Letter: BFR and Lima Family YMCA to consolidate effective April 2023
The boards of directors of Lima Family YMCA and Bluffton Family Recreation Center (CFR) are pleased to announce they have agreed to come together and operate as one organization. The organization will continue to operate existing facilities and offer programs in both Lima and Bluffton, with the Bluffton Family Recreation Center being re-named Bluffton Family YMCA.
The organizations anticipate becoming one legal entity in April 2023. In the meantime, operations will begin to merge under the leadership of Jared Lehman, the CEO of Lima Family YMCA since July 2015. The newly named Bluffton Family YMCA Executive Director, Amy Byers, will remain in her leadership position.
Operating collaboratively provides members and participants more convenient access to services, close to home and work, and enables them to benefit from the specialized programming offered at each location. Members can use both the Lima and Bluffton facilities and will receive member pricing on programs at both locations.
“Lima Family YMCA and Bluffton Family Recreation Center are committed to impacting the lives of youth and the health and wellness of individuals of all ages,” said Jared Lehman, CEO. “Coming together as one organization will enable us to more effectively provide a greater array of programs and facility amenities and meet needs within our communities and county.”
The consolidated organization will serve more than 14,500 members and participants, employ 134 people, and provide nearly $110,000 in charitable community impact annually.
The consolidated YMCA is a 501(c)3 charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for all. For more information, go to https://limaymca.net/
Stories Posted This Week
Sunday, September 6, 2026
Saturday, September 5, 2026
Friday, September 4, 2026
- Labor Day weekend pause for the Icons
- Ada Icon headlines, Sept. 1-4
- Celebrate Recovery program announced by Ebenezer Church
- Bluffton chamber resumes monthly meetings, Sept. 11
- P.S. Why read, like and share local news?
- Pirate volleyball wins in 5 vs. Defiance Ayersville
- Pirate girls soccer blanked by Celina
- SummerFest will raise funds for Beaverdam-Richland Fire & Rescue
- 100 years of being Beavers: 2026 Bluffton University Homecoming, Oct. 2-4
- Beaverdam Bunch results from 2026 Allen County Junior Fair
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
- Bluffton University offers $1,000 annual award to enrollees who visit campus
- Pirate golf 3rd in NWC quad
- Pirate volleyball sweeps Elida
- Pirate boys soccer loss vs. Van Buren
- Pirate girls soccer win vs. Spencerville
- August 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton school district
- Bluffton alumnus to share grandmother's fight for U.S. citizenship