Ribbon-cutting for new prevention space at YMCA held Wednesday, August 28

By Sharon Estep

A ribbon-cutting for the new Prevention Space at the Scott County YMCA was held on Wednesday, August 28. The project was a collaboration between Donald Conner (YMCA CEO) and Caity Rice (Scott County Partnership Assistant Executive Director and Community-Based Prevention Director).

The project was funded through the Community-Based Prevention Grant through the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addictions and Family and Social Services Administration. “My goal with this grant is to collaborate with community partners to create lasting change and opportunity,” said Rice.

In 2023 Rice and Conner began brainstorming ideas on how they could work together to make lasting changes. Conner offered up an underutilized space in the facility's lobby to make into the special area for the community at no cost. This space builds community awareness for two campaigns; #MostDontUse and #PauseforPrevention.

The new Prevention Hangout is for all ages and includes comfortable furniture games, books, fidgets, puzzles, and a Nintendo Switch.