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GARY, IN — Community leaders, partners, and residents gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Tolleston Opportunity Campus, a transformative community hub developed through an unprecedented partnership between the City of Gary, Crossroads YMCA, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana, and Methodist Hospitals. During the ceremony, the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation announced an additional $5 million commitment, bringing their total investment in the project to $15 million.
The ceremonial first shovels of dirt were turned at 1:00 PM, marking the official start of construction on the state-of-the-art facility that will serve thousands of residents across Northwest Indiana.
"Today we break ground on a new chapter in Gary's story—one where our community stands at the center of everything we do," said Mayor Eddie Melton during the ceremony. "For generations, Gary's greatest strength has always been the spirit and determination of its people. When we invest in our residents and create spaces for connection, we build the strongest possible foundation for our city's future.”
“Thank you to Mayor Melton and all the community leaders for this initiative and collaboration to make the Tolleston Opportunity Campus a reality,” expressed Congressman Frank Mrvan. “This dedicated space for children and families to learn and grow will further bring our community together and create more opportunities for the next generation to succeed in our region.”
The $30 million project is funded through a public-private partnership, including $10 million from a Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grant*, $10 million from the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, and $10 million from the City of Gary, with support from additional capital partners.
William Hanna, Executive Director of the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation revealed the Dean and Barbara White Foundation's increased support:
"The Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation is committed to investments that create lasting, positive change in Northwest Indiana. The Tolleston Opportunity Campus represents exactly the kind of high-impact partnership we seek to support—bringing together exceptional organizations to address community needs in an integrated, sustainable way. By combining education, wellness resources, and recreational opportunities in one accessible location, this project will strengthen Gary's foundation for generations to come."
The site, which has been prepared through the demolition of three existing buildings, will soon be home to a comprehensive community resource center featuring a multi-purpose gymnasium, modern classrooms, wellness center, child development facilities, teaching kitchen, outdoor recreational spaces, and community gathering areas.
"We are so happy for Crossroads YMCA to be part of this meaningful partnership. We have brought together key community partners for an amazing transformational project here at the Tolleston Opportunity Campus,” stated Jay Buckmaster, President/CEO of Crossroads YMCA. “We are thankful to collaborate with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana and Methodist Hospitals to create a safe place for all to learn, grow, and thrive."
Methodist Hospitals President and CEO, Matt Doyle emphasized the healthcare benefits the campus will bring:
"Methodist Hospitals is a proud partner in the Tolleston Opportunity Campus. The groundbreaking marks the beginning of something that can have a lasting impact on Gary. A wellness-focused community center can become a real hub where people connect, stay active, access resources, and feel supported. I am looking forward to the opportunity for Methodist to continue to collaborate to make a meaningful impact."
Mike Jessen of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana spoke about the organization's continued commitment to the community:
"Today we celebrate more than a physical structure—we're establishing a comprehensive support system for Gary's children and families. The John Will Anderson Boys & Girls Club at the Tolleston Opportunity Campus will continue to offer programming supporting character development, recreation, and wellness—the essential building blocks for successful futures. This collaboration allows us to leverage our respective strengths, creating a dynamic community hub where young people can develop the skills to become self-sufficient adults and engaged citizens."
The Tolleston Opportunity Campus is projected to serve thousands of residents annually across the Northwest Indiana region. Construction is expected to progress rapidly, with the facility scheduled to open its doors in 2026. For more information and updates, visit https://crymca.org/ymcatolleston.
*Launched in 2021 and led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), READI encourages regional collaboration and data-driven, long-term planning that will attract and retain talent in Indiana. The $500 million READI 1 fund was passed by legislation during the 2021 session. Through READI, regions across the state that represent all 92 counties are moving forward with projects and programs designed to enhance Indiana’s regions for current and future generations of Hoosiers. Collectively, the state’s $500 million initial investment is expected to yield an additional $9.19 billion public, private and nonprofit dollars invested (18.4:1 investment leverage ratio) in enhancing Indiana’s quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity.
Media Contacts:
Erika Blackwell
City of Gary
Chief Communications Officer
Eblackwell@gary.gov | (219) 806-6489
Jill Schaffenberger
Crossroads YMCA
Vice President of Marketing & Communication
jschaffenberger@crymca.org | (219) 235-9770
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