ANNUAL REPORT
Chief Executive Officer’s Message
The YMCA of Grand Forks is proud to share our 2010 Annual Report to the community. Some exciting changes have taken place this past year, but rest assured, our commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility remains the same.
For the first time in 43 years, the Y unveiled in July a new brand strategy to increase understanding of the impact our organization makes in the community, so that more people take advantage of the YMCA’s unique capacity to foster lasting personal and social change. As part of the event, the YMCA unveiled a new, more forward-looking logo. The refreshed logo, with its multiple color options and new, contemporary look, better reflects the vibrancy of the Y and the diversity of the communities it serves. The new logo’s bold, active and welcoming shape symbolizes the Y’s commitment to personal and social progress and a framework that focuses resources on three core areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y’s former logo had been in place since 1967 and was the organization’s sixth since its inception. In another major change, the nonprofit will be called “the Y” to align with how people most commonly refer to the organization.
A unique combination of partner organizations was established unlike anywhere else. The Grand Forks YMCA formed partnerships with our local Park District and its owned and operated Center Court Fitness Club, along with Altru Health System and the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center. This past year marked the first full year of shared membership services with Center Court Fitness Club. It is almost overwhelming to think about the positive impact and endless possibilities the combined mission’s, knowledge, expertise and resources of each of the participating organizations can have on strengthening and nurturing the potential of both the young and the young at heart to live a more active lifestyle, make healthier choices and be more proactive in achieving their individual health and wellness goals. We are extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with all of these wonderful organizations. Together we can provide more diverse services, to more people, all at one time.
Over the past few years, we have been engaged in a Capital Campaign with the Park District to raise funds to build a new health and wellness facility on the southend of Grand Forks, as well as, to renew and revitalize an aging and inadequate YMCA facility on the northend, to better serve our communities needs, today and tomorrow. Numerous volunteers, donors, partner organizations and staff leaders, have contributed and/or worked countless hours to make the Imagine Campaign a success. We are very near our overall Campaign goal, which we are confident we will be able to achieve with everyone’s continued support of our efforts. This dedication to make Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and the surrounding region a healthier place to live is something we should all be proud of.
This Fall, the YMCA was honored by Altru Health System to be the recipient of a very generous donation of $1.5 M towards our capital improvements. Our sincere heartfelt gratitude goes out to Altru Health System. This financial commitment also enables Altru Health System, within the YMCA, to expand their services, providing members with quality medical expertise and direct access to a variety of preventative and rehabilitative health care services, in addition to achieving their fitness goals. In celebration of this new partnership, our staff and volunteer leadership was pleased to be able to honor this generous gift through the naming of the YMCA. A specific name has yet to be determined, but once established, it will signify the beginning of a long term partnership between Altru Health System and the YMCA to improve upon the quality of life in Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and the surrounding area. Finally, in October, we also celebrated the success of the Imagine Campaign with a groundbreaking ceremony hosted at the new site of the Choice Wellness Center. All of these historical events signify the beginning of a new chapter for the YMCA in its long history of serving youth and families.
Through support received from grants, United Way, the annual YMCA Partner of Youth Campaign, area Foundations, Businesses and Individual Community Leaders, we were able to provide over $157,000 in financial support to insure that no child, individual or family is being turned away from YMCA programs and services due to the lack of financial resources. In addition, the accessibility of our services and programs was enhanced through the sharing of memberships with Center Court Fitness Club, and the combined commitment of our partners, to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
Finally, I would like to say thank you to our 200 staff and 450 volunteers for your continued dedication and support of the YMCA and our mission to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Sincerely,
Debbie Thompson, CEO
