Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
Go to
www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.
| (i) Name of supported organization | (ii) EIN | (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1- 10 above (see instructions)) | (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? | (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) | (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | |||||
|
Total |
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Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") .. | ||||||
| 2 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf.... | ||||||
| 3 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. | ||||||
| 4 | Total. Add lines 1 through 3 | ||||||
| 5 | The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f).. | ||||||
| 6 | Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4. | ||||||
Calendar year
(or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Amounts from line 4.. | ||||||
| 8 | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources... | ||||||
| 9 | Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.. | ||||||
| 10 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.).. | ||||||
| 11 | Total support. Add lines 7 through 10 | ||||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . | 4,366,213 | 3,682,931 | 7,894,747 | 7,451,419 | 9,238,684 | 32,633,994 |
| 2 | Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose | 12,436,820 | 13,937,991 | 14,389,149 | 15,647,983 | 9,877,029 | 66,288,972 |
| 3 | Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 ..... | 0 | |||||
| 4 | Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf... | 0 | |||||
| 5 | The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge | 0 | |||||
| 6 | Total. Add lines 1 through 5 | 16,803,033 | 17,620,922 | 22,283,896 | 23,099,402 | 19,115,713 | 98,922,966 |
| 7a | Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| b | Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| c | Add lines 7a and 7b.. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 8 | Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) | 98,922,966 | |||||
Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) ![]() |
(a) 2015 | (b) 2016 | (c) 2017 | (d) 2018 | (e) 2019 | (f) Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Amounts from line 6... | 16,803,033 | 17,620,922 | 22,283,896 | 23,099,402 | 19,115,713 | 98,922,966 |
| 10a | Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources.. | 882,493 | 658,190 | 1,710,591 | 580,600 | 424,958 | 4,256,832 |
| b | Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975. | 0 | |||||
| c | Add lines 10a and 10b. | 882,493 | 658,190 | 1,710,591 | 580,600 | 424,958 | 4,256,832 |
| 11 | Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. | 0 | |||||
| 12 | Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) .. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 13 | Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.).. | 17,685,526 | 18,279,112 | 23,994,487 | 23,680,002 | 19,540,671 | 103,179,798 |
| Section A - Adjusted Net Income | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
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| 1 | Net short-term capital gain | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Other gross income (see instructions) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Add lines 1 through 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Depreciation and depletion | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Other expenses (see instructions) | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) | 8 | ||||
| Section B - Minimum Asset Amount | (A) Prior Year |
(B) Current Year (optional) |
||||
| 1 | Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): | 1 | ||||
| a | Average monthly value of securities | 1a | ||||
| b | Average monthly cash balances | 1b | ||||
| c | Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets | 1c | ||||
| d | Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) | 1d | ||||
| e |
Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI): |
|||||
| 2 | Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Subtract line 2 from line 1d | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 1-1/2% of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Multiply line 5 by .035 | 6 | ||||
| 7 | Recoveries of prior-year distributions | 7 | ||||
| 8 | Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) | 8 | ||||
| Section C - Distributable Amount | Current Year | |||||
| 1 | Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Enter 85% of line 1 | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) | 3 | ||||
| 4 | Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 | 4 | ||||
| 5 | Income tax imposed in prior year | 5 | ||||
| 6 | Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) | 6 | ||||
| Section D - Distributions | Current Year | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes | ||
|
2
Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity |
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| 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations | ||
| 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets | ||
| 5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required) | ||
| 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions | ||
| 7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. | ||
|
8
Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions |
||
| 9 Distributable amount for 2019 from Section C, line 6 | ||
| 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount | ||
| Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions) |
(i) Excess Distributions |
(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2019 |
(iii) Distributable Amount for 2019 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Distributable amount for 2019 from Section C, line 6 | ||||
|
2
Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2019 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI). See instructions. |
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| 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2019: | ||||
| a From 2014....... | ||||
| b From 2015....... | ||||
| c From 2016....... | ||||
| d From 2017....... | ||||
| e From 2018....... | ||||
| fTotal of lines 3a through e | ||||
| g Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| h Applied to 2019 distributable amount | ||||
|
i
Carryover from 2014 not applied (see instructions) |
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| j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from 3f. | ||||
| 4Distributions for 2019 from Section D, line 7: | ||||
| $ | ||||
| a Applied to underdistributions of prior years | ||||
| b Applied to 2019 distributable amount | ||||
| c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4. | ||||
|
5
Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2019, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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|
6
Remaining underdistributions for 2019. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. |
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|
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2020. Add lines 3j and 4c. |
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| 8 Breakdown of line 7: | ||||
| a Excess from 2015..... | ||||
| b Excess from 2016..... | ||||
| c Excess from 2017..... | ||||
| d Excess from 2018..... | ||||
| e Excess from 2019..... | ||||
| Facts And Circumstances Test |
|---|
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|
| Software ID: | 19010655 |
| Software Version: | 2019v5.0 |
Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.
| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 11b Review of form 990 by governing body | PRIOR TO FILING FORM 990 CEO WILL DISPERSE THE FORM ELECTRONICALLY TO BOARD MEMBERS. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 12c Conflict of interest policy | THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS REVIEWS THE ORGANIZATION'S CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY ANNUALLY IN ORDER TO INSURE THAT THE ORGANIZATION'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, AND EMPLOYEES ARE REGULARLY AND CONSISTENTLY MONITORING AND ENFORCING IT. WE HAVE NOT ENCOUNTERED ANY INCIDENCES OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 15a Process to establish compensation of top management official | THE ORGANIZATION UTILIZES THE SERVICES OF A HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTANT WHO GATHERS INFORMATION FROM OTHER COMPARABLE ORGANIZATIONS AND DATA PROVIDED BY YMCA. THE INFORMATION IS THEN REPORTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BENCHMARKS ARE COMPARED IN ORDER TO DETERMINE THE APPROPRIATE COMPENSATION. THIS PROCESS IS COMPLETED ANNUALLY AND WAS DONE IN CALENDAR 2019. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 19 Required documents available to the public | FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UPON REQUEST |
| Form 990, Part VIII, Line 2f Other Program Service Revenue | - Total Revenue: , Related or Exempt Function Revenue: , Unrelated Business Revenue: , Revenue Excluded from Tax Under Sections 512, 513, or 514: ; - Total Revenue: , Related or Exempt Function Revenue: , Unrelated Business Revenue: , Revenue Excluded from Tax Under Sections 512, 513, or 514: ; |
| Form 990, Part XI, Line 9 Other changes in net assets or fund balances | Net Gain on Interest Rate Swap Agreement - -744080; |
| FORM 990 PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 | FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UPON REQUEST |
| FORM 990 PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) | MISSION STATEMENT: THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS IS AN ASSOCIATION UNITED IN A COMMON GOAL TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITIES AND TO DEVELOP THE SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY OF ALL PERSONS, REGARDLESS OF MEANS, THROUGH ACTIVITIES GUIDED BY AND BASED UPON OUR CORE VALUES OF CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY. |
| FORM 990 PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) | CAUSE STATEMENT: THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS WILL STRENGTHEN THE FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY THROUGH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT SUPPORT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. |
| FORM 990 PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) | DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION VISION STATEMENT: THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS WILL NURTURE AND SUPPORT AN ENVIRONMENT THAT REFLECTS, RESPECTS, AND CELEBRATES OUR DIFFERENCES, AND EMBRACES THE RICHNESS OF OUR DIVERSITY. |
| FORM 990 PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) | STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE: THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS SUCCESSFULLY IMPACTS FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS BY FOSTERING A SENSE OF BELONGING TO A MOVEMENT THAT CONTINUALLY EVOLVES TO MEET THE RELEVANT NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY. |
| FORM 990 PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) | ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION: THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MA IS AN ASSOCIATION UNITED IN A COMMON GOAL TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITIES AND TO DEVELOP THE SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY OF ALL PERSONS, REGARDLESS OF MEANS, THROUGH ACTIVITIES GUIDED BY AND BASED UPON OUR CORE VALUES OF CARING, HONESTY, RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY. NO OTHER COMMUNITY-BASED, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION IN CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS HAS THE GEOGRAPHIC REACH OR THE BREADTH OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ENCOMPASS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AS THE YMCA. OUR SIX BRANCHES SUPPORT OVER 35,000 MEMBERS ACROSS NEARLY 70 CITIES AND TOWNS IN THE HEART OF THE COMMONWEALTH. COLLABORATION WITH MORE THAN 100 OTHER PARTNERS EXTENDS OUR REACH TO NEARLY 50,000 INDIVIDUALS ANNUALLY. WE ALSO DELIVER PROGRAMS AT OFFSITE SITES IN OTHER LOCATIONS, ALONG WITH OUR THREE RURAL SUMMER DAY CAMPS. IN 2011, WE WERE HONORED TO JOIN A GROUP OF ONLY 50 YS TO BECOME A DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND GLOBAL INNOVATION Y. YMCAS WITH THIS DISTINCTION FOCUS ON RESPONDING TO AND SERVING DIVERSE AND CHANGING REGIONS AND POPULATIONS IN ORDER TO BEST STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES. OUR STRATEGY FOSTERS UNDERSTANDING OF AND CONNECTION TO THE GLOBAL REALITY INFLUENCING LOCAL CITIES AND TOWNS, ADDRESSES DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES, DEVELOPS PROGRAMS/SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DIVERSE, UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES AND POSITIONS US AS A LEADING GLOBAL HUMAN-SERVICE ORGANIZATION. WE HAVE INTRODUCED DYNAMIC PROGRAMS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DIVERSE POPULATIONS WE SERVE, SUCH AS GLOBAL SPORTS AND FEMALE-ONLY CLASSES TO ACCOMMODATE MUSLIM WOMEN. TO MAINTAIN HIGH LEVELS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND PROGRAM SUBSIDIES TO ENSURE ACCESS TO THESE PROGRAM AND SERVICES FOR ALL, Y STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS EXECUTED A SUCCESSFUL ANNUAL CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, ONCE AGAIN RAISING OVER $1 MILLION. |
| FORM 990 PART III, LINE4 (A-C) | YMCA HISTORY: THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS HAS BEEN IMPACTING CHILDREN, TEENS, FAMILIES AND ADULTS FOR NEARLY 155 YEARS. WHEN OUR Y BEGAN IN 1864, IT OPERATED OUT OF ONE RENTED ROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE ICONIC MECHANICS HALL IN DOWNTOWN WORCESTER--ONE OF THE FIRST LANDMARKS IN THE CITY. TODAY, OUR Y HAS EVOLVED FROM SERVING ONE GENDER AND ONE RELIGION TO PROUDLY SERVING ALL PEOPLE. WE HAVE BECOME ONE OF THE REGION'S MOST IMPACTFUL NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. THANKS TO OUR DEEP ROOTS IN THE COMMUNITY, OUR Y CONTINUES TO BE UNIQUELY POSITIONED TO ADDRESS THE EVER-CHANGING NEEDS OF THOSE WE SERVE. WHILE OUR HEALTH AND FITNESS RESOURCES HELP OUR MEMBERS BECOME THEIR BEST SELVES, OUR IMPACT REACHES FAR BEYOND OUR WELLNESS CENTERS. BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE WALLS OF OUR Y, WE DELIVER IMPACTFUL PROGRAMMING TO THOSE WHO NEED US MOST. IN 1920, THE FLAGSHIP CENTRAL COMMUNITY BRANCH OPENED ITS DOORS IN DOWNTOWN WORCESTER'S MAIN SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD. DUE TO THE SOCIOECONOMIC DEMOGRAPHICS OF THIS PART OF THE CITY, THE CENTRAL BRANCH FUNCTIONS AS A SAFE HAVEN FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE AREA, INCLUDING THE TEEN ACHIEVEMENT CENTER AND FAMILY LOCKER ROOM. MANY LOW-INCOME MEMBERS FROM THE NEIGHBORHOODS WE SERVE QUALIFY FOR FREE OR REDUCED MEMBERSHIP AND PROGRAMS. JUST DOWN THE ROAD, THE GREENDALE FAMILY BRANCH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1929 THANKS TO NORTON COMPANY'S (NOW SAINT-GOBAIN'S) GENEROUS DONATION OF FACILITIES. THE BOROUGHS FAMILY BRANCH OPENED IN 2002, BUT OUR Y FIRST REACHED THIS UNDERSERVED REGION STARTING IN 1983. WITH NO DEDICATED BRANCH LOCATION, WE OFFERED ONLY LIMITED PROGRAMMING. NOW, THE BOROUGHS FAMILY BRANCH IS A THRIVING Y LOCATION. THE NEXT ADDITION TO THE UMBRELLA OF THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS, THE FITCHBURG Y, WAS FOUNDED IN 1887 BY A GROUP OF COMMUNITY LEADERS WHO RECOGNIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORLDWIDE YMCA MOVEMENT. THROUGHOUT THIS BRANCH'S HISTORY, IT HAS STRIVED TO IMPROVE THE Y EXPERIENCE FOR RESIDENTS OF NORTHERN CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS WITH EXPANSIONS, SUCH AS THE 1957 PURCHASE OF CAMP LOWE IN NEARBY LANCASTER, MA. SINCE BECOMING PART OF OUR Y IN 2012, THE MONTACHUSETT COMMUNITY BRANCH (MCB) HAS ENABLED US TO CONTINUE FULFILLING OUR CAUSE OF STRENGTHENING THE FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY. FITCHBURG IS A KEY LOCATION FOR MANY Y MEMBERS WHO LIVE AND WORK OUTSIDE THE AREA OF WORCESTER BECAUSE THEY NO LONGER HAVE TO MAKE THE STRESSFUL COMMUTE INTO THE CITY TO RECEIVE OUR Y'S SERVICES. FURTHERMORE, SINCE THE OPENING OF THE NEW LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY BRANCH, OUR Y HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEEPEN ITS IMPACT BEYOND ITS PREVIOUS BOUNDARIES. THE STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY IS HELPING TO REVITALIZE A DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD WHILE ACTING AS A RESOURCE FOR A DIVERSE RANGE OF PEOPLE, INCLUDING A NETWORK OF HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES, LOCAL GIRL SCOUT TROOPS AND PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES. NOW, MANY OF OUR ASSOCIATION-WIDE PROGRAMS HAVE EXPANDED TO THIS NEW LOCATION. OUR CANCER SURVIVOR INITIATIVE, LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA IS AN EXAMPLE OF CRITICAL PROGRAMMING WHICH IS REACHING UNDERSERVED AUDIENCES IN LEOMINSTER AND THE SURROUNDING TOWNS. THE TRI-COMMUNITY YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHBRIDGE, INC. ("TRI-COMMUNITY") MERGED INTO THE ASSOCIATION PURSUANT TO A MERGER AGREEMENT DATED MARCH 29, 2018. THE IMPACT OF THE MERGER IS REFLECTED IN THE INCREASED GOVERNMENT FUNDS DERIVED FROM CHILD CARE, CAMP AND OUT OF SCHOOL TIME SUBSIDIES. IN ADDITION, THE COMBINATION OF BOTH ENTITIES EXPANDED THE REACH FOR MID-TO-MODERATE INCOME COMMUNITIES AND EXPANDED PROGRAMS AND SERVICES. |
| FORM 990 PART III, LINE 4 (A-c) | OUR PROMISE: THANKS TO THE DIVERSITY AND DEDICATION OF OUR VOLUNTEERS, MISSION PARTNERS AND STAFF, OUR Y CONTINUES TO MEET COMMUNITY NEED WHILE FULFILLING OUR COMMITMENT TO NURTURING THE POTENTIAL OF YOUTH, PROMOTING HEALTHY LIVING AND BUILDING A SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE WELLBEING OF OUR CHILDREN, OUR HEALTH AND OUR NEIGHBORS. ONLY BY WORKING TOGETHER CAN WE ADDRESS THE EVER-CHANGING NEEDS OF THOSE WE SERVE. WITH THIS IN MIND, AT THE Y, OUR CAUSE IS STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES. EVERY DAY, WE WORK SIDE-BY-SIDE WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO ENSURE EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF AGE, INCOME OR BACKGROUND, HAS THE TOOLS TO BECOME THEIR BEST SELVES. |
| FORM 990 PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) | OUR IMPACT: EACH OF OUR SIX BRANCHES HAS A UNIQUE BLEND OF PROGRAMMING, SOME PART OF ASSOCIATION-WIDE ENDEAVORS AND SOME DISTINCT TO THE BRANCH, WHICH MEETS THE SPECIFIC NEEDS OF THE CITIES AND TOWNS SURROUNDING THE RESPECTIVE LOCATION. WE ARE PROUD TO CONTINUE PROVIDING RELEVANT AND ENGAGING PROGRAMMING. OUR MEMBERS AND OTHERS WHO RELY ON US SPECIFICALLY SEEK OUT INITIATIVES WHICH OFFER SAFE ENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND WHICH ADDRESS CHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES, SUCH AS CANCER, DIABETES AND OBESITY. WITH OUR SUPPORT, EVERYONE WHO TURNS TO THE Y CAN ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST. FOR THE MOST EFFECTIVE PROGRAM APPROACHES, WE HAVE GROUPED OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES INTO THREE AREAS OF FOCUS: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT-NURTURING THE POTENTIAL OF EVERY CHILD AT OUR Y, CHILDREN AND TEENS ARE A PRIORITY BECAUSE WE KNOW THE FUTURE IS IN THE HANDS OF THE YOUNGEST GENERATION. OUR INITIATIVES SET A FOUNDATION FOCUSED ON EDUCATION, A BALANCED LIFESTYLE AND RESPONSIBILITY TO THE COMMUNITY. EACH PROGRAM ENGAGES MENTORS TO SERVE AS ROLE MODELS FOR YOUTH, DEMONSTRATING ALL THEY CAN ASPIRE TO BE. STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS SERVE AS ROLE MODELS FOR OUR YOUNGEST PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS TO BUILD CONFIDENCE AND PRACTICAL SKILLS THEY CAN UTILIZE IN SCHOOL AND BEYOND. |
| FORM 990 PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) | EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Y EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION STRENGTHENS THE HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF INFANTS, TODDLERS, YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES BY SUPPORTING EARLY LITERACY, DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTHY HABITS AND STRONG PARENTING SKILLS. OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES EARLY-LEARNING READINESS EXPERIENCES DESIGNED TO PREPARE THEM FOR ENTERING THE EDUCATION SYSTEM. WE ALSO FEATURE NUTRITIONAL-BASED ACTIVITIES WHEN AGE-APPROPRIATE, SUCH AS FOOD GROUP SORTING AND HEALTHY FOOD COLLAGES, ALONG WITH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE COLOR ORGANIZATION. FURTHERMORE, OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAMILY INVOLVEMENT AND EVENTS ARE HIGHLIGHTED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, WITH A FOCUS ON NUTRITIONALLY-OPTIMUM DIETS AND PHYSICAL PLAY. DURING THE PANDEMIC, WHEN THESE YOUTH WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND OUR PROGRAMS IN PERSON, THE Y OFFERED VARIOUS ONLINE ACTIVITIES VIA OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY PLATFORM. THROUGH THIS PORTAL, FAMILIES HAD ACCESS TO A VARIETY OF ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEIR CHILDREN ENGAGED WHILE AT HOME. BY OFFERING THIS VITAL PROGRAMMING AT AN EARLY AGE, THE Y IS LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR FUTURE AND ONGOING ACHIEVEMENT AND SUCCESS. SCHOOL'S OUT THIS ASSOCIATION-WIDE INITIATIVE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS FOSTERS AND DEVELOPS PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL, EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL SKILLS IN CHILDREN FROM KINDERGARTEN TO SIXTH GRADE. OUR STAFF UNDERSTANDS THAT TO MEET THE CONSTANTLY CHANGING AND EXPANDING NEEDS OF YOUTH, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO BE FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTIVE. WHEN CHILDREN FIRST ARRIVE TO SCHOOL'S OUT AFTER SCHOOL, THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO UNWIND WITH QUIET ACTIVITIES. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING QUIET PLAYTIME IS A HEALTHY SNACK. NEXT, THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO WORK INDEPENDENTLY DURING HOMEWORK/LEARNING TIME WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE Y STAFF. FINALLY, CHILDREN ENGAGE IN ACTIVITY TIME. DESPITE THE ESTABLISHED SCHEDULE, WE INTENTIONALLY VARY THE PROGRAM'S ROUTINE TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO BECOME WELL-ROUNDED AND FLEXIBLE. TO INSTILL HEALTHY HABITS IN THE YOUTH WE SERVE, ACTIVE PLAY OR TEAM SPORTS ARE INCORPORATED INTO THE ACTIVITY TIME ONCE A WEEK AS WELL AS NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION. OUR STAFF ACT AS POSITIVE ROLE MODELS, DEMONSTRATING THE IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE. SCHOOL'S OUT OFFERS A BALANCED AND ADULT-SUPERVISED ENVIRONMENT. CHILDREN FLOURISH IN THE STRUCTURED SETTING WE PROVIDE THEM, AS OUTLINED BY WELL-ESTABLISHED SCHOOL-AGE CARE CURRICULUM FRAMEWORKS. THE CORE CONTENT AREAS ARE ARTS & HUMANITIES; CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT; HEALTH, WELLNESS AND FITNESS; LITERACY; SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; SERVICE-LEARNING; AND SOCIAL COMPETENCE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION. OUR MAIN GOAL IS TO KEEP YOUTH ENGAGED IN LEARNING WHILE HAVING FUN. THE SCHOOL'S OUT EXPERIENCE IS CRAFTED TO COMPLEMENT SCHOOL LEARNING PRACTICES, SUPPORT DIVERSE LEARNING STYLES AND ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHOLE CHILD IN SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY TO ENSURE ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL SUCCESS FOR THE CHILDREN WE SUPPORT. THE PROGRAM'S SERVICES ARE A WELCOME RELIEF TO MANY WORKING PARENTS WHO PREVIOUSLY STRUGGLED TO ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION TO QUALITY CHILDCARE - LEAVING THEIR CHILDREN POTENTIALLY UNSUPERVISED AND AT RISK TO DESTRUCTIVE DECISIONS. THANKS TO SCHOOL'S OUT, PARENTS IN OUR COMMUNITIES HAVE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING FOR THEIR CHILDREN WHICH SUPPLEMENTS THE EDUCATION THEY RECEIVE AT SCHOOL AND ENCOURAGES HEALTHY CHOICES. FOLLOWING THE PANDEMIC, THE Y REMAINED CONNECTED WITH THE FAMILIES OF SCHOOL'S OUT PARTICIPANTS, DIRECTING THEM TO OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY PLATFORM AND REMOTE ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN TO DO WHILE THEY WERE AT HOME AND UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PROGRAM. THE SERVICE WOULD RETURN IN THE FALL OF 2020, EVOLVING INTO OUR FULL-DAY CHILD CARE PROGRAM. FULL-DAY CHILD CARE AS MANY SCHOOLS RETURNED TO REMOTE LEARNING IN THE FALL OF 2020, THE Y ADAPTED OUR SCHOOL'S OUT AND CHILD CARE PROGRAMS AT FIVE OF OUR BRANCHES TO OPERATE IN A FULL-DAY MODEL, INCLUDING REMOTE LEARNING SUPPORT BEING OFFERED IN THE MORNING. UNDERSTANDING MANY PARENTS WERE RETURNING TO WORK, THE Y KNEW A FULL-DAY CARE SERVICE WAS NECESSARY AS MANY FAMILIES WOULD BE UNABLE TO PROVIDE QUALITY, AFFORDABLE CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN THROUGHOUT THE DAY. THIS SERVICE ENSURED STUDENTS REMAINED ACTIVE AND ENGAGED DURING THEIR REMOTE LEARNING, WHILE ALSO OFFERING SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES IN THE AFTERNOONS TO GUARANTEE THEY CONTINUED THEIR HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT. OVER 500 CHILDREN AND TEENS EACH DAY WERE ENGAGED IN FULL-DAY CHILD CARE WITH THE HELP OF LOCAL SCHOOLS. PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT FROM OUR MISSION PARTNERS ENABLED OUR ORGANIZATION TO KEEP THE PROGRAM AFFORDABLE FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES AND PROVIDE THE NECESSARY RESOURCES TO THESE STUDENTS TO RELIABLY CONNECT TO THEIR CLASSES THROUGHOUT THE DAY. SUMMER EDUCATION PROGRAMS OUR Y OPERATES A LITERACY AND MATH PROGRAM AT OUR SUMMER CAMP LOCATIONS TO PREVENT SUMMER LEARNING LOSS. FOLLOWING THE PANDEMIC, AS CONCERNS OF INCREASED LEARNING LOSS MOUNTED, THE Y UTILIZED OUR LEARNING LITERACY PROGRAM, SUMMER PLAY, AND OUR MATH ENRICHMENT INITIATIVE, NUMBERS IN THE SUN, TO KEEP YOUTH ENGAGED IN THEIR LEARNING THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER. THESE INITIATIVES INCORPORATED MATH AND READING LEARNING INTO THE DAILY CURRICULUM TO INCREASE CAMPERS' COMPREHENSION OF MATH, READING AND WRITING. THE NUMBERS IN THE SUN PROGRAM OPERATED AT THE ALDEN SUMMER PROGRAM AT THE CENTRAL COMMUNITY BRANCH, WHERE AN EXPERIENCED MATH TEACHER ENGAGED SMALL GROUPS OF CAMPERS IN 45-MINUTE, AGE-APPROPRIATE LESSONS TWICE A WEEK TO BUILD UPON THEIR MATHEMATIC CAPABILITIES. COUNSELORS THEN REINFORCED THIS LEARNING DURING THE REMAINING THREE DAYS WITH FUN GAMES THAT TACKLED SIMILAR CONCEPTS FROM THE LESSONS. THE SUMMER PLAY PROGRAM CONTINUED THIS SUMMER, ENSURING YOUTH HONED THEIR READING AND WRITING SKILLS WITH WEEKLY LITERACY ACTIVITIES. BOTH THESE PROGRAMS WERE INTEGRAL AS FEARS MOUNTED THAT REMOTE LEARNING IN THE SPRING WOULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN LEARNING LOSS AND OPPORTUNITY GAPS AMONG AT-RISK STUDENTS. SUMMER CAMP YMCA SUMMER CAMPS GIVE LOCAL CHILDREN A TRADITIONAL CAMP EXPERIENCE AND SO MUCH MORE. OUR PROGRAMMING MITIGATES SUMMER LEARNING LOSS AND TEACHES ESSENTIAL WATER-SAFETY SKILLS FOR CHILDREN ACROSS CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS. CAMPERS BECOME PART OF A NEIGHBORHOOD OF FRIENDS WHERE POTENTIAL IS NURTURED, ACHIEVEMENTS ARE CELEBRATED, AND EXPLORATION IS ENCOURAGED. THE SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE OFFERS A VARIETY OF CRITICAL EDUCATIONAL COMPONENTS ALONG WITH TRADITIONAL CAMP ACTIVITIES AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS. DAILY ACTIVITIES INCLUDE SWIM INSTRUCTION, ARTS AND CRAFTS, NATURE EXPLORATION, HIKING AND SPORTS. PARTICIPANTS WILL DEVELOP SKILLS THROUGH A DIVERSE CURRICULUM OF CAMP GAMES AND PROJECTS WHICH ENCOURAGE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING, AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. WE STRIVE TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND SELF-ESTEEM, AND GROW PERSONALLY THROUGH CHARACTER-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES IN A STRUCTURED, POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT. THROUGHOUT ALL OF OUR CAMP PROGRAMS, HOURS OF OPERATION ARE A RELIEF TO LOW-INCOME PARENTS WHO WORK LONG HOURS AND WOULD OTHERWISE NOT BE ABLE TO ENSURE THEIR CHILD'S SAFETY. SIMILARLY, MANY FAMILIES RELY ON SOME FORM OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ATTEND CAMP, AS PROGRAM SUBSIDIES AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNITIES CONNECT THESE LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WITH THE HIGH-QUALITY CAMP EXPERIENCE THEY MAY OTHERWISE BE UNABLE TO AFFORD. THIS PAST SUMMER, CAMP WAS AN INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE TO MANY STUDENTS AS IT BROUGHT THEM OUTDOORS AND PROVIDED THEM PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOLLOWING SCHOOL CLOSURES IN THE SPRING. THE Y WORKED DILIGENTLY TO ENSURE OUR PROGRAMS FOLLOWED STATE-MANDATED HEALTH GUIDELINES SUCH AS SMALLER GROUP SIZES AND LOWERING THE OVERALL NUMBER OF CAMPERS PER SITE, AS THE SAFETY OF BOTH CAMPERS AND STAFF WAS IMPERATIVE. THE ALDEN SUMMER PROGRAM AND CAMP GREENDALE IN WORCESTER, CAMP BOROUGHS IN WESTBOROUGH, CAMP LOWE IN LANCASTER AND CAMP FOSKETT IN CHARLTON ALL OPERATED IN 2020. EMERGENCY CHILD CARE DURING THE ONSET OF THE PANDEMIC, THE Y CREATED A NEW CHILD CARE SERVICE TO SPECIFICALLY SERVE CHILDREN OF ESSENTIAL WORKERS. WHILE THESE PARENTS WERE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO COMBAT COVID-19, WE PROVIDED QUALITY CHILD CARE TO THEIR CHILDREN TO ASSURE THEM THEIR CHILD WAS IN A SAFE AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. WHILE AT THE Y, CHILDREN WERE KEPT PHYSICALLY, SOCIALLY AND MENTALLY ACTIVE WHILE REMAINING SAFE BY MAINTAINING SOCIAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOWING STATE HEALTH GUIDELINES. THIS INITIATIVE PROVIDED 1,600 CHILD CARE SLOTS TO THESE FAMILIES AT NO COST THANKS TO PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT FROM OUR MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS. |
| FORM 990 PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) | ACHIEVERS PROGRAM THE ACHIEVERS PROGRAM IS A NO-COST PROGRAM DESIGNED TO EMPOWER AT-RISK TEENS TO CREATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS, TARGETING MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. PROGRAM STRATEGY HELPS VULNERABLE YOUTH DEVELOP SKILLS TO SUCCEED IN HIGH SCHOOL AND MATRICULATE TO COLLEGE WHILE INSPIRING THEM WITH A SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND HEALTHY LIVING. THANKS TO OUR DEDICATED MISSION PARTNERS, INCLUDING LOCAL COLLEGES AND YOUTH SERVICE AGENCIES, ACHIEVERS PROVIDES ACADEMIC AND COLLEGE READINESS TO ENSURE PARTICIPANTS' ACCESS TO COLLEGE AS WELL AS A MYRIAD OF LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FROM EXPERIENCED ADULT ROLE MODELS IN THEIR FIELDS OF INTERESTS. IN 2020, THE ACHIEVERS PROGRAM EXPANDED INTO AN ASSOCIATION-WIDE PROGRAM, OPERATING AT THE BOROUGHS FAMILY BRANCH, CENTRAL COMMUNITY BRANCH, GREENDALE FAMILY BRANCH, MONTACHUSETT COMMUNITY BRANCH AND TRI-COMMUNITY FAMILY BRANCH. THIS INITIATIVE FOCUSES ON THREE CENTRAL PILLARS, COLLEGE PREPARATION PROGRAMMING, ADULT MENTORSHIP AND CAREER CLUSTER WORKSHOPS TO BEST PREPARE STUDENTS FOR FUTURE SUCCESS. FOLLOWING THE PANDEMIC, TEENS REMAINED CONNECTED WITH Y-STAFF REMOTELY, RECEIVING ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND PROVIDING THEM WITH MUCH NEEDED SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES WITH ONE ANOTHER. LOCAL COLLEGE TOURS WERE CONDUCTED DURING FEBRUARY BREAK, JUST BEFORE THE PANDEMIC, WHERE PARTICIPANTS VISITED 8 LOCAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES INCLUDING WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY, UMASS BOSTON, CLARK UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT, FOR EXAMPLE. VOLUNTEERS FROM GROUPS LIKE WPI, UMASS HOSPITAL AND LUK INC. SHARED THEIR EXPERTISE WITH OUR TEENS IN WORKSHOPS FOCUSED ON COLLEGE PREPARATION, PERSONAL GROWTH AND PROSPECTIVE CAREERS. THE PROGRAM CONTINUES TO SEE MAJOR SUCCESS, WITH 95% OF SENIORS GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL IN THE 2019 TO 2020 SCHOOL YEAR. YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT THIS VALUABLE ENDEAVOR, OPERATED REMOTELY WITH PARTICIPANTS FROM EACH OF OUR BRANCHES, IS A MOCK LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM, WHICH PREPARES VULNERABLE YOUTH FOR A VARIETY OF CAREERS BY BUILDING SKILLS, INCLUDING LEADERSHIP AND PUBLIC SPEAKING, TO BE DEMONSTRATED AT MEETINGS AND PRESENTATIONS WITH THEIR PEERS. THE PROGRAM CURRICULUM WAS OFFERED VIRTUALLY AS PARTICIPANTS PREPARED BRIEFS AND CONDUCTED MOCK TRIALS BASED ON CURRENT ISSUES WITH ONE ANOTHER. HEALTHY LIVING THE Y IS DEDICATED TO GIVING ALL PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF AGE, ABILITY OR SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, THE RESOURCES TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN HEALTHY HABITS. WE ARE PROUD TO BE A CATALYST IN SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN THEIR PURSUIT OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. OUR Y STRIVES TO SET THE BAR FOR WELLNESS STANDARDS-NOT JUST MEET THEM. OUR PROGRAMMING IS DRIVEN BY STAFF, VOLUNTEERS AND MISSION PARTNERS AND IS MEMBER-FOCUSED. AT A BRANCH LEVEL, NATIONAL RESOURCES AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE HAVE TRANSLATED INTO PROGRAM INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT RELATING TO OUR YOUTH WELLNESS INITIATIVE. WE CONTINUE TO USE THE FOOD & FUN CURRICULUM, CREATED BY THE HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, DESIGNED TO HELP YMCAS INTEGRATE HEALTHY SNACKS, ACTIVE GAMES AND CREATIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES INTO AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS. OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, WE HAVE BUILT CAPACITY AND HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXPERIMENT WITH DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION, ALL TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF OUR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AND REACH THEM IN MEANINGFUL WAYS. DURING THE PANDEMIC, WE WERE FORCED TO ADAPT ONCE AGAIN AS WE CONNECTED WITH OUR MEMBERS REMOTELY VIA ONLINE EXERCISE CLASSES. EXAMPLES OF INNOVATIVE HEALTHY LIVING INITIATIVES INCLUDE: LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA OUR Y HAS PROUDLY HOSTED LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA SINCE 2011. WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO BE AMONGST THE RANKS OF OVER 400 YMCAS ACROSS THE NATION WHO OFFER THIS PROGRAM. OUR INITIATIVE IS INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING THE PEOPLE AFFECTED BY CANCER REACH THEIR HOLISTIC HEALTH GOALS. WE HELP SURVIVORS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS BUILD A NETWORK OF SUPPORT, COMPOSED OF EVERYONE FROM Y STAFF TO PEERS IN THE COMMUNITY, TO IMPROVE THEIR WELL-BEING IN BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT. TO DATE, WE HAVE SERVED OVER 1,000 SURVIVORS ALONG WITH MANY MORE FAMILY MEMBERS AND LOVED ONES. LIVESTRONG AT THE Y IS AVAILABLE TO ANY ADULT OVER THE AGE OF 18 WHO HAS COMPLETED OR IS UNDERGOING CANCER TREATMENT. Y STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS PERFORM AN EXTENSIVE INTAKE PROCESS, INCLUDING COMMUNICATION WITH POTENTIAL PARTICIPANTS' PHYSICIANS. TO REACH MORE PEOPLE IN NEED, OUR Y PARTNERS WITH VALUABLE COMMUNITY LEADERS, SUCH AS SAINT VINCENT HOSPITAL AND DANA-FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE TO HELP INFORM POTENTIAL PARTICIPANTS ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM. OUR Y IS PROUD TO FOSTER RELATIONSHIPS IN OUR REGION WITH PRESTIGIOUS MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS THESE WHO SHARE OUR COMMITMENT TO COMPASSIONATELY SUPPORT VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITIES. ONE OF THE MOST POSITIVE ASPECTS OF LIVESTRONG AT THE Y IS OUR ABILITY TO BE FLEXIBLE, WHICH IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OFFERING THE PROGRAM ACROSS OUR SIX BRANCHES. THANKS TO THE EVIDENCE-INFORMED CURRICULUM, OUR STAFF CAN TAILOR THE EXERCISE ROUTINES TO MEET THE HEALTH AND SAFETY NEED OF EACH INDIVIDUAL. THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC, AS SURVIVORS WERE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE TO THE THREAT OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS DUE TO THEIR WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEMS, WE CONTINUED TO OFFER SUPPORT VIRTUALLY. EXERCISE CLASSES WERE HELD REMOTELY, AS WE UNDERSTOOD HOW IMPORTANT MAINTAINING THESE SURVIVORS' PHYSICAL WELLBEING IS. IN ADDITION, THE SOCIAL ASPECT OF CONNECTING WITH FELLOW SURVIVORS AND Y-STAFF WAS CRITICAL IN A TIME MANY WERE UNABLE TO VISIT THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS. HOME MEAL DELIVERY RECOGNIZING THE DRASTIC INCREASE IN FOOD INSECURITY THROUGHOUT WORCESTER FOLLOWING THE PANDEMIC, THE Y CREATED AND IMPLEMENTED A NEW FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE AS WE RECOGNIZED AN EMERGING NEED THAT WASN'T FULLY BEING MET BY OTHER LOCAL EFFORTS. THE HOME MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE UTILIZES OUR Y'S VANS, MEALS PROVIDED BY WORCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND LOCAL VOLUNTEERS AND Y STAFF TO DELIVER HEALTHY MEALS DIRECTLY TO THE HOMES OF FAMILIES THROUGHOUT THE WEEK. MANY PARENTS WERE UNABLE TO VISIT LOCAL FOOD SITES SET UP BY FOOD BANKS AND SCHOOL SYSTEMS DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC DUE TO TRANSPORTATION RESTRICTIONS, CONCERNS OF POTENTIAL EXPOSURE BY TRAVELING DURING THE PANDEMIC OR CONCERNS OF LEAVING THEIR CHILD HOME ALONE. THIS PROGRAM DIRECTLY RESPONDED TO THESE ISSUES. YOUTH FITNESS THE YMCA CONTINUES TO DEDICATE OUR SERVICES AND PROGRAMS TO THE BETTERMENT OF YOUTH'S WELLBEING THROUGH EXERCISE CLASSES, YOUTH MEMBERSHIPS, NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION AND FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES. THE Y IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF OUR YOUNGEST COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS BY ADDRESSING THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH, WHICH LEAVE INDIVIDUALS FROM LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS AND DIVERSE SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS MORE VULNERABLE TO RISK FACTORS, SUCH AS OBESITY. DURING THE PANDEMIC, MANY HEALTH CONCERNS BECAME EVEN MORE PREVALENT AS CHILDREN AND TEENS WERE DISCONNECTED FROM MANY PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES LIKE SCHOOL SPORTS. COMBINED WITH ISSUES LIKE FOOD INSECURITY GROWING AS A RESULT OF RECORD LAYOFFS AND UNEMPLOYMENT RATES, YOUTH EXPERIENCED EVEN GREATER CHALLENGES TO THEIR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH. WHILE UNABLE TO UTILIZE OUR FACILITIES AT THE BRANCHES, THE Y OFFERED VIRTUAL EXERCISE CLASSES TO TEENS AND CHILDREN TO ENSURE THEY WERE STILL PHYSICALLY ACTIVE WHILE AT HOME. IN ADDITION, PROVIDING HEALTHY MEALS TO VULNERABLE YOUTH THAT PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED FREE/REDUCED LUNCHES FROM SCHOOL VIA OUR HOME MEAL DELIVERY PROGRAM GUARANTEED THEY COULD PERFORM AT THEIR BEST DURING REMOTE LEARNING. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OUR Y IS PROUD TO GIVE BACK AND PROVIDE SUPPORT TO OUR NEIGHBORS THROUGH A VARIETY OF TEEN AND COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES. SEVERAL EXAMPLES INCLUDE: SPARTACUS SPARTACUS IS A VITAL PROGRAM FOR TEENS DESIGNED TO BUILD POSITIVE-DECISION MAKING SKILLS TO COURT-ACQUAINTED YOUTH WHILE CONNECTING THEM WITH ADULT ROLE MODELS. THIS INITIATIVE STRIVES TO INSTILL A SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BY ENCOURAGING PARTICIPANTS TO MAKE THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS SAFER FOR EVERYONE AND DEMONSTRATING THE MERITS OF CHOOSING A MORE POSITIVE COURSE IN LIFE. SPARTACUS WORKS WITH AT-RISK TEENS AT THE MONTACHUSETT COMMUNITY BRANCH. THE PROGRAM OPERATES DURING THE ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR AND ENGAGES PARTICIPANTS THROUGH: ADVENTURE-BASED ACTIVITIES, BOOT-CAMP STYLE WORKOUTS, ACADEMIC TUTORING, COMMUNITY SERVICE, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, ANGER MANAGEMENT COUNSELING AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ASSISTANCE. YOUTH ARE PRESENTED WITH CHALLENGES AND EMPOWERED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND CONFIDENCE TO IMPLEMENT CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. THESE SKILLS HELP TEENS BUILD A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES. MUCH LIKE OTHER TEEN PROGRAMMING, TEENS FROM THE SPARTACUS PROGRAM REMAINED IN TOUCH WITH Y-STAFF VIRTUALLY TO RECEIVE ONGOING SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC. |
| FORM 990 PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) | TOGETHERHOOD TOGETHERHOOD IS THE Y'S MEMBER-LED VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAM. IT ACTIVATES Y MEMBERS TO WORK TOGETHER TO PLAN AND LEAD SERVICE PROJECTS THAT RESPOND TO LOCAL COMMUNITY NEEDS. THIS INITIATIVE IS INTENTIONALLY RUN COMPLETELY BY VOLUNTEERS, ACCORDING TO Y-USA GUIDELINES. SOME EXAMPLES OF IMPACTFUL PROJECTS INCLUDE FEEDING STARVING CHILDREN, COLLECTING CLOTHING FOR STUDENTS IN NEED IN WORCESTER AND AN INCLUSIVE PROM. ENGAGING A NEIGHBORHOOD-ENGAGING A COMMUNITY THE YMCA IS PROUD OF ITS INVOLVEMENT IN MANY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMUNITY EVENTS THAT PROMOTE OUR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOCUS AREA. WE HOLD SEVERAL LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD INITIATIVES, INCLUDING SAFETY AROUND WATER, AND ENGAGE VOLUNTEERS FROM THE COMMUNITIES WE SERVE FOR SEVERAL PROGRAMS. SAFETY AROUND WATER SERVES CHILDREN FROM LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS AND PROVIDES THEM WITH WATER-SAFETY SKILLS TO PREVENT THEIR POTENTIAL RISK OF DROWNING. DURING THE PANDEMIC, Y STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS CONDUCTED OVER 7,000 WELLNESS CHECKS WITH TEENS, FAMILIES AND SENIORS THROUGHOUT OUR ASSOCIATION TO COMBAT FEELINGS OF INTENSE ISOLATION FOLLOWING THE STATE-MANDATED QUARANTINE. OUR CALL CENTER, WHICH SERVED AS A RESOURCE FOR MANY IN OUR COMMUNITY IN CONNECTING THEM TO SUPPORT SERVICES AND PROGRAMS, AVERAGED 8,000 CALLS A MONTH. LOCAL VOLUNTEERS AND THOSE FROM OUR MISSION PARTNERS ALSO PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN OUR HOME MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE, AS MANY SERVED AS MEAL RUNNERS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. OUR Y CONTINUES TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND EMPLOYS OUR PARTNERS ACROSS CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS TO REMAIN ENGAGED IN NEARLY 70 CITIES AND TOWNS. DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND GLOBAL INNOVATION YMCA ACCORDING TO THE DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND GLOBAL INNOVATION (DIG) FRAMEWORKS DEVELOPED BY THE YMCA OF THE USA, A DIG Y IS DISTINGUISHED FROM OTHER ASSOCIATIONS BY ITS COMMITMENT TO ACHIEVING AND MAINTAINING EXCEPTIONAL GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES. IN 2012, WE WERE HONORED TO JOIN A SELECT GROUP OF YS TO BECOME A GLOBAL CENTER OF EXCELLENCE. GLOBAL CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOCUS ON RESPONDING TO AND SERVING DIVERSE AND CHANGING REGIONS AND POPULATIONS TO BEST STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES. OUR Y'S STRATEGY FOSTERS UNDERSTANDING OF AND CONNECTION TO THE GLOBAL REALITY INFLUENCING LOCAL CITIES AND TOWNS, ADDRESSES DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES, DEVELOPS PROGRAMS/SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DIVERSE, UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES AND POSITIONS US AS A LEADING GLOBAL HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION. AS A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND GLOBAL INNOVATION YMCA, WE CONSTANTLY STRIVE TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF THE DIVERSE POPULATION WE SERVE. MANY OF OUR URBAN BRANCH LOCATIONS IN WORCESTER, SOUTHBRIDGE AND FITCHBURG CONTINUE TO SERVE DIVERSE POPULATIONS WITH THEIR SERVICES. FOR EXAMPLE, OVER 50% OF FAMILIES THAT RECEIVED A MEAL FROM THE HOME MEAL DELIVERY PROGRAM IN WORCESTER WERE FROM BLACK/MIXED RACE HOUSEHOLDS, UNDERSTANDING THE DISPROPORTIONATE EFFECT THE PANDEMIC HAD ON THESE COMMUNITIES. INVESTMENTS IN PEOPLE IN 2020, OUR Y RAISED MORE CHARITABLE DOLLARS THAN IN ANY OTHER TIME IN YMCA HISTORY WITH OVER $4,000,000 RAISED. THIS INCLUDED GENEROUS DONATIONS AND GRANTS FROM OUR LOCAL PARTNERS, AS WELL AS GIFTS FROM 7,800 OF OUR MEMBERS THROUGHOUT OUR #STAYWITHUSCAMPAIGN WHILE WE TEMPORARILY HALTED TRADITIONAL MEMBERSHIP OPERATIONS DURING THE ONSET OF THE PANDEMIC. THIS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF PHILANTHROPIC WORK WAS INVALUABLE AS WE CONTINUED TO PIVOT OUR RESOURCES AND PROVIDED AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE, MEALS TO COMBAT FOOD INSECURITY AND OTHER HIGHLY NEEDED SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC. |
| Software ID: | 19010655 |
| Software Version: | 2019v5.0 |