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Backgrounder
Media Contact:
Joshua James
Media Contact
740-262-9133
James.703@buckeyemail.osu.edu
Marion Family YMCA
Since its founding in 1892 the people of Marion have been developing the potential of
youth, helping one another improve well-being, and giving back to their community through
the Y. Although the specific programs and services have changed throughout the years, the
work of the Y has always been to strengthen our community through youth development,
healthy living and social responsibility.
The Y’s first facility was located on South State Street and it was there that young boys
developed self-confidence along with swimming skills in the Y’s tiny pool where the ceiling was
so low that most adults had to bow their heads under it. Progressively respectful and inclusive,
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the Marion Family YMCA allowed women to use this facility when it first opened in
1895.
By 1950, the need for a new facility became apparent and a capital campaign
was launched with the goal of raising $750,000. Due to the socially responsible residents of
Marion, money was raised and a new larger facility was opened on Church Street in 1953.
Over the years, the Y’s work in youth development and healthy living once again
outgrew its facility. Helping people improve their well-being through popular exercise classes
sometimes included holding cycling classes in the lobby of the facility due to a lack of space.
This wasn’t stopping people though from supporting one another and seeing amazing life
changes as individuals came to the Y looking to get fit, and stayed because they not only did so
but improved their overall well-being through their new social connections and friendships.
In 2004 the Marion Family YMCA moved to its current location on Barks Road with a
new 88,000 square foot facility that is able to help more youth than ever before reach their
potential. Through this tool, the Y is aiding more individuals and families in improving their well-
being and providing more opportunities for the people to give back and support their Marion
neighbors.
Bio
Carrie Guyton is the director of relationships at the Marion Family YMCA. Many tasks fall
under her oversight from taking care of memberships and the child watch program to updating
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the website and Facebook page. She has been a part of the Y full time since 2010 and also
instructs a boot camp class at the Y. Before being full time, she still worked part time as a boot
camp instructor and has been doing that for the last 16 years.
Previously to the Y she worked at Exact Software, handling marketing communications
and graphic designs for 25 years. Guyton graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor
of Arts degree in Secondary Education, which she is still certified in today for K-12 special
education and art. She is a Marion native, having attended Harding High School and graduating
at 17. She also knows how to ride the unicycle.
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