YMCA of Central Virginia Awarded $1.42 Million in Federal Funding to Support ADA Accessibility at Future Schewel-Clark Family YMCA 

Lynchburg, VA. February 6th, 2026 — The YMCA of Central Virginia has been awarded $1,423,000 through a Congressionally Designated Spending (CDS) Request approved as part of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations bill. The funding was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump. 

The funding will support critical Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance improvements as part of the Downtown YMCA Capital Campaign, ensuring the facility is fully accessible and welcoming to all members of the community. 

The YMCA of Central Virginia is the only YMCA in the Commonwealth of Virginia to receive CDS funding through this process, joining 22 other YMCAs nationwide awarded similar federal support. 

The request was submitted jointly through the offices of Senator Tim Kaine and Senator Mark Warner. The funding reflects strong recognition of the YMCA’s role in expanding access to community health, youth development, and family programs. 

“For 170 years, the YMCA of Central Virginia has stood to meet community needs,” said Mike Cassidy, Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Central Virginia. “This funding allows us to continue that legacy by ensuring our Downtown YMCA is accessible to everyone who walks through our doors. Accessibility strengthens connection, supports well-being, and ensures the Y remains a place where people can fully participate. We are grateful to our U.S. Senators for their support of efforts that expand access to community resources. There’s no place like this place.” 

Removing Barriers as the YMCA Moves Forward 

Originally built in 1956, the Downtown YMCA has long served as a cornerstone of Lynchburg, providing a trusted place for youth development, community health, and family connection. As the Downtown YMCA transitions into the Schewel-Clark Family YMCA, the facility is being thoughtfully modernized to meet the needs of today's community while preparing for future generations. 

The Congressionally Designated Spending funding supports the YMCA's ability to address critical accessibility needs as part of this renovation, ensuring the facility remains safe, functional, and welcoming for all who use it. These improvements are a vital component of the broader capital project and align directly with the YMCA's mission to remove barriers to participation. 

The federal funding will be used to support Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance features throughout the building, including:

• Installation of a new elevator 

• Accessible ramps and stair improvements 

• Automatic and electronic doors 

• Grab bars and accessible restrooms 

• Locker rooms and changing areas 

By integrating these ADA-compliant renovations into the larger transformation of the facility, the YMCA is strengthening its ability to serve individuals of all abilities, along with older adults, caregivers, families, and community members who rely on safe and accessible spaces. 

“Thank you to Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine for their support of the YMCA of Central Virginia.” said Bunny Wood, Chief Volunteer Officer of the YMCA of Central Virginia. “We also thank State Senator Mark Peake and Representative John McGuire for their support. Our Y was founded in Downtown Lynchburg where it has remained for the past 170 years. Our current Downtown YMCA facility celebrates its 70th birthday this year. These funds will help in ensuring that our Downtown YMCA remains an important asset to the health and well-being of Central Virginia and a cornerstone organization for the future of our city,” 

About the YMCA of Central Virginia and the Schewel-Clark Family YMCA Capital Campaign 

For 170 years, the YMCA of Central Virginia has been a trusted presence in Lynchburg, serving people of all ages through programs that support youth development, healthy living, and community connection. The Downtown YMCA, the organization’s original home, will become the Schewel-Clark Family YMCA as part of a transformational capital campaign honoring families whose commitment reflects the values of the Y. 

The YMCA of Central Virginia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. 

To learn more about the Schewel-Clark Family YMCA capital campaign, visit https://ymcacva.org/about-us/donate/capital-campaign/.