Health and wellness for all

Building strong communities

The YMCA strengthens communities around the world by bringing people together and helping them reach their potential. In a small town like Lebanon, located about 30 miles from Indianapolis, this outreach takes many forms.

The Witham Family YMCA is a place where kids can learn to swim, enjoy after-school activities, make friends and develop leadership skills and healthy habits that last a lifetime. Families benefit from free or affordable child care, early learning programs, camps and other activities. And adults and seniors can receive employment training, take group exercise classes and improve their health through programs such as a diabetes prevention initiative the branch started in 2013.

The Y also provides something vital to all communities — access. Along with promoting physical, mental and spiritual wellness, the organization provides a critical safety net for those who need it. That’s why one of its primary goals is to never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. This final point underscores why community support is so important to the success of the Witham Family YMCA.

The Witham Family YMCA has made a significant positive impact in our community and we’re proud to support its mission.”

– Nick Threlkeld, Agent, Ellinger Riggs Insurance

Keeping the doors open

Ellinger Riggs Insurance has supported the Witham Family YMCA since 2018. The effort is led by agent Nick Threlkeld, who rallies volunteers for fundraisers and other events on behalf of the agency. He’s also the current chairman of the local YMCA Advisory Board and serves on the Community Engagement Committee.

Over the past four years, the agency has supported a variety of YMCA programs. The staff has helped provide books and school supplies to elementary and middle school students, organized volunteers for an annual Veterans Day event and supported a free Breakfast with Santa event where hundreds of community members gather for food, games, crafts and a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. And that’s just the short list.

In addition, the agency is a proud member the YMCA Triangle Society, a group of individuals and companies that make multi-year financial commitments to the Y. This consistent funding helped keep the Witham YMCA branch staffed and open during the pandemic when the community needed its programs more than ever.

“There is something for everyone at the Witham Family YMCA,” said Nick Threlkeld, an agent at Ellinger Riggs Insurance. “It has made a significant positive impact in our community since it opened, and our agency is proud to support its mission.”

Partnering for the greater good

When a community comes together, great things can happen. This is particularly true during trying times like a pandemic when collaboration is key. “Community partnership is essential to fulfilling our mission,” said Kim Newnam, the Executive Director of the Witham Family YMCA. “We’re grateful that Nick and the Ellinger Riggs Insurance team consistently pitch in to help, especially when times are tough.”

“Community partnership is essential to fulfilling our mission, and we’re grateful that Nick and the Ellinger Riggs Insurance team consistently pitch in to help.” – Kim Newnam, Executive Director, Witham Family YMCA

Working towards a brighter future

A $10,000 donation from Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance would help fund the Witham Family YMCA’s diabetes prevention program and water safety classes for kids and adults. Help Ellinger Riggs win another $5,000 for Witham Family YMCA by cheering them on with a vote!

If your agency volunteers with a 501(c)3 nonprofit, learn how you can win a Make More Happen Award here.