A Process, A Purpose, A Place

Featuring David Allen

There’s something special about sitting down with someone who was there in the very beginning. And when you talk to David Allen about the origin of the Washington County Family YMCA, you realize quickly — this wasn’t just a project.

It was a process.

The Idea That Started It All

It began, as David recalls, on a fall day when a small group of community members gathered with one simple goal: stay active through the winter.

No big master plans. No staff. No building.

Just neighbors talking about creating an exercise facility.

People like Gene Hedrick, Terry Cottongim, and others came together. What happened next was the spark that turned conversation into reality.

A local family with ties to a bottled gas company had established a matching fund. Through relationships and trust — and yes, a little persistence — that fund became the catalyst that allowed the YMCA effort to move forward.

From there, the first corporation was formed. Volunteers became fundraisers. David remembers his assignment clearly: approach the local bank. They made a generous contribution.

That was the rhythm of those early days — neighbors asking neighbors.

Land, Leadership, and Westminster Beginnings

One pivotal moment was securing land.

The Stanley family donated property based on an appraisal, allowing them a tax benefit and giving the YMCA its future home. That gift determined our location and changed the course of this organization forever.

Before the current building, the Y operated out of Westminster Center — property David owned. For nearly three years, weightlifting equipment and early programs operated there while volunteers worked tirelessly to secure a charter and meet fundraising requirements from YMCA of the USA.

David smiles when he talks about that season.

“It wasn’t really a moment,” he says. “It was a process. And everybody was on the same page. There weren’t any dissenters.”

That unity? That’s rare. And powerful.

Behind the Scenes Work

David also quietly provided legal guidance to help the YMCA secure its tax-exempt status. He reviewed documents, answered emails, served on fundraising efforts, and gave personally.

No spotlight. Just steady leadership.

That’s what builders do.

What the Y Means Today

When asked what the YMCA means to the community now, David’s answer is beautifully simple:

“Those of us who are past our prime need a chance to stay mobile.”

But it’s more than that.

He sees it as opportunity. A place that has been well run. A place people speak positively about. A place that continues to grow because it was built on trust and shared vision.

He’s especially proud of programs like Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s. He understands the importance of connection — of people having somewhere to go, somewhere to belong.

And when he hears that the YMCA has raised over $4 million for the new childcare center and indoor recreation facility — with only $200,000 left to unlock a match — he beams.

“That’s great,” he says. “People want to see it before they act. But they’ll come.”

A Fun Fact You Didn’t See Coming

In case you’re wondering — yes, this founding volunteer once competed in clown diving at Cypress Gardens, performing off a 10-meter tower.

There may or may not be a trophy somewhere in his house.

We’re holding him to bringing it in.

A Builder at Heart

From helping launch the Y to renovating historic homes in Salem, David has always been someone who sees potential and does the work to bring it to life.

And that’s exactly what the Washington County Family YMCA was — and still is.

Not just a building.

Not just programs.

But a process powered by people who believed our community deserved something better.

Because of David Allen and those early volunteers, there truly is no place like this place.

And 25 years later, we’re still building — together.