Karen Leslie is the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Providence, an association of seven full-service YMCAs, a resident camp and urban outreach initiative. She spoke with Providence Business News about an expansion project underway at the Kent County YMCA.

PBN: Can you tell us a little about what the expansion at the Y will look like?

LESLIE: The goal of the expansion project is to create new space for programming, specifically for children and families and to free up existing space for other members and the community-at-large. Components of the project include a family center, kids gym, community room and new welcome center, all fully accessible. We’ve divided the project into three distinct phases to minimize disruption to our members. Over the course of the next year, there will be changes in access to the building, some parking modifications, and other small adjustments. We’re working hard to keep people aware of the changes before they occur so there are no surprises. But, overall, the Y will continue to function normally.

PBN: What new programming will the expansion allow the organization to offer?

LESLIE: The expansion project is called “Building Community. Changing Lives.” When it’s completed, we will be better able to meet the ever-increasing needs of our community. We will be introducing more programs to reach children and families, people living with disabilities and chronic illness, and individuals who are challenged with meeting their health and wellness goals. We also hope to offer more services and activities for the community, including local schools and other social service organizations in the Kent County area.

PBN: Was it challenging to raise the money for the expansion in this economic climate?

LESLIE: We are very lucky and thankful to the Champlin Foundations for its generous leadership gift that helped get the ball rolling. It has been a great ally to the YMCA on many projects and offered us guidance and leadership on how to proceed. We are also fortunate to have so many charitable members and donors who know the value that the YMCA offers and are happy to step up to the plate and help create a better space for everyone.

PBN: How important is the expansion in the organization’s broader mission?

LESLIE: There are times when we are bursting at the seams with classes, child care, community meetings and other events and activities. And yet there are constant requests for new and innovative programs that we just can’t accommodate. We need to grow this YMCA if we are going to help keep our community healthy and well. We have been sharing the architect’s plans with many of our constituents and they all have been so excited about the project.

PBN: Any future expansion plans?

LESLIE: Right now, the expansion at Kent is the largest project under way in our Association. However, in the very near future, we hope to begin new projects at two other branches – the Bayside Family YMCA in Barrington and the West Bay Family YMCA in North Kingstown – that will help make both of these YMCAs more family-friendly and accessible for everyone.