Muncie’s local YMCA organization is asking the community what it wants out of the organization.  As IPR’s Val Jones reports, the online survey is open to a county-wide audience.

The “Y” is looking to create programs and classes that will better fit local needs.  President and CEO of the downtown “Y”, Chad Zoucha, says he finds the opinions of others essential to the future of his facility.

“Right now, we’re in the mode of gathering fact before we act.  So, if we’re a community benefit organization and we’re committed to meeting the most pressing issues and needs of the community, we need to gather feedback from our citizens.”

The city’s YMCA was brought together as an idea in the late 1800’s and has existed as a building since 1913.  After more than 100 years in Muncie, Zoucha says there was no direct reasoning for the survey at this time.  The organization simply wants to please the public and make everyone aware of what they have to offer.

“There’s a ton of things that people don’t know that we do and it’s hard to communicate all the programs that the Y has to offer.  All of our programs fall under three areas of focus: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.”

The YMCA hopes for 400 responses to its survey.