53 years of neighbors looking out for neighbors
Founded in 1972 by a coalition of Worthington families, Greenwood has grown from a one-room rec hall into the largest nonprofit community center in central Ohio.
Our story
In the spring of 1972, a group of Worthington parents converted a vacant feed store on Maple Ridge Drive into a place where their kids could play after school. Fifty-three years later, that same building — now expanded six times — serves more than 4,200 members and welcomes 90,000 visits a year.
We're a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by an elected 11-member board of directors made up of Worthington residents. We don't answer to a national franchise or a parent organization. Every dollar that comes in stays in this neighborhood.
About 60% of our budget comes from membership and program fees, 25% from rentals and event income, and the remaining 15% from individual donations, foundation grants, and our annual appeal. We end most years with a small surplus that goes straight back into scholarships and capital improvements.
- ✓Founded 1972 — 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 31-7654321)
- ✓11-member elected board of Worthington residents
- ✓Over $40,000/year in program scholarships awarded
- ✓Accredited by the National Council of YMCAs (associate member)
By the numbers
Mission & values
Our mission: to strengthen the Worthington community by providing welcoming spaces and quality programs for every age, ability, and income.
What that means in practice:
- ✓We never turn anyone away for inability to pay — sliding-scale scholarships for every program
- ✓We pay our staff a living wage and offer health benefits to every full-time employee
- ✓We run lean — administrative overhead under 12% of total budget
- ✓We measure ourselves on participation, not profit
Want to support Greenwood?
Donate, volunteer, or rent a space — every contribution keeps the doors open and programs accessible.