The time to make New Year’s resolutions is now. We all make them — promising to change a facet of our everyday life to improve our health, our lifestyle or just to make a change for the better.

This is the time of year when the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County sees an increase in membership as people dedicate themselves to getting fit early in the year. We should be thankful to have a place like the YMCA.

It was only last January that the YMCA was struggling to stay afloat and needed help from the Selma City Council, which came by way of a lodging tax that helps with funding.

The YMCA has undergone a lot of changes over the last several years.

Those in charge, led by CEO Ann Murray, have taken the initiative and are listening to feedback from the community. New programs, such as the swim team and the Y-Not program, seem to be starting up in bunches.

Under Murray, all indications remain that membership has increased and the YMCA’s popularity is on the rise.

That can only be a good thing for our city.

For Selma to be everything we want it to be, the YMCA is going to have to play a large role. It’s no secret that Selma is struggling in the battle against diabetes and obesity, but through the YMCA and its programs there is a way to win those fights.

Through basketball and soccer programs, the YMCA is a great place to keep youth busy throughout the year.

There are truly programs for everyone, which makes the YMCA is an asset to our community that we should be appreciative of.