We recognize that the YMCA needs to be a leader in advancing the equity and inclusion of all our members, colleagues, and communities that we serve. We work with our staff teams to listen, learn, and lead a culture of opportunity and inclusivity for all.

As the YMCA, our cause is strengthening communities. Every day we work side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. We believe that all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, economic status, or any other consideration have equal value and deserve equal access to opportunities and respect. Discrimination of
any kind has no place in this endeavor.

The Crossroads YMCA is dedicated to making sure that you feel welcome, valued, and safe at any of our Y facilities. This commitment is happening throughout our organization. We aspire to be an ally in the fight for racial justice, diverse ability awareness and economic equality within our communities. We believe that by listening, learning, and leading, we will continue to reach that goal.

Volunteer with Us

If you are interested in volunteering on our Advancing Equity Team, please contact Nicole Ochoa at 219 321 8771 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

In our continued efforts in combatting hunger with the Foodbank of NWI, CRYMCA and volunteers helped pack 338 Senior Pantry Packs in just two hours. CRYMCA and the Advancing Equity Committee has helped the Foodbank of NWI distribute thousands of meals across Lake County.

Jeff Cobb

Program Associate
Food Bank of Northwest Indiana

As a Program Associate for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, I have the pleasure of assisting in our overall mission “to feed people today, and end hunger tomorrow by inspiring and collaborating with our community.” Partnering with various organizations, like the Hammond YMCA, to provide food assistance is a blessing.

Growing up, I spent time participating in sporting/physical activities at the Hammond YMCA. And now 20 years later, I’m working with them to feed our community. It’s amazing how life comes full circle. The Hammond YMCA provided a group of high energy staff and volunteers, who helped host a very impactful food distribution that served 138 individuals. The Hammond YMCA made the families feel welcome and removed any shame associated with needing groceries. Many people left with confident smiles due to being able to feed their families. YMCA team member Nicole Ochoa played a major role in making the day successful.

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana relies on volunteers to help us address hunger in our community on a daily basis. Each year, more than 4,000 individuals, families, and groups, share their time and talents to assist with our hunger relief efforts throughout Lake and Porter Counties. Each volunteer experience is unique and fulfilling for our volunteers, and makes a tremendous difference in the lives of the families we serve. The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana offers a number of dynamic and flexible volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups. To find out more, visit: http://foodbanknwi.org/volunteer/.

Yesi Garibay

Mini Mobile Market w/NWI Food Bank
Southlake YMCA

Volunteering at the mobile market was a special experience for me and I am so grateful I was able to help distribute and give back to those who came. Knowing that I physically made a slight difference within our community and feeling like I made their day even better to those that came is such an amazing thing to feel. I will never forget all the smiles, laughs, and expressed gratefulness I received as I loaded the food into their cars. I am really looking forward to the next mobile market!

Jeremy DeBold

Mini Mobile Market w/NWI Food Bank
Southlake YMCA

Working with the Foodbank of Northwest Indiana in distributing food at the Hammond YMCA was a fantastic experience. It's so refreshing and humbling putting in the work and seeing the good we can do when we come together as a community. Being able to meet and serve our Hammond neighbors in such an impactful way is one of the reasons I love working at the Y and being on the Advancing Equity Committee. I look forward to bringing more opportunities like this to our CRYMCA teams and community!