YWCA Receives $40,000 Grant Award

The YWCA Central Maine is pleased to announce a $40,000 grant award from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation. The grant will be used to complete renovations on the showers in the YWCAs men’s and women’s locker rooms, as well as install an AC unit in the gym.

Although building repairs and renovations have occurred over the years, the 50 year old building located on East Ave in Lewiston still has antiquated systems that are original to the building as well as upgrades needed to maintain the current functioning of building-wide programs. Therefore, over the past year, the YWCA has invested over $105,000 in projects and renovations including the replacement of the pool filtration system with the generosity of local community members, donors, and foundation grants.

“The $40,000 Stephen and Tabitha King grant funding will enable us to take the next step in fulfilling our mission. Hundreds of people from the community walk through our doors on a daily basis to utilize our childcare and aquatics programming” said Executive Director, Melanie LaMore Gagnon, pictured below with the current carousel shower units to be replaced.

As a community center, the YWCA offers programs for children and families including summer camp, swim team, food programs, and swim lessons, and serves the purpose for such gatherings as the winters’ farmer’s market. “We are the community pool in Lewiston-Auburn and we plan to continue to serve the needs of the community for generations to come, just like we have for the last 141 years” said LaMore Gagnon.

The YWCA is currently accepting donations for the remaining $8,000 which will cover the total costs of both projects.