Funding advances health, wellness and training programs for Central Indiana veterans, families and older adults
INDIANAPOLIS — OrthoIndy Foundation is proud to announce a $250,000 grant award to the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA in Pike Township, to be distributed over three years from 2026 through 2028. The funding strengthens a long-standing partnership and supports programs that improve mobility, wellness and access to care for veterans, families and older adults across Central Indiana.
Since opening in Pike Township in 2018 with significant support from the OrthoIndy Foundation, the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA has become a vital community resource. In addition to serving the public as a full-service YMCA, it is the first YMCA in the nation to house specialized medical services for veterans. Its on-site Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic serves an average of 500 to 600 veterans each month, providing access to convenient, veteran-centered care.
While the new funding will support these existing services, it will also help expand the YMCA’s virtual training program and provide memberships and small-group training opportunities for veterans preparing for the National Veterans Golden Age Games (June 27 – July 2, 2026), a VA-sponsored multi-sport competition for senior veterans, including those with disabilities. The program encourages physical readiness, confidence and community connection – both in training and beyond.
“For years, the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA has served as both an anchor and a beacon of hope for veterans and families in Pike Township,” said Dr. John Dietz, OrthoIndy Foundation founder, West Point graduate and former U.S. Army orthopedic surgeon. “This grant ensures continued access to rehabilitation, wellness and training programs that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
One Vietnam veteran, who has been a member of the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA since it opened, says he’s participated in many of the VA clinic-led activities, from tai chi and group walks to chair yoga. He says the clinic has had a meaningful impact on his everyday life – getting him out of the house, keeping him active and helping him connect with other veterans.
“There’s a bond between veterans who have served,” said veteran Thomas Lucas. “Anytime you get two veterans together, they’re going to be swapping stories and telling tall tales. For me, it’s kind of a healing process – being around other veterans and sharing that information. I’d encourage any veteran who isn’t a member of the Y to come over and check it out and see what it’s about.”
When the multi-year grant period is complete, OrthoIndy’s cumulative support for the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA will total $3,417,500 since 2016. Leaders at the YMCA say these gifts continue to have a lasting and transformative impact on the community.
“Our hearts are full, and we are truly humbled,” said Monic Hill, executive director of the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA. “This support is more than a financial investment. It is a meaningful affirmation of our mission and the community we serve. It will directly strengthen our partnerships and our ability to serve more veterans, children, families and our active older adults.”
For more information about the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA and its programs and services, visit indymca.org. To learn more about OrthoIndy and the OrthoIndy Foundation, visit orthoindy.com.
