Our Legacy of Service

For over a century, the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA has stood as a pillar of strength and opportunity on Columbus’ Near East Side. As one of the first YMCAs in the nation to serve a historically Black community, the Eldon & Elsie Ward Family YMCA has built a legacy rooted in perseverance, equity and belonging. From STEM education for youth and safe spaces for teens to inclusive wellness programs for older adults, the Y continues to provide transformative programs that meet the needs of a neighborhood where over half of residents live below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line.

We welcome our 2025 Ward Legacy Honoree, Charles D. Hillman:
Building Communities and Creating Opportunities.

He has over 30 years of experience in real estate and housing and has dedicated his career to providing access to housing for all. As President and CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) since 2010, his leadership has been crucial in addressing Central Ohio's housing crisis. Hillman has significantly expanded CMHA’s reach, tripling its housing portfolio to over 6,000 mixed-income homes and leveraging a nearly $1 billion operating budget to serve 160,000+ residents.

Under his leadership, CMHA has averaged over $150 million annually in development activity (including $275 Million in 2024, and $300 Million projected in 2025) and received an A+ rating from S&P Global, where CMHA has leveraged over 400 Million in bonds for the preservation and creation of mixed-income housing. Hillman’s career has taken him to Cincinnati and Chicago, where he gained extensive experience in both public and private sectors. He actively serves on several boards, including the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, and the Columbus Museum of Art.

Charles D. Hillman:

Leading the Night with Purpose:
Kerry Charles, Telling Stories, Building Community.

He anchors the evening newscasts Sunday through Thursday on NBC4. Since joining the station in 2020, he has made a significant impact throughout central Ohio.

Kerry is deeply involved in the community, helping lead a station initiative that has provided turkeys and sides to over 7,100 families. He serves as President of the Columbus Association of Black Journalists, sits on the Board of Trustees at St. Stephen’s Community House, and is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He also mentors aspiring journalists and young leaders.

A three-time Emmy Award winner, Kerry has over 20 years of experience as a television journalist. He has worked as an anchor and reporter in Atlanta, a morning anchor in Greensboro, N.C., a reporter in Shreveport, LA, and a producer in Columbus and Cincinnati.

Kerry Charles:

A Celebration With Purpose

An Evening of Belonging marks the 18th Annual Ward Legacy Celebration — a tribute to this rich history and a call to invest in the future. Your support ensures the Y remains a vital place of belonging for all ages. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tiffany Priest, Vice President of Development, at tiffany.priest@ymcacolumbus.org.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Community Champion

Nationwide Insurance

Community Leader

The Robert Weiler Company

OCCH
Grange Insurance

Community Advocate

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Ice Miller, LLP

Huntington National Bank

CMHA

JPMorgan Chase & Co

Accurate Heating and Cooling

Hal Keller & Laurie Kaps-Keller

Friend of the Community

BakerHostetler

PNC

Tidwell Group

Diocese of Columbus

GHM, Inc.
Park National Bank

CAREX Foundation

2025 Ward Legacy Celebration

By YMCA of Central Ohio

2025 Ward Legacy Celebration

Together We Belong