Holmes County YMCA plans new facility

The year 2026 is going to be a big year for the Holmes County YMCA project.

Less than a year ago, Allie and Brodie DeHass recognized a significant need in the community for a YMCA and all that it provides — particularly access to reliable child care. Motivated to make a difference, they began bringing together others who shared these concerns and initiated conversations with Nikki Fehrenbach, executive director of the YMCA of Wayne County.

Through this collaborative effort, licensed and affordable child care will become available to Holmes County families beginning in March through the YMCA. For more information or to register, email Allie DeHass at AllieD@ymcawayne.org.

But their vision extends well beyond child care. This newly formed, highly motivated group of advocates is working toward a permanent Holmes County home for the YMCA — one that will address additional community needs for years to come.

Their goal is to build a YMCA in Holmes County that will provide lasting community benefits through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility while serving children, families, adults and seniors.

To begin reaching those goals, the YMCA of Wayne County has established the YMCA of Holmes County Fund at the Holmes County Education & Community Foundation to support the long-term development of a full-service YMCA in Holmes County.

The purpose of this fund is to assist with land acquisition and related predevelopment costs, which are essential first steps toward building a future YMCA facility in Holmes County.

These early investments help ensure the YMCA is prepared when opportunities arise to move the project forward.

“Holmes County has shown an incredible amount of momentum and support, and I’m truly excited about what’s ahead,” Fehrenbach said. “Child care is the first step, but the YMCA’s mission is bigger than one program. We want to bring opportunities for kids to grow, families to thrive, adults to stay healthy and seniors to stay connected. This fund helps us take meaningful steps toward a permanent YMCA home in Holmes County.”

If interested in giving to this cause, there are a few ways to donate. Visit www.hcef.net/giving to give online or send a check to Holmes County Education & Community Foundation, 114 N. Clay St., Millersburg, OH 44654, Attn: YMCA of Holmes County Fund.

For more information email HCECF Executive Director Holley Johnson at hjohnson@hcef.net. All contributions to this fund are held by the Holmes County Education & Community Foundation and will be used in Holmes County exclusively for the purposes described above.