YMCA of Metro Denver Welcomed Congresswoman Diana DeGette & Community to the Southwest YMCA

Colorado Congresswoman Diana DeGette joined the YMCA of Metro Denver on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at the Southwest YMCA to celebrate the completion of significant renovations to the YMCA branch. The improvements were made possible thanks to generous support from a $350,000 Community Project Funding grant awarded by Congresswoman DeGette’s office, as well as funding from the El Pomar Foundation. 

Congresswoman DeGette and YMCA of Metro Denver President & CEO Breezy Bolden were joined by Denver City Council Member Kevin Flynn, City of Sheridan Mayor Sally Daigle as well as other community members and area nonprofit leaders and representatives, enjoying tours of the refreshed spaces throughout the Y. 

The renovations to the Southwest YMCA are especially meaningful as the branch serves an area of the community with diverse and growing needs. Improvements include a brand-new, fully outfitted teaching kitchen; an inclusive, accessible, ADA-compliant lobby; expanded space for the Y’s Beyond Hunger food distribution program, which provides essential nutrition support to community members in need; updated fitness equipment, fresh flooring, LED gym lighting and upgraded locker rooms.

Together, the upgrades position the Southwest YMCA to better serve its community and continue elevating lives through health in spirit, mind and body. 

"I was proud to secure $350,000 in federal funding to support the YMCA of Metro Denver's expansion of the Beyond Hunger Kitchen," Congresswoman Diana DeGette said. "At a time when too many families are facing rising grocery costs and cuts to SNAP benefits, programs like Beyond Hunger are stepping up to make sure that vulnerable Denverites do not fall through the cracks. This expansion shows that the YMCA continues to hold its place as a cornerstone of our community." 

YMCA of Metro Denver President & CEO Breezy Bolden continued, “For more than 80 years, the Southwest YMCA has served as a place of belonging, wellness and opportunity for this community. We are celebrating not simply a renovated building, but what this YMCA means to the families, children, older adults and neighbors who walk through these doors every day. We are so grateful to our funding and community partners who understand that community spaces like the YMCA are essential infrastructure for healthy, connected communities.” 

The Southwest YMCA offers child care (preschool, before/afterschool and summer camp); swim lessons for all ages; youth sports and cooking classes; fitness classes, wellness programs for diabetes, blood pressure and cancer-survivors for adults as well as book and bridge clubs. Community members are invited to visit the Southwest YMCA, tour the renovated spaces, try the Y with a 7-Day Trial Pass and get involved in programs and services offered at the Y. Learn more about the Southwest YMCA.