DEAR Y FRIENDS,

As we reflect on this last year, a major theme comes to mind—Changemakers! Every day, our community partners, members, volunteers, and staff work together to deliver the promise of strengthening our communities by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other.

Together these changemakers are delivering this promise to individuals throughout Mecklenburg County through programs that focused on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. There are always some bumps in the road, but we continue to work towards affecting change within our communities and continue to stay focused on areas where we can make a difference.

Child Safety—We continue to leverage our proven track record of prioritizing safety training, age-appropriate activities, and supportive interactions. Our financial assistance program and dedicated professionals continue to position us to provide safe, nurturing youth environments for all children through our youth programs.

Member Experience—We strive to provide every member with the necessary resources to come and use the Y in a way that best fits their needs, whether that consists of participating in one of our group fitness classes or engaging on a deeper level through many volunteer hours that were generously given by community members to make a better us. From ping pong to pickleball members and non-members can enjoy fun and free activities.

Customer Service—We actively work to create a culture of connection and inclusion for the members that call the Y home. Keeping members safe and feeling secure has been foremost in our minds and efforts this year. Equipment has been spaced according to CDC guidelines, extra cleaning precautions are taking place regularly throughout the day and night, and we have been able to acquire additional space in our facilities to insure the best possible experience for our members.

Community Collaboration—We work within our communities to assist in efforts to provide much needed resources. We work with the community to provide food for local food banks, collect school supplies for the schools, toys for children at Christmas, and we will continue to work to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities.

We thank each and every one of the Y’s committed partners, stakeholders, donors, members and staff for helping make the Y the place where community comes home. We appreciate everyone for being a part of the Mecklenburg County YMCA. We’re not just a gym, we’re a community!

Sincerely,

Tom French
Board Chair, Mecklenburg County YMCA

Hope Bain, RN, CPT, CHC
CEO, Mecklenburg County YMCA