WESTERLY, RI – The second phase of renovations at the Ocean Community YMCA’s Westerly-Pawcatuck branch are moving forward thanks to a $700,000 federal earmark secured by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Seth Magaziner.

Today, Reed, Whitehouse, and Magaziner joined with leadership, staff, and volunteers of the Ocean Community Y and local youth and families to celebrate the federal earmark that will help the Westerly-Pawcatuck branch expand its reach and improve programming options.

“For nearly a century, the Westerly-Pawcatuck branch of the Ocean Community Y has brought people together, served families, and strengthened our communities.  This federal funding will help modernize the facility and advance critical improvements.  I will continue working to ensure the Y has the resources it needs to be a community hub that serves its members and is a welcoming place for all Rhode Islanders,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Thousands of families across southwestern Rhode Island rely on the Ocean Community YMCA,” said Whitehouse. “I’m glad to deliver federal funding to support renovations at the Westerly-Pawcatuck branch, which will allow the Y to expand programming and serve the community for years to come.”

“The Ocean Community YMCA Westerly-Pawcatuck branch has served as a cornerstone of the community for nearly a century and provides crucial services including sports and recreation, youth programming and enrichment activities for seniors,” said Rep. Seth Magaziner. “I’m proud to secure this federal funding with Senators Reed and Whitehouse to expand community spaces and activities at the Y, and improve the quality of life for residents.”

“The Ocean Community Y would like to express sincere gratitude to the Congressional delegation for their support in securing this funding,” said Maureen Fitzgerald, President & CEO of the Ocean Community Y.  “We are grateful for Senator Reed, Senator Whitehouse and Representative Magaziner for recognizing the important work the Y does in our community.”

The Ocean Community Y completed the first phase of renovations of its Westerly-Pawcatuck at the end of 2023. Upgrades included a reimagined Welcome Center to greet members, new flooring throughout the facility, and improvements to the Wellness Center, Child Watch Center, and gymnastics areas.

The second phase of improvements, supported by the $700,000 federal earmark secured by Reed, Whitehouse, and Magaziner in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations law, will help realize targeted improvements to programming and community spaces to add new services and activities for the community.

This next phase of renovations will include upgrades to the community room, kitchen, makers space, and co-worker space and will create new areas for engaging and modern programming, like E-sports.

The Ocean Community Y will now need to complete federal compliance documentation with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) before the funds can be expended.

Today, the Ocean Community Y serves approximately 14,000 members at its three branches – Arcadia Branch in Wyoming, Naik Family Branch in Mystic, and the Westerly-Pawcatuck Branch. Each branch of the Ocean Community Y provides free child care services for members.

Approximately 20 percent of the Ocean Community Y’s membership receives financial assistance through the YCARES Program, which ensures community members who may not be able to afford membership can still benefit from Y programs and services.

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