Wheeling YMCA Capital Expansion Project

In November 2024, the Wheeling YMCA proudly broke ground on a multi-million-dollar Capital Expansion Project.

The Wheeling YMCA—founded before the State of West Virginia itself and formerly known as the YMCA of the Western Virginias—has experienced record-high participation in memberships, childcare, swim lessons, and youth programs since the COVID-19 pandemic. With this tremendous growth, our facility had simply outgrown its space. This expansion will ensure that the Wheeling YMCA remains a cornerstone of our community for the next 150 years and beyond.

A major reason this project was able to move forward is the extraordinary generosity of the Contraguerro Family and Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration. Their transformational gift of $250,000 will allow the Wheeling YMCA to:

• Expand childcare services. With our state and city facing a childcare crisis, this gift will enable us to serve more children and reduce a waiting list that is consistently at full capacity.
• Introduce 50+ new youth programs. These offerings will include tutoring, mentoring, arts, STEM, and sports—opening new opportunities for growth, learning, and enrichment.
• Install a state-of-the-art dehumidification system in the pool. This will regulate airflow, water and air quality, temperature, and antibacterial/virus control features, improving the overall experience for more than 100,000 patrons who use our pool annually.
• Develop a brand-new indoor fitness facility with a walking track.
• Create an indoor training space for group fitness and youth athletic development. With West Virginia ranking among the highest in childhood obesity, these upgrades will strengthen our efforts to make Wheeling the healthiest city in the state.

One of the first completed areas of this expansion was the Front Gym, which serves more than 50,000 children each year through leagues and sports clinics. In recognition of their generosity and steadfast belief in our mission, this gym has been dedicated as the Robert and Jody Contraguerro Gymnasium.

"We are deeply grateful to the Contraguerro family and Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration for their substantial major gift to the Capital Campaign, which will significantly contribute to the Wheeling YMCA's future success," said Adam Shinsky, Executive Director of the Wheeling YMCA.

Robert and Jody who built Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration from humble beginnings into a nationally respected company, embody the very values the YMCA seeks to instill in young people—hard work, perseverance, and community service. Their commitment to Wheeling and the entire Ohio Valley has supported countless families and businesses. The Contraguerro family’s legacy will live on through the past, present, and future youth of the Wheeling YMCA, leaving an everlasting impact on our community.