New Y director for Orleans County has roots in Medina

YMCA starting new programs for cooking, chess and winter rock wall climbing

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Andrew Houseman, new senior program director at the Orleans County YMCA in Medina, stands in the newly-remodeled kitchen, where the Y expects to start cooking classes soon.

MEDINA – Andrew Houseman has been preparing himself to take on the role of leading a YMCA.

“This has been my goal all along,” said Houseman, who began his duties as senior program director of the Orleans County YMCA on Oct. 6. “I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. I’m very happy to be back in my home town.”

Houseman, a Medina native and son of Shawn and Lacy Houseman of Medina, formerly worked as lead trainer at the GLOW YMCA in Batavia and is passionate about revitalizing local programs and expanding opportunities that help strengthen families and promote healthy living. He brings renewed focus on community connection, family engagement and accessible wellness for all ages.

“The YMCA was a big part of my childhood,” said Houseman, a former YMCA youth athlete. “I grew up playing sports here, and it’s incredible to now give back in my leadership role. My goal is to ensure everyone, from kids to seniors, feels welcome, included and excited to be part of what we’re building.”

In Batavia, Houseman helped manage several successful projects, including the rollout of EGYM, which quickly became one of the region’s most successful member engagement initiatives. With a background in mechanical engineering and an MBA from the University of Buffalo, he brings a data-driven and people-first approach to program development.

Under his leadership the Orleans County YMCA is expanding its offerings to serve a wider range of interests and activities. He has several new programs ready to launch, including chess and cooking classes.

The cooking classes will be Bible-based, focusing on foods that were eaten in the Bible.

“Our focus on the Bible is a return to the ‘Christian’ origin of the YMCA,” Houseman said.

Another initiative is a winter program to use the rock wall.

Andrew Houseman stands by the chess tables at the YMCA, where he hopes chess games will become a popular pastime.

An avid chess player, Houseman has already started the YMCA Chess Club and had one evening of chess, and while participation was small, he hopes it will pick up. Play is open to all ages and players may bring their own board and pieces. Games are at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Rec Room. Play is free for members and $5 for non-members.

On Oct. 25, the YMCA will welcome all to an open house to meet Houseman and the staff. The day will feature free popcorn, no-join fees for new members and a chance to register for new programs. The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon.

Starting Oct. 29, a six-week program of hockey drills and skills will begin for ages 6 to 13. Participants will build skills, practice drills and scrimmage every night – from 6 to 6:50 p.m. Cost is $50 for members and $80 for non-members. Players can register at glowymca.org.

Other events include pickleball at 8 a.m. Sundays, starting Nov. 9. Play is free, but members and non-members must register to play.

Other upcoming highlights include new group exercise classes designed for all fitness levels and schedules, and the continuation and growth of the YMCA’s highly praised youth sports programs, including efforts to collaborate with local schools to introduce more kids to the benefits of teamwork and physical activity.

“We want the Y to be a true community hub – a place where families connect, kids develop lifelong habits and friends, and adults feel supported in their health journeys,” Houseman said. “There’s truly something for everyone here.”