Southern Indiana Business Report
JASPER – The Dubois County Community Foundation is pledging its support for the new Regional Wellness Center with a total contribution of $550,000 toward the project.
This commitment includes a $300,000 grant to the Tri-County YMCA, as well as the establishment of a $250,000 endowment to benefit the City of Jasper, providing ongoing, annual funding for the facility’s upkeep, maintenance and programming.
“This investment is about far more than a building – it’s about expanding access to programs and resources that support physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life,” Clayton Boyles, Community Foundation executive director said.
The Regional Wellness Center is a $30 million investment that will serve residents of Dubois County and the surrounding area. As of the groundbreaking, which took place last month, the project has received $14.1 million in private donations.
As operator of the facility, the Tri-County YMCA will deliver a wide range of programs designed to serve individuals and families of all ages, from group fitness classes and personal training to youth sports and family-friendly activities. The center will also feature recreational opportunities such as pickleball and basketball, an indoor walking track and a community kitchen.
“The Tri-County YMCA exists to strengthen our community through caring people and family-focused programs that support a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all,” Mike Steffe, Tri-County YMCA executive director said. “This facility will be the home to these wellness offerings all designed to enhance community engagement and build a healthier community.”
The Community Foundation’s $300,000 grant support for this project was made possible by a Community Support Grant of $750,000 from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the ninth phase of its Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT IX), a statewide initiative designed to support the efforts of community foundations to strengthen the quality of life in the communities they serve.
“The Regional Wellness Center aligned well with the GIFT IX criteria, which allowed us to provide greater support for the project. The Community Foundation’s investment is designed to ensure both immediate impact and long-term sustainability,” Boyles said.
More than a fitness facility, the Regional Wellness Center will expand access to high-quality indoor recreation and wellness opportunities in Dubois County and the region, with completion anticipated in late 2027.