YMCA would require plenty of 'hard work'

A small crowd gathered Tuesday to explore the possibility of a YMCA in Kalispell.

David Ports of the Missoula Family YMCA told the audience that the recommended way to have a YMCA is to branch off from an existing facility, such as those in Missoula or Helena.

That way, less money is necessary at the start and locals have a ready resource available to tap.

The YMCA is the oldest social institution in the United States, Ports said.

Almost every YMCA starts small by using homes, schools, churches, town halls, libraries or parks before enough money is raised to acquire property or build, he said.

Missoula’s “Y” started in 1967 in a Quonset hut. The facility was built in 1984.

Ports encouraged people to find out why a “Y” might be right for Kalispell.

“Find the areas where folks aren’t being served and fill those areas,” he said.

Applying for a provisional YMCA requires raising $1 million for three-year startup costs with 25 percent set aside for an endowment.

Starting a branch requires less fundraising up front.

“The rate of success is better as a branch,” he said. “Raising this kind of dollars is challenging for some in this economic environment.”

“It’s a great organization, but it takes hard work. Citizens need to rally and make it their own,” Ports said. He noted the Missoula “Y” has 1,400 volunteers and 300 employees, 27 of whom are full-time.

A couple of people questioned why the YMCA is needed when the Flathead Valley has The Summit and The Wave fitness centers, two places where children can swim and do other things.

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Director Mike Baker said he favors a YMCA in town.

“The point is the possibility of potential to bring kids together. I’m not worried about [The Summit and The Wave]. They have their own clientele.”

Ports said there are six YMCAs in Montana: in Missoula, Helena, Butte, Dillon, Bozeman and Billings.

Layla Dropps helped organize Tuesday’s event.