Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Niles-Buchanan YMCA (2019)

905 North Front Street, Niles, MI 49120 
Phone: 269-683-1552

The YMCA was established in Niles-Buchanan in 1944. Their modern 55,000 square foot facility was dedicated in 2006 and over the next year will have a significant expansion to their space. The Niles-Buchanan YMCA is part of two locations in the YMCA of Southwest Michigan, that includes Benton Harbor-St. Joseph as well. Over the next year they will merge with the YMCA of Michiana, who has a facility in South Bend, Indiana, to form a group of 3 YMCA's across two states (For more information on this exciting merger see The South Bend Tribune, August 7, 2019).

Jonathan and I visited the Niles-Buchanan YMCA (#5 of 49) on August 3, 2019. We were able to hand out gifts courtesy of Jack's Place for Autism Foundation and encourage children to register to win a stuffed Augie dog. We are taking "Augie" with us to every YMCA in Michigan. We were hosted by Tanner Solloway from the YMCA of Southwest Michigan. We were delighted to meet Kristin Schwerba of LOGAN Autism Services, who had a table in the lobby of the YMCA at the same time. Jonathan also enjoyed the warm water therapy pool here which is one of his favorites in the state.

Tanner Solloway, staff of the YMCA, was our host at the visit. 

Augie enjoying the unique chairs shaped like the State of Michigan in the lobby of Niles-Buchanan YMCA.
Special Needs Programs: The Niles-Buchanan YMCA operates 3 programs for special needs individuals, including those with autism. They include:
  • Just for You Swim Lessons
  • Just for You Dance
  • Just for You Night Out
Social Media: You can follow the Niles-Buchanan YMCA at the following social media pages.
If you live in or around the Niles-Buchanan area one of the best bargains would be to become members of the Niles-Buchanan YMCA. Contact this website for financial assistance information.


Alan and Jonathan Stokes are members of the Oak Park YMCA at the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing. They are partnering with Jack's Place for Autism Foundation and the YMCA's in Michigan to visit each YMCA and spread autism awareness across Michigan from 2019-2022.