YWCA members speak about club closing

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The YWCA will be eliminating its Health Services Program. This will include closing the pool and discontinuing floor exercise programs, including yoga and step aerobics.

The YWCA held a public meeting Tuesday, November 3, 2009 to let club members ask questions and voice their concerns about the closing. The main concern among YWCA members is trying to find another club that offers the same classes and schedules as the YW.

Diane Muffett joined the YWCA for health reasons. She has a rare disease and says that because of her condition, she wanted to go to a place where she felt accepted and welcome. That's why it is so hard for her to see the club close. And others members agree.

"I was very upset about it," explained Muffett. "It meant a lot to me. It was part of my support. That is what I need. Support. And it had become part of it. It is like it is being taken away from me."

"I find that it is actually an important component of my emotional health," said YWCA member Kitty Mills. "Friendships have developed. Deep friendships have developed with women there. I'm actually grieving thinking that it's going to close."

Members are upset that the YWCA is closing so soon and that nothing can be done right now.

"Why now and all of a sudden we are closing?" asked Muffett. "Why not have said 6 months ago this is something that may happen if you don't do something?"

YWCA Board President Grayce Lechtenberg says the focus right now will be the Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, the Women's Cancer Program and Youth Services.

"When our finances are more sound, the board has plenty of volunteers from this group that want to help us," said Lechtenberg. "Those plans can't be developed over night. So that will be the long term plan."

There are options for members. Three other fitness clubs in Lafayette are working with the YWCA to help members find another gym where they can exercise. The YWCA will have a packet for members that they can pick up by the end of this week that will have all the information. Also, if members would like a refund, they must do so before December 31st.