From college intern to CEO at the YMCA of the Blue Water Area, Josh Chapman’s journey as a transformative force in the community has come full circle.
In Chapman’s first nine-year stint with the YMCA, he filled a variety of roles, including youth sports coach, housekeeper, front desk manager, and Vice President of Healthy Living and Membership before becoming the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club in Gainesville, Texas.
In late 2020, Chapman returned to his hometown to serve as the YMCA’s CEO. His passion for helping others fuels his work.
“[The Y is] one of the only places in the community where you can walk down into the gym and see a CEO on a treadmill next to somebody who may be homeless,” he says. “All in the pursuit of being their best selves, regardless of the definition.”
In the past four years, the YMCA has implemented and expanded a variety of programs, including:
- A free swim basics class to teach children who might otherwise not be able to afford it how to swim
- Chronic disease prevention and support programs, including a cancer support group, a boxing class for people with Parkinson’s disease, and a diabetes prevention program
- Expansion of the Y fitness center hours to 24 hours, providing access to people who have non-traditional schedules
- Free summer fitness classes and programs at the McMorran Plaza
- Contributed to the coalition that opened a new homeless shelter for men
- A new childcare center at the Eddy Center in St. Clair
- Approximately 50,000 free meals given to children and families in need in 2024
Chapman says the Y’s community partners make these programs possible. Some examples include state funding to provide free meals to children, a partnership with the City of Port Huron for
McMorran Plaza programming, a partnership with
SONS Outreach and the Junior NBA to provide free Pistons tickets and merchandise to students, and athletics partnerships with
St. Clair County Community College.
From the person who improved their health through free McMorran fitness classes to the child who didn’t go hungry because they received a meal at their afterschool program or their free preschool program, the YMCA’s impact on the community is varied and far-reaching, Chapman says.
“The work that we do truly transforms lives,” he says.
How People Can Support the YMCA
People can give to the YMCA through their time, talent, and treasure, Chapman says. Everyone has unique talents and expertise they could offer, such as an accountant serving on the finance committee or a former athlete coaching youth sports programs.
People can also volunteer as camp counselors, housekeepers, greeters, guest readers, afterschool volunteers, and more.
To inquire about volunteer opportunities or donations, contact LeeAnn Baker at
lbaker@bluewaterymca.com or at
(810) 987-6400 Ext. 140. Or visit the
YMCA’s website to learn more about memberships, programs, events, and how to support the Y.
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