Reviewed by: Pat Byington
YMCA president visits the revitalized Roebuck campus: “It is absolutely thriving”
Reading time: 4 minutes
In 1965, when YMCA first came to Roebuck, the suburb was a thriving community of Birmingham, but it gradually slipped into economic decline and gained a crime-ridden reputation.
To solve these crises, the YMCA and its community partners — including Habitat for Humanity, Christ Health Center and Impact Family Counseling — came together to create an innovative community hub. The renovated Northeast Community YMCA reopened August 2025.
This unique, collaborative project caught the attention of YMCA’s national leadership, including Suzanne McCormick, president and CEO of The Y, who visited the Northeast Community YMCA on Monday, April 13.
“Part of my job is getting to visit Ys around the country to see what they’re doing and to discover new best practices. I learned about the project here in the Roebuck neighborhood four years ago when it was just starting, and I was so impressed by what they were attempting to do that I have always wanted to come and see it.”
Suzanne McCormick, YMCA President
Roebuck’s unique partnership at The Y
The revitalized YMCA has amenities designed to address critical community needs, including:
- Affordable housing
- Quality education
- Accessible healthcare
The new space not only continues to provide vital community and fitness spaces like any other YMCA, but it also has:
- A health clinic
- Housing in a well-lit and walkable community
- Mental health services
- Early learning pre-K classrooms
- Academic development programming for kids and teens
- Playgrounds
- Community gardens
McCormick had the opportunity to witness the new facilities in action and meet families impacted by the programs. For instance, she learned about one community member who started coming to The Y for a quilting group, which led to her learning about Christ Health Pediatrics. Now, she brings her grandchildren to the clinic to receive healthcare.
“In essence, [the Northeast Community YMCA and its partners] have recreated a neighborhood. You will often see a Y in a neighborhood, but they weren’t typically a leader in building that neighborhood. That’s what makes this really unique.”
Suzanne McCormick, YMCA President
She already had an idea of what to expect since she had followed the project so closely, but McCormick said the facility has “exceeded her expectations.”
“I already tell the story of Birmingham even before I got here because I was so impressed with the idea of it. What I will take away is that while it takes hard work, resources and dedication, when different entities come together, they can do something better than any single entity could do alone. That is the story I want to continue to elevate.”
…”Looking at the caliber of the facilities and the homes that have already been built — they’re beautiful. Now that I’m here, I can feel the energy of this place; it is absolutely thriving.”
Suzanne McCormick, YMCA President
Visit the Northeast Community YMCA
Want to experience this innovative mission or take advantage of its services yourself?
The Northeast Community YMCA is open to all at 628 Red Lane Road in Birmingham from 8:30AM to 6PM, Monday through Friday.
Current programs include:
- YMCA 1st class pre-K
- YMCA afterschool care
- YMCA summer day camp
- Youth sports leagues
- Community gathering spaces
- Teen programs + mentoring
- Foster family aid + reunification
- Community health management
- Group fitness classes (including pickleball and basketball)
Free food distribution takes place on the second Tuesday of each month from 10AM to noon. Recipients may pick up a free 15-25 pound box of fresh, perishable foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables on a first-come first-served basis, via drive-through distribution in the parking lot.
For news, events and more happening around Birmingham, sign up for our FREE newsletter.
