Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA's Impact
For over a century, the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA has stood as a pillar of strength and opportunity on Columbus’ Near East Side. As the successor to the historic Spring Street YMCA, one of the first to serve the Black community, it stands not just as a building, but as a living symbol of perseverance, opportunity and connection for generations of families.
Serving a neighborhood where over half of residents experience economic hardship, the YMCA provides transformative programs that meet people at every stage of life, from STEM education for youth and safe spaces for teens, to inclusive wellness programs for older adults.
An Evening of Belonging celebrates an enduring and positive impact. We invite you to invest in a future where every neighbor has the support and resources to build a healthy spirit, mind and body and reach their full potential
Tribute to Those Before Us
(April 17, 1962 East Side YMCA Groundbreaking)
Eldon Ward volunteered with the YMCA of Central Ohio for over 60 years, serving in roles from swim instructor to board member. He was also president of E.E. Ward Moving and Storage Co., founded by his grandfather in 1881. From 1981 to 1990, he served on The Columbus Foundation’s Governing Committee, chairing it in 1990. In 1991, the East Side YMCA was renamed the Eldon and Elsie Ward Family YMCA. The Wards also established a Designated Fund at the Foundation to support youth programs at the YMCA for future generations.
The YMCA’s Presence in Columbus' Near East Side
Community Story
A Legacy of Movement, Friendship and Community: Reggie and Karen Ginyard’s 50-Year YMCA Journey
When Reggie and Karen Ginyard first stepped into the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA in the early 1970s, they weren’t just looking for a place to work out — they were searching for a sense of belonging. Reggie, who had moved to the area in 1972 during a time of workplace integration, found that sense of acceptance and community at the YMCA, a feeling that has kept the couple connected for over 50 years.
Over time, both Reggie and Karen became SilverSneakers instructors, leading fitness classes that promote health and joy among older adults. Reggie makes it fun and engaging, while Karen highlights the deep connections formed with participants, many of whom have been with them for over two decades.
Though they’ve taught at multiple YMCAs, the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA has always been their home. The spirit of family and inclusion at the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA is part of a long legacy, one Reggie says began with Mr. Ward himself, who would bring young men to the Y to give them a safe space and a sense of purpose.
Today, the Ginyards carry that legacy forward — welcoming members, building relationships, and strengthening the community. Whether it’s teaching classes or simply showing up for others, their story reflects the YMCA’s mission to build a healthy spirit, mind and body, mind, and spirit across generations.
Our Community Impact
