2024-06-13T14:54:05+00:00 2023-09-30 043037870 Bollus Lynch LLP 89 Shrewsbury Street Worcester MA 01604 990 2022-10-01 042105885 YMCA of Central Massachusetts (2909) YMCA 5087556101 766 Main St Worcester MA 016103161 Julio Acero-Nali VP of Finance/CFO 5087556101 2024-06-13 true Julio Acero-Nali Acero-Nali 999009999 James M Johnston Jr P02149189 5087557107 2022 2023-04-26 12:10:37Z Julio Acero-Nali 766 Main St Worcester MA 016103161 32222954 false X WWW.YMCAOFCM.ORG X 1868 MA THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS STRENGTHENS THE FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY. 33 33 1099 128 0 0 13870398 12638935 9922262 12828487 631035 534581 415601 424165 24839296 26426168 0 0 0 0 12738287 14850680 0 0 340535 11169641 12363874 23907928 27214554 931368 -788386 55949263 58147364 19480348 21097414 36468915 37049950 THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS STRENGTHENS THE FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY THROUGH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT SUPPORT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. false false 14063966 0 10145939 HEALTHY LIVING - IMPROVING THE NATION'S HEALTH AND WELL BEING 8686555 0 3110079 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT - NURTURING THE POTENTIAL OF EVERY CHILD 451611 0 35692 TEEN LEADERSHIP & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - GIVING BACK AND PROVIDING SUPPORT TO OUR NEIGHBORS THROUGH A VARIETY OF TEEN AND COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES 23202132 true true false false false false false false true true false false false false false true false false false false false false false true false false false false true true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 65 0 true 1099 true false false false false false true true false false false false false false X 33 33 false false false false false false false true true false true true true true true true true true true false false MA X X Julio Acero-Nali 5087556101 766 Main Street Worcester MA 016103161 X Betsy Landry Clerk 2.0 X X 0 0 0 John W Braley III Vice Chair 2.0 X X 0 0 0 Kimberly Anderson Treasurer/ Vice Chair 2.0 X X 0 0 0 Polly Tatum Past Chair 2.0 X X 0 0 0 William C Sullivan Jr Chair 2.0 X X 0 0 0 Alan Peppel Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Andrew Morgan Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Bash Turay Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 David Woodbury Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Debra Seymour Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Elisha Erb Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Fred Jenoure Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 George Cox Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Jack Foley Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Jim Hohman Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Joseph Hamilton Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Lilian Radke 2.0 X 0 0 0 Mark Donahue Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Pablo Hernandez Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Paul Murphy Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Paula Green Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Pritesh Gandhi Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Raymond Quinlan Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Scott Grieco Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Shereen Fahey Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Steve Schuster Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Suzanne Weekes Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Ted Gallagher Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Ulysses Youngblood Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Yvette Dyson Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 David Connell President and CEO 40.0 X 317954 0 71880 Julio Acero-Nali Vice President of Finance/CFO 40.0 X 119361 0 57085 Lori Bastien Vice President of Operations, CMMO 40.0 X 135694 0 29065 Glenn Juchno Vice President of Property & Risk Mgt 40.0 X 113849 0 34099 Pamela Suprenant Vice President for Youth Development & Comm. Service 40.0 X 114257 0 20352 801115 0 212481 8 false true false DF Johnson LLC PO Box 1178 Princeton MA 01541 Construction and HVAC services 144513 SueJay Soto 12 Hartwell Terrace Southbridge MA 01550 In-Home Child Care 122885 Maria Torres 45 Denison Hill Rd Southbridge MA 01550 In Home Child Care 113080 All Brand New Englend PO Box 726 North Andover MA 01845 Food & Beverage vendor 111933 4 195130 0 313294 0 9631487 2499024 0 12638935 Healthy Living 10114118 10114118 Youth Development 2678677 2678677 Social Responsibility 35692 35692 0 0 0 0 12828487 537841 0 0 537841 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 431402 0 0 0 431402 0 431402 431402 0 0 5723318 0 5726578 0 -3260 0 -3260 0 0 -3260 31150 31150 70208 -39058 0 -39058 0 0 0 0 0 0 31821 0 31821 31821 0 0 813410 0 0 0 0 813410 0 0 0 0 813410 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26426168 13291710 0 495523 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 801115 114257 686858 0 11446799 10188423 1093546 164830 765346 642891 107148 15307 881495 759908 114179 7408 955925 797110 145660 13155 0 0 0 0 15156 0 15156 0 60000 0 60000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30376 0 30376 0 2485190 2124125 284768 76297 245104 30256 207176 7672 41065 23706 10378 6981 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2150192 2146526 3666 0 333530 316985 16244 301 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 724646 681168 36232 7246 275384 267707 7677 0 2588690 2581874 6816 0 517289 506943 10346 0 Small Equipment 921038 380188 540850 0 Supplies 1261679 1225524 31286 4869 Staff Development 252793 105514 111499 35780 Other 461742 309027 152026 689 0 0 0 0 27214554 23202132 3671887 340535 0 0 0 0 6053820 3225588 207103 4643550 1365807 406788 825902 806207 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 139747 156025 70403358 35971050 35461718 34432308 11895166 13440158 0 0 0 0 0 1036740 55949263 58147364 1553313 1549893 0 0 462224 1058097 16706222 16666055 0 0 0 0 758589 1823369 0 0 0 0 19480348 21097414 30110025 28965488 6358890 8084462 0 0 0 0 0 0 36468915 37049950 55949263 58147364 -788386 1369421 0 0 0 0 X false true X true true true X 7451419 9238684 16759780 13870398 12638935 59959216 15647983 9877029 7229571 10363640 13291710 56409933 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23099402 19115713 23989351 24234038 25930645 116369149 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 116369149 580600 424958 495705 532976 537841 2572080 0 0 0 0 0 0 580600 424958 495705 532976 537841 2572080 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23680002 19540671 24485056 24767014 26468486 118941229 0.9784 0.9678 0.02 0.03 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 11092943 0 1879984 0 535000 0 12437927 13393637 500000 -2800694 0 0 0 11092943 12570825 342042 2725824 0 2245054 0 13393637 11737460 10110 1387505 0 564250 0 12570825 11746604 300000 273270 0 582414 0 11737460 0.618 0.382 0.0 false false 2701461 2701461 60551566 30946667 29604899 0 0 0 6389060 5024383 1364677 761271 0 761271 34432308 27835421 1369421 0 0 0 1369421 26466000 30376 -70208 -39832 26426168 27254386 0 0 0 70208 70208 27184178 30376 0 30376 27214554 Schedule D, Part V, Line 4 Intended uses of endowment funds The Association's endowment consists of individual donor restricted funds established for the purpose of supporting the Association's activities and operations. Its endowment includes both donor restricted endowment funds and funds designated by the Association to function as endowments. As required by generally accepted accounting principles, net assets associated with endowment funds are classified and reported based on the existence or absence of donor-imposed or legal restrictions. As required by generally accepted accounting principles, the Association classifies as donor restricted net assets (a) the original value of gifts donated to the permanent endowment, (b) the original value of subsequent gifts to the permanent endowment, and (c) accumulations to the permanent endowment made in accordance with the direction of the applicable donor gift instrument at the time the accumulation is added to the fund. The remaining portion of the donor-restricted endowment fund that is not classified as non-expendable net assets is classified as expendable net assets when those amounts are appropriated for expenditure by the Association in a manner consistent with the standard of prudence prescribed by state law. In accordance with the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act, the Association may consider the following factors in making a determination to appropriate or accumulate donor-restricted endowment funds: the duration and preservation of the fund; the purposes of the Association and the donor-restricted endowment fund; general economic conditions; the possible effect of inflation and deflation; the expected total return from income and the appreciation of investments; other resources of the Association; and the investment policies of the Association. The Association has adopted investment and spending policies for its board-designated and other endowment assets that attempt to provide a predictable stream of funding for its programs while seeking to maintain the purchasing power of the endowment assets. Under this policy, as approved by the Board, the Association shall seek to invest the endowment funds in such a manner that the investments will provide a spendable return consistent with a long-term goal of preserving the funds in real terms. Actual returns in any given year may vary from this amount. To satisfy its long-term rate-of-return objectives, the Association's investment strategy focuses on the long-term growth of principal without taking undue risks. Annual investment return targets are achieved through both capital appreciation (realized and unrealized) and current yield (interest and dividends). The Association has invested in equity and fixed income based mutual funds that target a diversified asset allocation, placing a greater emphasis on equity-based investments to achieve its long-term return objectives. The Association has a policy of appropriating for distribution quarterly, at its discretion, a portion of the endowment fair value to support operations. The endowment fair value for distribution purposes is calculated based on an average of a rolling twenty calendar quarters. In establishing this policy, the Association considered the long-term expected return on its endowment. This is consistent with the Association's objective to maintain the purchasing power of its endowment. From time to time, the fair value of assets associated with individual donor-restricted endowment funds may fall below the level that the donor imposed restrictions require the Association to retain as a fund of perpetual duration. The Association may appropriate for expenditure from these underwater endowment funds in accordance with the prudent measures prescribed by state law. There were no such deficiencies at September 30, 2023. Schedule D, Part XI, Line 4(b) Other revenues in form 990 not in audited financial statements Special Event Expenses - -70208 Schedule D, Part XII, Line 2(d) Other expenses in audited financial statements not in form 990 Special Event expenses - 70208 Golf Tournament 211643 185493 26150 0 0 39685 3428 0 1255 Livestrong 54883 49883 5000 0 0 1917 3399 12500 2274 1 77918 77918 0 0 0 0 5750 0 0 344444 313294 31150 0 0 41602 12577 12500 3529 70208 -39058 X X X X X X false false false false false false false false false Julio Acero-Nali Vice President of Finance/CFO 119361 0 0 0 0 0 23184 0 33901 0 176446 0 0 0 David Connell President and CEO 317954 0 0 0 0 0 70992 0 888 0 389834 0 0 0 Lori Bastien Vice President of Operations, CMMO 135694 0 0 0 0 0 28628 0 437 0 164759 0 0 0 Schedule J, Part I, Line 3 Arrangement used to establish the top management official's compensation All methods are utilized as shown above. Additionally YMCA-USA provides guidance on Salaries for Executives of the YMCAs. The executive Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors approve the Compensation of the President. A MASSACHUSETTS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AGENCY 043431814 2022-02-17 16914000 Refund Refunded Bonds false false false A 46983 0 16914000 0 0 0 211186 0 0 0 16702814 0 2022 true false true true A false false false false 0.0 0.0 0.0 false false false A false false false false true false false false false A true Schedule K, Part I, Column (f) ROW 1 DESCRIPTION OF PURPOSE: REIMB INTERNAL ADVANCES AND ISSUANCE COSTS/PROJECT FINANCING/REFINANCING Schedule K, Part I, Column (a) ROW 2 ISSUER NAME: MASSACHUSETTS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AGENCY - Refund Refunded Bonds Schedule K, Part V Different Procedures to Undertake Corrective Action Issuer name: MASSACHUSETTS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AGENCY N/A 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 2022. 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 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) WE ARE PROUD TO PROVIDE A SUMMARY OF SOME OF OUR KEY SERVICES DELIVERED IN 2023 TO THE NEARLY 70 CITIES AND TOWNS IN CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION OUR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM IS A PLACE WHERE LEARNING IS FUN AND EXCITING. IT STRENGTHENS THE HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF INFANTS, TODDLERS, YOUNG CHILDREN, AND THEIR FAMILIES BY SUPPORTING EARLY LITERACY, THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTHY HABITS, AND STRONG PARENTING SKILLS. OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES EARLY LEARNING READINESS EXPERIENCES 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. OUT-OF-SCHOOL-TIME 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 AT THE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM, 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, FILLED WITH FUN AND ENGAGING ACTIVITIES. 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 ROLE MODELS, DEMONSTRATING THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLES. OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME 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. PARENTS CAN REST ASSURED KNOWING THAT THEIR CHILDREN ARE IN A SAFE AND SECURE ENVIRONMENT WHERE THEIR WELL-BEING IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. 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 AFTERSCHOOL 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 WELCOMED 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. THE Y OFFERS PARENTS IN OUR COMMUNITIES ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING FOR THEIR CHILDREN, WHICH SUPPLEMENTS THE EDUCATION THEY RECEIVE AT SCHOOL AND ENCOURAGES HEALTHY CHOICES. AN ADDITION TO THE OUT-OF-SCHOOL AGENDA INCLUDES THE INTEGRATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALISTS INTO PROGRAMMING AT OUR WORCESTER AND FITCHBURG LOCATIONS. THESE PART-TIME SPECIALISTS PROVIDE ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT TO CHILDREN, AS WELL AS TRAIN AND MODEL EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR STAFF. IN A VERY SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, WE HAVE SEEN PROMISING DATA THAT REINFORCES THE NEED FOR THIS ADDED LAYER OF ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN AND OUR STAFF. WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEEK FUNDING TO DEEPEN THE IMPACT AND EXPAND THESE SERVICES. THE Y HAS INCORPORATED AFTERSCHOOL BY THE NUMBERS AT OUR CENTRAL COMMUNITY AND GREENDALE FAMILY BRANCHES IN WORCESTER. THIS MATHEMATICS LITERACY PROGRAM PROVIDES AN EXPERIENCED MATH TEACHER TO DELIVER A HIGH-QUALITY CURRICULUM TO CHILDREN THAT REINFORCES THEIR CORE COMPETENCIES AND COMPREHENSION OF THE SUBJECT IN FUN, ENGAGING WAYS. WITH A DIVERSE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND DELIVERY METHODS, INCLUDING INCORPORATING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, COOKING, AND ART, SMALL GROUPS OF CHILDREN PARTICIPATE IN TWO 30-MINUTE SEGMENTS A WEEK OVER 22 WEEKS. SUMMER EDUCATION PROGRAMS OUR Y OPERATES A LITERACY AND MATH PROGRAM AT OUR SUMMER CAMP LOCATIONS TO PREVENT SUMMER LEARNING LOSS. THESE INITIATIVES INCORPORATE MATH AND READING LEARNING INTO THE DAILY CURRICULUM TO INCREASE CAMPERS' COMPREHENSION OF MATH, READING AND WRITING. THE NUMBERS IN THE SUN PROGRAM OPERATES AT FOUR OF OUR SUMMER CAMP LOCATIONS (PREVIOUSLY DESCRIBED). WE ALSO CONTINUE TO OFFER A STEM-FOCUSED CURRICULUM AT CAMP GREENDALE TO OFFER ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN TO EXPLORE A PASSION FOR STEM WITH THE HELP OF AN EXPERIENCED STEM SPECIALIST. 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, ARCHERY AND SPORTS. PARTICIPANTS DEVELOP SKILLS THROUGH A DIVERSE CURRICULUM OF CAMP GAMES AND PROJECTS THAT 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. IN 2022, CAMP ONCE AGAIN OFFERED AN INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE TO MANY STUDENTS AS IT BROUGHT THEM OUTDOORS AND PROVIDED THEM PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES. THE ALDEN SUMMER PROGRAM AND CAMP GREENDALE IN WORCESTER, CAMP BLANCHARD IN SUTTON, CAMP BOROUGHS IN WESTBOROUGH, CAMP LOWE IN LANCASTER, AND CAMP FOSKETT IN CHARLTON ALL OPERATED THIS CAMP SEASON. 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 INTEREST. THE ACHIEVERS PROGRAM SERVES TEENS ACROSS WORCESTER COUNTY AT OUR MAIN BRANCH LOCATIONS. THIS INITIATIVE FOCUSES ON THREE CENTRAL PILLARS: COLLEGE PREPARATION PROGRAMMING, ADULT MENTORSHIP, AND CAREER CLUSTER WORKSHOPS TO BEST PREPARE STUDENTS FOR FUTURE SUCCESS. YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT THIS VALUABLE ENDEAVOR IS A MOCK LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM THAT 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 INCLUDES PARTICIPANTS PREPARING BRIEFS AND CONDUCTING MOCK TRIALS BASED ON CURRENT ISSUES WITH ONE ANOTHER, AS WELL AS VISITING LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES AT THE STATE HOUSE. 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. WE PROVIDE ONGOING SUPPORT, GUIDANCE, AND RESOURCES DESIGNED TO AID INDIVIDUALS IN ACHIEVING GREATER HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. AT A BRANCH LEVEL, NATIONAL RESOURCES AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE HAVE TRANSLATED INTO PROGRAM INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT RELATING TO OUR YOUTH WELLNESS INITIATIVE. WE UTILIZE DR. YUM'S PRESCHOOL FOOD ADVENTURE, A UNIQUE PRESCHOOL COOKING AND NUTRITION CURRICULUM AT PRESCHOOL SITES IN OUR ASSOCIATION. CREATED BY A TEAM OF EXPERTS, INCLUDING A PEDIATRIAN, A SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST, A REGISTERED DIETICIAN, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS, AND PARENTS, THIS PROGRAM HAS DEMONSTRATED IMPROVEMENTS IN CHILDREN IN NINE KEY AREAS REGARDING PICKY EATERS AND WILLINGNESS TO EXPLORE NEW FOODS. THIS 24-LESSON CURRICULUM IS FUN, ENGAGING, AND EDUCATIONAL AS WE STRIVE TO BUILD SKILLS AND DEMONSTRATE THE VALUE OF HEALTHY LIVING. 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 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 1,700 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 SUPPORT VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITIES COMPASSIONATELY. 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 NEEDS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL. OUR TRAINERS AND LIVESTRONG STAFF WORK DILIGENTLY TO ENSURE SURVIVORS' INDIVIDUAL NEEDS ARE MET. IN ADDITION, THE SOCIAL ASPECT OF CONNECTING WITH FELLOW SURVIVORS AND Y-STAFF CONTINUES TO BE CRITICAL FOLLOWING THE PANDEMIC, AS MANY EXPERIENCED FEELINGS OF ISOLATION AS COVID-19 POSED A SERIOUS THREAT TO THEIR HEALTH. FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMMING TO ADDRESS LOCAL FOOD INSECURITY RECOGNIZING THE DRASTIC INCREASE IN FOOD INSECURITY THROUGHOUT WORCESTER FOLLOWING THE PANDEMIC, THE Y HAS INVESTED IN MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO PROVIDE HEALTHY MEALS AND SNACKS TO YOUTH PARTICIPANTS WITHIN OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES, AS WELL AS FOOD DISTRIBUTION EFFORTS. ALL PARTICIPANTS WITHIN OUR OUT-OF-SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMS AND TEEN INITIATIVES RECEIVE A HEALTHY SNACK OR MEAL TO AID IN THEIR PHYSICAL WELL-BEING. THE TRI-COMMUNITY FAMILY BRANCH CONTINUES TO OPERATE WHAT'S FOR DINNER, A WEEKLY MEAL SERVICE THAT PROVIDES AN ASSEMBLED PACKAGE OF GROCERIES WITH NUTRITIONAL FACTS AND RECIPES TO SENIORS AND FAMILIES IN NEED THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHBRIDGE COMMUNITY. THE KITS ARE DESIGNED TO BE EASY TO COOK, AS WELL AS EDUCATIONAL ABOUT THE UNIQUE PROPERTIES OF HEALTHY FOODS, TO EQUIP FAMILIES WITH THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE NECESSARY TO COOK PREPARE NUTRITIONAL, AFFORDABLE MEALS. IN ADDITION, OUR MONTACHUSETT COMMUNITY BRANCH CONTINUES TO COLLABORATE WITH THE NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY COALITION TO PROVIDE HUNDREDS OF MEALS TO VULNERABLE POPULATIONS LIKE THE HOUSELESS EACH WEEK. YOUTH FITNESS THE YMCA CONTINUES TO DEDICATE OUR SERVICES AND PROGRAMS TO THE BETTERMENT OF YOUTH'S WELL-BEING 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. FORM 990 PART III, LINE 4 (A-C) 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 SKILLS FOR 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. IT 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. LEADERS CLUBS A TRIED AND TRUE NATIONAL YMCA INITIATIVE, LEADERS CLUBS THROUGHOUT THE REGION ARE DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS. ADAPTED TO THE STRENGTHS OF EACH OF OUR BRANCHES, THIS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM PROVIDES EDUCATION, HANDS-ON LEARNING, SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, AS WELL AS OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE LEARNING IN THE COMMUNITY. FOR MANY OF OUR BRANCHES, THIS IS THE CORE OF TEEN ENGAGEMENT AND HAS SOME OF OUR GREATEST RETENTION. TEENS ARE WORKING WITH MENTORS, BUILDING REAL-LIFE SKILLS, AND USING THEM TO IMPROVE THEIR COMMUNITIES. INTERNSHIP ACADEMY OPERATING OUT OF THE GREENDALE FAMILY BRANCH, THE Y'S INTERNSHIP ACADEMY IS A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM THAT CONNECTS TEENS TO INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT THE BRANCH TO OFFER THEM VALUABLE EARLY WORK EXPERIENCE. IN COLLABORATION WITH WORCESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS, TEENS ARE ASSIGNED POSITIONS WITHIN FIVE CORE WORKFORCE AREAS, INCLUDING CUSTOMER SERVICE, MAINTENANCE/JANITORIAL, YOUTH INSTRUCTION, CHILD CARE, AND FITNESS/PERSONAL WELLNESS - EACH REQUIRING DIFFERENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DEVELOPING UNIQUE SKILLSETS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL. THIS PROGRAM SAW INTERNS SHADOW UNDERNEATH EXPERIENCED Y STAFF WITHIN EACH FIELD, AS WELL AS PARTICIPATE IN WEEKLY GROUP TRAINING AROUND CORE SUBJECTS LIKE RESUME AND COVER LETTER WRITING, WORKPLACE PERFORMANCE AND PROFESSIONALISM. 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. 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. GLOBAL DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION 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 STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES BEST. WE STRATEGICALLY FOCUS ON PROGRAM INNOVATION, MEMBERSHIP, COLLABORATION, LEADERSHIP, VISIBILITY, AND FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT. 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.