Creating a Blueprint for the Future Letter to Our Community
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:.$"PG$FOUSBM.BTTBDIVTFUUT BOOVBMSFQPSU Creating a Blueprint for the Future letter to our community %FBS'SJFOET Creating a blueprint for the future. This phrase is about so much We Build Strong Kids, more than just the dramatic transformation currently underway Strong Families, at our three Branches through our $15 million Capital Development Strong Communities. Initiative. For us, it is about the positive impact that these improvements will effect on the people we serve. In fact, our blueprint for the future is the Vision 2010 Strategic Plan. The historic investment in our facili- ties is one of the means by which we will achieve the Plan’s goals, all of which tie back to our mission to serve those most in need across our 41 community service area. The YMCA of Central Massachusetts is a vibrant, dynamic association comprised of thousands of diverse individuals. Our three Branches and many satellite operations continue to expand and refine a broad range of programs and initiatives — Activate America, after school programs, summer camp, character development programs to name a few — designed to enrich the lives of young people, particularly youth at risk. Our success in addressing community needs is dependent on the passionate, unified commitment of members, staff, volun- teers and mission partners. These pages highlight some of the ways we changed lives in 2007. Our sincere thanks are extended to those who work so well together to provide a special experience that can only be found at the YMCA. Our mission impact is on your broad, steady shoulders. Please know how grateful we are for all you do. Sincerely yours, ,BUISZO;JOHH)VOUFS 3PCFSU&.BZOBSE +S 1SFTJEFOU$&0 $IBJSNBO #PBSEPG%JSFDUPST vision 2010 strategic plan Last year, the YMCA of Central Massachusetts introduced Vision 2010, our new Strategic Plan. This is our roadmap. It is used across all levels and all functions of the organization. All decisions of import are passed through the lens of Vision 2010 to help us determine next steps. In the 2006 Annual Report we shared the Strategic Plan’s seven priority areas that guide all of our work moving forward. This year, we are pleased to report some of our progress: philanthropy • Reached $7 million in Capital Campaign, toward goal of $9.5 million • Surpassed $400,000 in Annual Fund, toward 2010 goal of $600,000 • Program grants raised in 2007 totaled $720,000, toward 2010 goal of $750,000 • Added four new members to the YMCA’s Heritage Society, toward 2010 goal of ten new members ymca governance • Articles of Organization amended and name change filed with the state • Branch Committees of Management renamed Board of Governors • Building a strong, strategic approach to the YMCA governance system facility investment • Capital projects near completion (Central & Greendale) and near commencement (Boroughs) • Capital Reserve Fund of 1% of YMCA operating budget established, toward 2010 goal of 5% growth • YMCA of Central Massachusetts working toward becoming Employer of Choice • Association and Branches realigning to position for growth • “Planning Teams” reformed into “Mission Impact Teams” with strategic focus marketing and positioning/image • Name change to YMCA of Central Massachusetts formally adopted in May, 2007 • Association in “capacity building” phase of Activate America • “Big M” marketing plan established, overseen by new Director of Marketing membership and program delivery • Focus on comprehensive membership recruitment and retention strategies • Greendale Launch Plan established for opening and modeling for other branches • Childcare business model developed to ensure financially viable programs • Fostered meaningful partnerships — locally and around the globe financial management • Fiscal 2007 results and approved 2008 budget adequate to meet financial obligations • Association pro-forma projections revised to include “Capital Reserve Fund” • Application Service Provider (ASP) changed to support future growth annual recognition event ovember 5, 2007 was a day of celebration at the Boroughs Family Branch. This year marked both Nthe 143rd Annual Recognition Event to honor youth and adult members who contribute in extraordinary ways to their communities, and the 5th Anniversary of the Boroughs Family Branch. The YMCA family met at the newest of the three branches to celebrate the festivities together. Dancers from the YMCA 8 Count Dance Team are perfectly choreographed to strut their stuff and liven up the crowd. A cascade of balloons falls to the floor revealing prizes for everyone below, capping the evening’s festivities. Board Chair Bob Maynard served as Master of Ceremonies. He congratulated and thanked our volun- teers, each with their own special talents and drive. The YMCA 8 Count Dance Team “popped and locked” their way through an electric performance that was enjoyed by all. Anniversary cake was cut by Dr. Anthony Benison, the first member through the doors opening day in 2002, and Rod Stull, General Manager of AstraZeneca, the lead corporate donor to the original construction of the Dr. Anthony Benison (left) and Rod Stull (right) of AstraZeneca are pictured cutting the cake to celebrate the Boroughs Family Branch 5th Anniversary. Branch. 4 chairman’s award Chairmen’s Award — Russ Dye Over the years Russ Dye has worn many hats for the YMCA. A longstanding and commit- ted member of the Central Community Branch — and racquetball player extraordi- naire for more than 15 years — Russ served on the Branch’s Committee of Management prior to joining the Board of Directors in 2006. Russ is the Association’s Treasurer, and also devotes time to the Association’s Investment, Audit and Properties Committees. As if this is not enough he recently agreed to lend his leadership as Vice-Chair of the 2008 Annual Strong Kids Campaign. When it comes to the YMCA, it seems Russ’s motto is, “just say yes.” Two examples deserve special note. In 2006 Russ guided the Association through the process of obtaining $25 million in financing for our ongoing Capital Development Initiative. Without this contribution it is unlikely that we would have been able to undertake this important project. Even more impor- tant was Russ’s presence during the prolonged absence last When it year, due to illness, of our Chief Financial Officer. Our organization barely missed a beat during comes to the YMCA, what could have been a tenuous period to time. it seems Russ’s motto is The credibility Russ brought to our organization “just say yes.” made all the difference. On top of all this, Russ also has time for his own job as Vice President with Commonwealth National Bank and his family — it must be all that racquetball. 5 youth volunteer awards Central – Joshua Cox Central — Teresa-Maria Rivera Joshua is what we Another Y-Kid is Teresa like to call a Y-Kid! Rivera, who has spent the Entering the program last seven years grow- at age seven, Josh has ing up at the Central grown up at the YMCA Branch. Teresa was one and continues to grow of the original partici- within the Minority pants in the pilot Girls Achievers Program on the Go program. (MAP). A senior at She is an outstanding Burncoat High School, young achiever who has he has been instru- become a mentor to the mental in recruiting girls participating in the new students to the program while co-lead- MAP program and his enthusiasm in the Arts & Humanities ing the nutrition and exercise component. She can often be found cluster continues to show great results. In the early spring Josh doing something around the Y — making copies for Membership, fil- volunteered in our Human Resources Department and showcased ing forms and helping in Child Watch, lending a hand to the Aquatics the skills that he has learned from the YMCA programs. He has and Wellness Departments, working out in the Wellness Center or recently joined the Y Staff as a group leader in our After-School swimming laps in the pool. Program and serves as mentor to our youths. Greendale — Michael Hancock Greendale — Danelle Lashus Beginning as a “shining Danelle has been volun- star” in the Greendale teering for the Green- Family Branch arts based dale Branch for the past Stars Camp Michael has two years in Leader’s been involved with the Club and as a Wee Wuns YMCA for over five years. volunteer. This year After participating in the Danelle was elected by Stars Camp, he became her peers as President part of our Leadership of Leader’s Club. She Development Program leads the group with a and Junior Counselor. strong commitment to Michael is passionate the YMCA mission and about music and creates is always asking what silly tunes to make every- else she can do. She can one smile. Recently he got involved in Leader’s Club and has been often be found playing dedicated to being a helpful member of the community. with children in between classes and greeting members. 6 Boroughs — Matt VanSlyke Boroughs — Courtney Brodeur While most 13 year Courtney has been olds choose to sleep in involved with the late on Saturday morn- Leaders Club at the ings, Matt chooses to Boroughs Family Branch come to the Boroughs for the past three years Family Branch to help and is currently serving with swim lessons. as the club’s president. Matt has bonded both She was instrumen- with staff and mem- tal in organizing the bers. He has gone from club’s largest service a shy kid to joking project to date, a large with the staff, with a scale effort to provide level of maturity that families within the far surpasses his age. Department of Social Matt’s sense of humor and easy going nature puts all of the chil- Services system with a meaningful holiday season. This effort dren in his classes at ease.