YMCA Capital Campaign Underway |
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On Saturday, November 11th during their Annual Auction & Dinner, the Watertown Area YMCA announced that the public portion of its Capital Campaign to raise money for a new YMCA is now underway. YMCA facility plans were unveiled along with the estimated costs of Phase I as $17.8 million. Campaign leaders have set a goal of $1.7 million for the public portion of the campaign and will continue to work on other major gifts.
Phase I will include a full YMCA facility to be located adjacent to the recently opened Ehlinger Center at The Collective and would replace the Y’s current facilities at the former High School. This new facility will feature community gathering spaces, a large free weight center, fitness and immersive cycling studios, multipurpose program spaces, locker rooms, Kid's Corner, a gymnasium, and track.
Phase II of the project will include an Aquatic Center and will be built when funding is available. The aquatic center is planned to have a zero-depth entry pool, instructional pool, and features for water therapy and exercise.
In addition, the YMCA is applying for a building grant from the State of Wisconsin, as the governor has announced funds are available for non-government construction facilities that meet public purpose. If successful, these government funds would be applied toward finishing the first phase of the project and all future funds raised would go toward Phase II.
The YMCA will release fundraising results in the upcoming months and hopes to achieve its goal, allowing for a groundbreaking sometime in late spring. For more information about the YMCA’s Capital Campaign or to make a donation, contact Taylor Walsh at [email protected].
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Playworks is a program that supports the Every Child Thrives goal of School Success by helping schools in our region create recess environments that promote social-emotional skills like leadership and conflict resolution. Data from our six participating schools shows the program's success in creating a safe recess environment where every child can join in.
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A Workspace for Changemakers |
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Central location.
Outstanding amenities.
Beautiful facility.
The Collective offers great, affordable rates and is a proud incubator space for entrepreneurs and nonprofits.
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GRANT RECIPIENT SPOTLIGHT:
Rock River Community Clinic
Bridging Critical Gaps in Our Healthcare Safety Net
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Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is the primary healthcare home for uninsured low income families across Jefferson, Dodge, and Walworth County. RRCC includes three medical clinics located in Whitewater, Watertown, and Jefferson, and one dental clinic located in Fort Atkinson.
A Federally Qualified Health Center, RRCC provides comprehensive and cost-effective healthcare services for all community members, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
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RRCC is a vital lifeline for families that would otherwise depend on emergency room visits and late-term diagnoses, reducing cost burdens for local health systems. Regular, adequate healthcare reduces school absenteeism and improves worker retention, making our community safer, healthier and happier.
RRCC is the primary healthcare home for our growing Hispanic/Latino population, increasing from 40% of their patient population in 2022 to over 70% in 2023. With over 40% of full time staff bilingual (Spanish/English), including all front desk staff, care navigators, and billing clerks, RRCC is proud to have become a trusted point of care, particularly for migrant families and new immigrants.
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A journey toward financial sustainability
RRCC was formed in 2020 through the merging of three free and charitable clinics in rural Jefferson county (two medical, one dental). Previously, each clinic operated independently with partner hospitals, health departments, and foundations underwriting costs for the few non-volunteer staff and medical supplies.
With a mission of creating and implementing sustainable, equitable healthcare solutions, these local organizations came together to form the Rock River HealthWorks Network (“HealthWorks”) and transition the clinics into an integrated Federally Qualified Health Center to serve as a primary healthcare home and champion for families with the greatest need.
What is a Federally Qualified Health Center and why does it matter?
Becoming a Federally Qualified Health Center is a truly challenging commitment, with strict requirements governing care and operations. In December 2022, RRCC achieved this goal, under the LAL (“look-alike”) designation.
This designation was a significant milestone on the journey toward financial independence for RRCC, because it meant higher reimbursement rates for BadgerCare and Medicare patients, which helps cover the cost of care for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans).
The next step for RRCC will be full access to 330 federal funding, which would provide further financial support to cover the cost of care for uninsured patients. The earliest possibility for Congressional approval and release of this funding is 2025.
In addition to strategic grant support from the Foundation, key community donors include Fort HealthCare, Watertown Regional Medical Center, Rainbow Hospice and Jefferson County Health & Human Services.
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Changemakers in Action:
Foundation-Supported Programs Doing Great Things
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The October Library Summit brought together leaders from our Every Child Thrives network to share ideas, align priorities and learn from one another. Attending were:
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The PBS Kids Edcamp was a fantastic, free event for early learning professionals. The "un-conference" featured breakout sessions designed by the attendees, and engaging discussions focused on experience, not just expertise. It was a day of sharing and learning from each other, and included a tour of the new YMCA Early Care and Education center at the Collective.
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Thank you to PBS Kids and all the partners who made this learning event possible! |
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Sharing Our Experience: Foundation Partners are In-Demand at State and National Events |
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How Can We Support Your Work? |
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The Foundation provides resources, tools and support to changemakers who work toward measurable improvement in community health. To date, the Foundation has invested more than $34 million in its three strategic, child-focused priorities: Strong Families, Kindergarten Readiness and School Success.
Capacity Building Grants are for agencies looking to advance their missions by developing leadership skills or strengthening organizational efforts.
Health Equity Grants support equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) projects or initiatives focused on removing obstacles to health for populations not well served under current systems and policies. The Foundation recognizes the dignity and value of every person, envisioning thriving communities where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
Proposals must directly support the communities served by the school districts of Dodgeland, Hustisford, Ixonia, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Waterloo and Watertown.
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Further Resources (click on the links to access)
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- Fascinating BBC perspective on the role of free clinics in the US healthcare landscape
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920.390.4000
672 Johnson Street, Suite 300, Watertown WI 53094
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