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Imagine a Place

Community Wellness Center & YMCA

What if...

What if you could visit a vibrant state-of-the-art facility where hundreds of people gather alongside neighbors every single day, take your kids to learn how to swim, choose from dozens of exercise classes or work out on the latest fitness equipment, and host community events or private gatherings at an accommodating central space?

The dream for a Community Wellness Center serving those in rural Peoria, Knox and Fulton Counties is one step closer to becoming a reality. With the first phase of funding secured through a federal grant, the Elmwood Community Foundation has now kicked off the capital campaign to raise money for the remainder of the project. The goal is to have a facility with amenities that engage our neighbors, attracts people to move to our communities, and supports a positive business climate.

Family on porch swing

Regional Impact

Born from the initial premise to spur economic development, the Elmwood Community Foundation (ECF) began exploring the potential of building a new multi-use community center in 2015.

Now, this concept has blossomed into a well-researched, multi-partner collaboration. We are focused on quality of life and wellness initiatives to benefit children, families, senior citizens, area schools and businesses throughout the rural counties of Knox, Fulton, Peoria, and beyond.

Partnerships

ECF has turned to two local prominent leaders in health and wellness services to be our partners

Greater Peoria Family YMCA

The Greater Peoria Family YMCA has been serving the region since 1862 and will be ECF’s operations partner. The Y is a cause-driven, mission-based nonprofit charity focused on building a healthy spirit, mind and body FOR ALL, regardless of age, income or background.

The Y serves:
  • 8,700 individuals annually
  • 22% being 18 and younger

“This state-of-the-art regional wellness center will provide everyone in the region affordable access to quality wellness services for decades.”

-Andy Thornton, Greater Peoria
Family YMCA President & CEO
Graham Health System

Graham Health System will create program synergy with expanded services to its campus. This includes a multi-specialty medical practice in a state-of-the-art medical facility with access to:

  • Primary Care
  • Orthopedics
  • General Surgury
  • Obstetrcs & Gynecology
  • Otolaryngology
  • Other Specialties

"Our excitement, commitment and passion to see this project come to fruition has been 'through the roof'."

-Bob Senneff, Graham Health
System President & CEO

Rooted in Research

YMCA rendering

12 communities
in three states

1,100 members
expected

2,600 households
selected

the average
respose rate

consulted with
12 towns

pro forma operations
budget using national
YMCA best practices