440-992-2336 | PO Box 131 Ashtabula, OH 44004 | info@civicdevelopmentcorp.org

Clint Jackson, Ashtabula native and lifetime YMCA member, had by-pass surgery a few years ago. This was a shock to Clint and his entire family. There were no contributing factors- Clint had a normal weight, low cholesterol, low triglycerides, and a clean family history. Stress was found to be the culprit.

After this life altering moment and very scary wakeup call, Clint committed to making heart health his top priority. Stress management is a “must” for him and so every day at noon Clint can be found working out at the Ashtabula County YMCA. The state of the art cardiovascular machinery has become an integral part of his life and helped has make his fitness goals attainable.

The Ashtabula County YMCA and CDC have shared history. The Y was the sole beneficiary of the first capital fundraising campaign in 1959. Civic Development Corporation built this cornerstone where it stands today on Lake Avenue.

The latest installment from the CDC 2015 Placemaking Campaign provided the YMCA with high-end cardio equipment including: recumbent bikes, rowers, treadmills and elliptical machines. The diversity of top of the line gear is in high demand. Jackson said there have been times when all the new treadmills are in use and that has allowed members to find another favorite new cardio machine.

For Jackson, the latest installment of grant money to the Y has impacted his life in the biggest way possible.  “It saved my life. The Y and the equipment have been instrumental in healthy heart care and improving my overall mental well-being,” he said. “How fortunate I was to be given this second gift. The CDC equipment is key in turning lives around while being able to improve yourself mentally and physically.”

Heading into 2020, CDC aims to continue providing Ashtabula County with these and other quality capital improvement projects. The projects truly enhance the lives of people like Clint Jackson, as well as other friends, family and neighbors. You can have a say in what these projects may look like.  Visit www.civicdevelopmentcorp.org to take the Community Assessment Survey and help shape our focus for the 2020 campaign. Let’s see what’s next for Ashtabula County.