The YMCA of Selma-Dallas County, which is known for its rich history, is also looking toward the future.

The YMCA, interim CEO Dan Shaddock said, is preparing to launch its annual support campaign for charitable contributors to give the facility program upgrades and needed repairs.

“We’re using our personal contacts and letters to raise support for the YMCA to make charitable, tax-deductible contributions to with some of the work we are trying to get finished,” he said. “We are trying to get the ‘Y’ strong and healthy to allow us the needed repairs and allow us to provide the needed social and recreational services needed for kids and families in Dallas County.”

Some changes for the YMCA include redirecting the flow of funding.

“We made significant progress last month reducing payables,” said Shaddock. ‘We want to completely eliminate them to position ourselves to accomplish the needed maintenance and repairs.”

The big picture, Shaddock said, is to reach a point where the YMCA is financially strong.

The goal for the fundraising campaign, which will last about a month, is $60,000, he said.

The money will be spread across the board.

“None of the funds are earmarked for any one project,” he said. “We’d like to put it toward needed repairs and financial assistance to kids and families who can’t afford membership.”

The Selma YMCA, founded in 1858, is the oldest in the state, said Shaddock. The goal is to use the group’s rich history to build better citizens down the road.

“This YMCA has a distinguished heritage of upholding Christian values in Selma,” he said. “We want to continue to build on that wonderful heritage.