Building a Stronger Community: YMCA of Monroe County

Watch Matt’s interview at the end of this article.

Much has changed in the past 45 years — from technology to hairstyles. But since the Southeast YMCA of Monroe County opened its doors 45 years ago, it remains committed to strengthening our community through programs that support a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Of course, some things have changed at the Y, including the need for fast, reliable internet. Today, the YMCA of Monroe County stays connected through Smithville’s Fast Fiber Internet and VoIP Cloud Voice to better serve the community now and for generations to come.

Someone who knows this story well is Matt Osgood, senior director of development at the Monroe County YMCA. He’s witnessed facility improvements and technology upgrades over the years.

“I remember life when things were slower … when phones were unreliable or internet was slow. But it seems like everything is better now with Smithville as our main provider,” Matt said.

As a Bloomington native, Matt grew up playing Y sports as a kid and is now dedicated to ensuring that others have the same opportunity.

Good Health for All: Learn, Grow and Thrive at the YMCA

The YMCA is a not-for-profit and offers its services to everyone, regardless of demographic or economic status. “With our Y for All membership, we were able to give out financial assistance to nearly 400 families this year — and that is around $200,000 that we were able to give back with our with our membership,” Matt explained. “And there were about 70 camp families that were able to get camp scholarships, and that was another $50,000-60,000 that we were able to reinvest into the community.”

Offering activities such as swimming, pickleball, yoga, cardiac rehab and youth enrichment — just to name a few — there are plenty of options at the YMCA no matter where you are on your health journey.

While the Southeast YMCA was first established in 1980, the Northwest YMCA opened its doors in 2013 to better serve Monroe County, including Ellettsville. It’s “one Y with two great facilities,” and members have full access to both branches.

“The YMCA is for everyone,” Matt said. “We take people as young as six weeks old. We have a member who’s about to celebrate their 99th birthday.” From kids trying sports for the first time to middle schoolers enjoying new freedom to do their own thing to retirees staying active, the Y offers programs for any age or interest.

Matt’s Story: Why the Y

Matt started working part-time at the YMCA of Monroe County as a senior in high school and continued working there while studying journalism as an undergrad at Indiana University Bloomington. His experience at the Y made an impact, sparking a passion that transformed his career.

Photo of Matt Osgood, playing basketball at the YMCA.

“While I thought I wanted to go into journalism, I realized I want to do something in sports — I want to do something active,” Matt said.

He pursued a career at the Y and landed a job running the sports program at the YMCA in Valparaiso. After a few years, Matt returned to Bloomington and has been working at the Monroe County YMCA ever since.

“I came for sports and for the kids and learned how much I love the Y culture and our Monroe County YMCA,” said Matt.

More Than a Gym

There’s no shortage of gyms in Monroe County. But after 45 years, people continue to choose the YMCA. Perhaps it’s the Y’s excellent facilities, including pools, basketball courts and a brand-new weight room. Or maybe it’s because they provide childcare in their Play and Learn center while you work out. There are also numerous fitness classes free with a membership, including those that cater to people with specific health concerns, such as arthritis. And on top of all that, they are a not-for-profit organization that gives back to our community.

Photo of Matt Osgood in the YMCA Wellness Center, which houses the Y's workout machines, such as treadmills and weightlifting equipment.

“We’re about more than just being a gym,” said Matt. “All gyms are great, and all gyms have their own things that they do. But I think one of our main selling points is if you’re a member of the Y, you are giving back to the community just by being a member.”

Plus, there’s the benefit of personal connections. The Monroe County YMCA is a social hub, bringing like-minded people together. From first-time parents to booklovers to knitting enthusiasts, the Y provides a space for people to form lasting friendships.

Fiber Internet and Cloud Voice VoIP Streamline Operations

The YMCA is always bustling with activity. They rely on Smithville Fast Fiber Internet for Business to keep their daily operations flowing. From checking in members at the front desk to streaming shows on televisions in workout areas to providing free Wi-Fi for members, there’s a high demand for bandwidth.

“All of our customer databases, the different programs that we use — everything is online now. So you have to have secure, safe, fast internet. And we have it,” said Matt.

Photo of Matt Osgood speaking with a fellow YMCA staff member at the front desk of the Northwest YMCA of Monroe County.

Along with Fiber Internet, the Monroe County YMCA uses Smithville Cloud Voice as their phone service. It’s a VoIP service that uses Fiber Internet instead of a regular phone line. Its highly flexible configurations and modern features help the Y operate smoothly.

“One thing I love [about Cloud Voice] is the voicemail that comes with it. Not only can you listen to the voicemail through your email, you can get a transcript of what was said,” Matt explained. “When you come back to a whole bunch of voicemails, you can quickly see what the topic is and get back to give the best customer service we can offer.”

Choosing Local and Supporting the Community

Matt appreciates the quality of the services and local support the Y receives from Smithville. And there’s something else that strikes a chord with Matt — Smithville gives back to the community.

“As somebody who’s been in Bloomington for a long time and somebody who’s in the fundraising environment, I see Smithville supporting everyone,” Matt said. “I see Smithville as a part of organizations all over — doing things for IU, doing things for the schools, working with other not-for-profits. People notice those kind of things. They matter.”

“When you have a chance to use a local community organization and they provide great service, it’s a no-brainer.”

Watch Matt’s Interview

Bright Communities, Bright Future

Fast Fiber Internet lights up opportunities for Hoosiers and in turn, Hoosiers light up our communities.

Smithville proudly supports the Monroe County YMCA and appreciates the work they do to build a stronger community.