Letter from the CEO

YMCA MISSION: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. YMCA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: The YMCA provides financial assistance to anyone who is unable to afford the full fee.

Dear YMCA Member,

Welcome to the YMCA! We are thrilled that you have chosen to join the Alleghany Highlands YMCA community. This is a positive investment for yourself, for your family and for our community. Since our founding on September 9, 1992, the Alleghany Highlands YMCA has devoted itself to helping people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind and body. We remain committed as a charitable organization to helping people from all walks of life achieve their goals and reach for their dreams! Our primary goal has and will always be our mission, “to put Christian principles into practice through program that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” Over the past year the YMCA has experienced tremendous growth. Child care secured a grant to provide free preschool programs for at-risk children in partnership with the Alleghany Public Schools. We opened our first full facility in Low Moor which grew from 800 families to 1400 families involved. This is over 3,800 individuals that are now involved in the YMCA. This is about 10% of our population. The new facility has provided us the opportunity to move more people from casual relationship with the YMCA to a committed long-term relationship as a member. In this challenging environment, the YMCA is faced with meeting the growing needs of the community while taking the necessary steps to ensure that it is around for years to come. The YMCA board and staff have identified key priorities:

Directly engage 25% of the population of children and families in the YMCA service area from all segments of our community in achieving healthy spirit, mind and body by 2012.
Every child and youth will deepen their positive values, their commitment to service and motivation to learn by creating an asset rich environment (Search Institute 40 Developmental Assets)
Every family will build stronger bonds; achieve greater work/life balance and become more engaged in their community.
Every individual will strengthen their spiritual, mental and physical well-being. (Activate America/Healthy Communities)

We have taken steps to enhance our existing programs and activities while adding some new ones to meet the growing needs in our community.

Starting the HEALTHY YOU! Program which will include a fitness assessment and members can work with a Wellness Coach to develop a program to achieve their wellness goals.
Added addtional group exercise classes for beginners and teens.
Expanding the swim lesson programs to include 6 months to adults.
Providing lifeguard certification classes.
Expanded toddler child care program at Central Child Care Center.
Added a member benefit to accomodate out-of-town guests.
Additional family events are planned for the year including Healthy Kids Day, Sock Hop and Care package drive for our military serving overseas.

We hope that you enjoy them and will be on the lookout as we are adding new programs and activities all the time.

We are as committed as ever to helping all members of our community live healthier lives - in spirit, mind, and body. For these reasons, the YMCA has a scholarship program to help individuals and families who may need financial assistance. To access the scholarship program, you can speak with any of our Member Services representatives.

The YMCA is prepared to meet the challenges ahead, and with your support, we will not only persevere but succeed. Thank you for being a part of the YMCA family!

Sincerely,

Gwen Bagley, CEO