ROCKWALL, TX (Oct. 5, 2025) Community members, local dignitaries, and YMCA representatives gathered last week to celebrate a milestone moment for Rockwall’s future: the official check presentation from HomeBank Texas to support the expansion of the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA.
The occasion marked HomeBank Texas’ $500,000 lead gift to the YMCA’s capital campaign—arriving just as the Rockwall YMCA prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary on October 11.
Strengthening a Community Anchor
The donation will help fund a transformative expansion project, highlighted by a new climate-controlled, state-of-the-art natatorium, a 2,000-square-foot group fitness classroom, a fully enclosed hallway to protect members from the elements, outdoor restrooms, an educational center, and approximately 80 additional parking spaces to ease congestion during peak times. Together, these improvements will allow the YMCA to continue serving thousands of families, children, teens, and seniors for decades to come.
More Than a Check
While last Monday’s event celebrated a major financial contribution, it also underscored a larger story: HomeBank Texas’ philosophy that local dollars should work for local people.
“Teresa and I have been blessed to call this community home for 25 years,” said Mark Andrews, Chairman of the Board at HomeBank Texas. “As a community bank, we’re entrusted with deposits from our neighbors. We put those deposits to work through loans that support families, businesses, restaurants, and services. That lending generates revenue, and when we channel that revenue back into community assets like the YMCA, it comes full circle. It’s not HomeBank’s money—it’s the community’s money working for the community again.”
Andrews noted that the YMCA has touched his own family for three generations—from his daughter’s youth athletic programs, to his mother and mother-in-law’s involvement in senior activities, to his grandson’s participation today. “There isn’t another organization that touches lives so deeply across every age group,” he said. “That’s why this was such a simple decision for us and for our team at HomeBank.”
A Perpetual Investment
Calling the YMCA “infrastructure for our community,” Andrews urged other businesses to recognize the project as an opportunity for purpose-driven investment.
“Fifty years ago, no one could have imagined how this YMCA would evolve into such a vital part of Rockwall,” he said. “Supporting its expansion is one of the best investments we can make—not only as a bank, but as neighbors.”
Andrews also noted that a matching grant will multiply the impact of every donation, urging other local businesses and families to join in. “This is a perpetual investment. It’s not about HomeBank—it’s about Rockwall,” he said.
He added that the HomeBank name on the new YMCA facilities will serve as a visual reminder of the bank’s mission.
“It’s not just our name on the natatorium; it’s a symbol of the community reinvesting in itself,” Andrews said. “Our relationship with the Y is more than transactional—it’s purpose-driven. This gift is a gesture of gratitude to the community and a reflection that HomeBank’s mission goes beyond numbers on a financial statement. It’s about relationships and lasting impact.”
Community Response
Rockwall County Judge Frank New spoke to the broader significance of the gift. “One of the things that helps protect the quality of life in Rockwall is a company like HomeBank Texas stepping up to support programs the Y offers,” New said. “I’m thankful we have citizens and business leaders who will step up and serve others.”
Harold Young, District Executive Director of the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA, emphasized the importance of stewarding resources to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community. “We want to make a lasting impact not just today, but for many years into the future,” Young said. “This expansion will help us build strong bodies, minds, and spirits for generations.” HomeBank leaders also expressed appreciation for Young’s dedication and leadership in guiding the capital campaign, noting that his efforts are critical to inspiring additional community support.
Curt Hazelbaker, President/CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, reflected on the YMCA’s growth in Rockwall and the significance of the gift.
“It’s a great day for the Y and for the Rockwall community, and I’m honored to celebrate here with you,” Hazelbaker said. “Years ago, Rockwall had a small building that wasn’t much to look at, but it sat on a terrific site in a fast-growing community. Over the years, Rockwall grew, and the Y grew right along with it. About 12 years ago, the Rockwall Y board realized we had to expand the facility to keep pace with the tremendous growth of Rockwall County. That expansion in 2014 was a powerful example of the return that comes from investing in our facilities. Membership and participation soared, and today, this YMCA is the fourth busiest of the 16 we operate across Dallas.”
Hazelbaker noted that while the 2014 expansion was a major milestone, the work was not complete. “The pool side of the building has long needed modernization, and the time to do that is now,” he said. “With today’s generous gift from HomeBank Texas, we are seeing the kind of momentum that makes projects like this possible. Mark and Teresa Andrews, along with the entire HomeBank team, have given this campaign a tremendous boost. I also want to thank Eric Stacey, HomeBank’s Chief Lending Officer and a valued member of the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA Board of Management, for his leadership and support.”
Looking ahead, Hazelbaker tied the gift to the YMCA’s upcoming milestone. “As Mark alluded to, we’re preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this YMCA on October 11,” he said. “It will be a time not only to look back at our history, but also to look forward to how we will continue serving this community for generations to come. With partners like HomeBank, that future is stronger, healthier, and brighter.”
For Andrews, that future is personal as well as professional. “Our purpose at HomeBank is not just X’s and O’s on a financial statement,” he said. “It’s about ensuring that the dollars entrusted to us are reinvested in the community. That’s why this opportunity with the YMCA was so important. It’s a great investment, it’s a great return, and it’s purpose-driven.”
About HomeBank Texas
Founded in 1952, HomeBank Texas has been locally owned and operated for more than seven decades. Deeply rooted in the communities it serves, HomeBank Texas is committed to building lasting relationships and delivering personal service that makes a difference. HomeBank Texas, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #469538.
Blue Ribbon News staff report. Photo by BRN Media.
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