This week's Portage Life in the Spotlight is someone fairly new to his job. Chris Aungst, CEO, or Chief Executive Officer, of the Portage YMCA shares why he thinks having a YMCA is beneficial to the community.
When asked why Aungst thought having a YMCA in the community was beneficial, he had quite a few reasons.
"I think the Y in general is for youth development, healthy living and social responsibilities, so we affect a lot of people in all of those categories," Aungst said.
Aungst moved to the Portage location as CEO back in late August. Prior to working here, he was employed at the YMCA in Bloomington. He has held various job titles with the YMCA over the last eight years, including Aquatics Director, Pool Manager and Recreational Coordinator.
Just some of the different activities the YMCA offers include: youth sports, camp activities, swim lessons, child care, exercise classes and preschool. On top of youth activities, the YMCA also offers activities for adults.
According to Aungst, another positive thing about the YMCA is that it offers financial assistance for anyone who cannot afford to participate in the activities offered. Due to the financial assistance offered, Aungst believes the YMCA is more accessible to everyone. The YMCA helps build core developmental assets, such as having a good self-esteem and confidence. It also teaches children how to become leaders. According to Aungst, he practices those skills personally.
Aungst hopes the YMCA is a model in the community and it is a place where people can be involved. He hopes that it can help to teach people how to better take care of themselves by becoming more active.
As CEO, Aungst helps find the needs of the community and finds out what he can do to help fulfill those needs. The YMCA offers many volunteering responsibilities as well.
"Personally, within this job, I see myself as an enabler," Aungst said.
Aungst's favorite part about what he does is the relationships he forms. He loves to work with everyone, coworkers and members included, and to make positive changed within the community.
Outside of the YMCA, Aungst is involved with projects at his church.
To find out more about Aungst and all of the great things that are happening at the Portage YMCA, visit their website and find the Y on Facebook!