Kingston, NY – The Office of Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha announced today that it is awarding a $300,000 capital grant to the YMCA of Kingston & Ulster to help fund the extension of the two-story elevator to go all the way up to the third floor.

“The YMCA serves as a critical community space in our Assembly district, and I’m delighted to secure a $300,000 grant that will allow seniors and others with mobility issues to take the elevator all the way up to the third floor,” said Shrestha, “Amenities on the third floor, including the track, shouldn’t be any less accessible to those who have a harder time taking the stairs for whatever reason. The Y is taking many initiatives to encourage preventive care through a healthy lifestyle, especially to those aging, and the expansion of the elevator will make those efforts that much more effective. I can’t wait to see the project completed!”

"We are thrilled about the expansion of our elevator service at the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County,” said Heidi G Kirschner, CEO and President, YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County, “This enhancement means that our third-floor activities, including the track, yoga, rowing studio, multi-purpose fitness room and boxing corner, will now be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to climb stairs. This project will enable more individuals to engage in physical activities and lead healthier lives. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Assemblywoman Shrestha for her pivotal role in securing the $300,000 capital grant for this significant initiative."

“When the building was erected in the late 70’s, only physically active people used the track and the rooms on the third floor,” said Rhea Paniesin, Grant Development Director and Organizational Trainer at YMCA Kingston, “Today these spaces help many people embark on healthier lifestyles, but people in wheelchairs and with strollers cannot access them. And although most of those programs are designed for people with good mobility, we also offer programs that enhance the ability of mobility impaired individuals. We began to contemplate expanding the elevator as our senior membership increased and we started offering programs directed toward that population. We have just started accepting Silver Sneakers, a fitness program for seniors, we are about to participate in a Medicare hub, and are working on the partnerships and contracts we need to be able to accept Medicaid. One of the Y’s programs that they cover is the Diabetes Prevention Program, which will make extensive use of the third story track.”