust in us,” Alwine told the gathered YMCA officials. “We’re looking forward to it. We’re excited.”
Auburn Mayor Dave Clark said this project not only represents a significant, continued investment for the city but for all of DeKalb County. “I commend the Y for working diligently to make this possible,” he said.
Dr. James Pettit closed the pre-groundbreaking ceremony with a prayer.
“We know that our mission at the Y is building relationships, to connect people to Christ,” he said. “Any brick and mortar is always going to be about relationship. It’s creating space for relationships to be built to thrive.
“We know in Your words, You say that You’ll do more than we can even imagine. We can imagine a lot; You’ll do more. I just pray that You will astound us through this entire process.”
Article by: Jeff Jones - The Star