2026-06-12T14:49:14+00:00 2025-09-30 043037870 Bollus Lynch LLP 89 Shrewsbury Street Worcester MA 01604 990 2024-10-01 042105885 YMCA of Central Massachusetts (2909) YMCA 5087556101 766 Main St Worcester MA 016103161 Julio Acero-Nali VP of Finance/CFO 5087556101 2026-06-12 true James M Johnston Jr P02149189 5087557107 2026-06-12 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z Julio Acero-Nali 766 Main St Worcester MA 016103161 33300908 false X WWW.YMCAOFCM.ORG X 1868 MA THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS STRENGTHENS THE FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY. 30 30 1285 157 0 14297467 16524027 14875276 15805577 978946 738655 338556 167646 30490245 33235905 0 0 17134365 18520788 0 282794 13460863 14413638 30595228 32934426 -104983 301479 59783016 61384771 20084878 20151323 39698138 41233448 X THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS STRENGTHENS THE FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY THROUGH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT SUPPORT YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. true false 16489576 12613478 HEALTHY LIVING - IMPROVING THE NATION'S HEALTH AND WELL BEING 11643236 3162519 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT - NURTURING THE POTENTIAL OF EVERY CHILD 555853 29580 TEEN LEADERSHIP & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY - GIVING BACK AND PROVIDING SUPPORT TO OUR NEIGHBORS THROUGH A VARIETY OF TEEN AND COMMUNITY-BASED INITIATIVES 28688665 true true false false false false false false false true true false false false true 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 false true 30 0 true 1285 true false false false false false true true false false false false false false X 30 30 false false false false false false false true true false true true true true true true true true true false false false MA X X Julio Acero-Nali 5087556101 766 Main Street Worcester MA 016103161 Betsy Landry Clerk 2.0 X X 0 0 0 John W Braley III 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 Past Chair 2.0 X X 0 0 0 Alan Peppel Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Amanda Risch Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Andrew Morgan Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Avae Thomas-Quartey Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Bash Turay Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Ben Prince Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Christopher Kostiw 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 Elizabeth Wambui 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 Leif Rosseland Director 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 Pritesh Gandhi Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Ruby Pezanatti 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 Ted Gallagher Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Walter Weekes Jr Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 Yvette Dyson Director 2.0 X 0 0 0 David Connell President and CEO 40.0 X 391911 0 68908 Julio Acero-Nali Vice President of Finance/CFO 40.0 X 136362 0 50843 Lori Bastien Vice President of Operations, CMMO 40.0 X 161935 0 27783 Glenn Juchno Vice President of Property & Risk Mgt 40.0 X 134298 0 34217 Pamela Suprenant Vice President for Youth Development & Comm. Service 40.0 X 138627 0 22370 963133 0 204121 5 false true false Bowdoin Construction Corp 220-1 Reservoir St Needham Heights MA 02494 Construction 518590 Safe Harbor Solar LLC PO Box 15020 Worcester MA 01615 Solar Energy 214645 SueJay Soto 12 Hartwell Terrace Southbridge MA 01550 In-Home Child Care 135493 Maria Torres 45 Denison Hill Rd Southbridge MA 01550 In-Home Child Care 134933 Ana Delgado 89 Coombs St Southbridge MA 01550 In-Home Child Care 118154 5 219537 0 257270 0 14739717 1307503 0 16524027 Membership Revenue 10586990 10586990 Day Camp Revenue 1286120 1286120 Childcare Revenue -- Infant/Toddler/Preschool 1159864 1159864 Childcare Revenue -- School Age 676700 676700 Resident Camp Revenue 0 0 2095903 2095903 0 0 15805577 738655 0 0 738655 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 156846 0 0 0 156846 0 156846 156846 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 41850 41850 65003 -23153 0 -23153 33953 0 33953 33953 0 0 813410 0 0 0 0 813410 0 0 0 0 813410 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33235905 15996376 0 715502 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 963133 138627 824506 0 0 0 0 0 14377909 13236680 997828 143401 921941 802089 110633 9219 1024832 898387 117459 8986 1232973 1075579 145855 11539 0 0 0 0 24976 0 24976 0 73906 0 73906 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 37413 0 37413 0 2818994 2507776 280018 31200 285921 24889 259629 1403 36472 28096 6331 2045 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2527865 2527865 0 0 582620 559607 23013 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 674719 634236 33736 6747 319845 313372 6473 0 2848870 2842054 6816 0 707026 673120 33906 0 Small Equipment 1007643 347793 659850 0 Supplies 1469799 1447050 21039 1710 Staff Development 267340 95278 132371 39691 Other 730229 536167 167209 26853 0 0 0 0 32934426 28688665 3962967 282794 0 0 0 0 3748784 1199021 3488158 3936939 451072 271948 1443606 1030490 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 115922 141170 77867431 40718331 34064015 37149100 15773305 16177725 0 0 0 698154 1478378 59783016 61384771 1912135 1837114 0 0 537630 519968 16109071 15552087 0 0 0 0 724392 712637 0 0 801650 1529517 20084878 20151323 30596317 34651669 9101821 6581779 0 0 0 39698138 41233448 59783016 61384771 301479 1233831 0 0 0 X false true true true true X 16759780 13870398 12638935 14297467 16524027 74090607 7229571 10363640 13291710 15238962 15996376 62120259 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 23989351 24234038 25930645 29536429 32520403 136210866 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 136210866 495705 532976 537841 551325 738655 2856502 0 0 0 0 0 0 495705 532976 537841 551325 738655 2856502 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24485056 24767014 26468486 30087754 33259058 139067368 0.97946 0.9797 0.02 0.02 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 14759538 0 1649894 0 900000 0 15509432 12437927 0 2921611 0 600000 0 14759538 11092943 0 1879984 0 535000 0 12437927 13393637 500000 -2800694 0 0 0 11092943 12570825 342042 2725824 0 2245054 0 13393637 0.627 0.373 0.0 false false 0 2695491 2695491 63377967 34879409 28498558 0 0 0 8364020 5838922 2525098 3429953 0 3429953 37149100 Federal Income Taxes Operating Lease Obiligation 750562 Finance Lease Obligation 778955 1529517 34497326 1233831 0 0 0 1233831 33263495 37413 -65003 -27590 33235905 32962016 0 0 0 65003 65003 32897013 37413 0 37413 32934426 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, 2025. Schedule D, Part XI, Line 4(b) Other revenues in form 990 not in audited financial statements Special Event Expenses - -65003 Schedule D, Part XII, Line 2(d) Other expenses in audited financial statements not in form 990 Special Event Expenses - 65003 GOLF TOURNAMENT 200040 158190 41850 0 0 38189 16623 0 2703 Mission in Motion 99080 99080 0 0 0 0 7488 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 299120 257270 41850 0 0 38189 24111 0 2703 65003 -23153 X X X X X X false false false false false false false false false Julio Acero-Nali Vice President of Finance/CFO 136362 0 0 0 0 0 20295 0 30548 0 187205 0 0 0 David Connell President and CEO 391911 0 0 0 0 0 68438 0 470 0 460819 0 0 0 Lori Bastien Vice President of Operations, CMMO 161935 0 0 0 0 0 27330 0 453 0 189718 0 0 0 Glenn Juchno Vice President of Property & Risk Mgt 134298 0 0 0 0 0 34217 0 0 0 168515 0 0 0 Pamela Suprenant Vice President for Youth Development & Comm. Service 138627 0 0 0 0 0 18715 0 3655 0 160997 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 1174583 0 16914000 0 0 0 211186 0 0 0 16702814 0 2022 true false true true A false false false false false false 0.0 0.0 0.0 false false 0 false false A false false false false true false 0 false false false 0 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 III, Line 2 New program services City of Worcester Aquatics Program 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 2024. 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 Other Program Revenue - Total Revenue: 2095903, Related or Exempt Function Revenue: 2095903, Unrelated Business Revenue: , Revenue Excluded from Tax Under Sections 512, 513, or 514: ; Residence Revenue - Total Revenue: 0, Related or Exempt Function Revenue: 0, 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 I 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 I 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 I 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 I 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 I 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, RAISING OVER $1.3 MILLION. FORM 990 PART 1 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 I 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 KEY SERVICES DELIVERED IN 2025 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 PROGRAMS THIS ASSOCIATION-WIDE INITIATIVE FOSTERS AND DEVELOPS PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL, EMOTIONAL, AND SOCIAL SKILLS IN CHILDREN FROM KINDERGARTEN TO SIXTH GRADE, SERVING MORE THAN 700 CHILDREN. IN 2025, WE LAUNCHED AFTERSCHOOL CARE AT ELM PARK COMMUNITY SCHOOL, CONTINUING TO MEET LOCAL NEED. 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 OF 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 SOUTHBRIDGE, 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. WE HAVE SEEN PROMISING DATA THAT REINFORCES THE NEED FOR THIS ADDED LAYER OF ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN AND OUR STAFF. WE CONTINUE TO SEEK FUNDING TO DEEPEN THE IMPACT AND EXPAND THESE SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE ASSOCIATION. SUMMER EDUCATION PROGRAMS OUR Y OPERATES A LITERACY AND MATH PROGRAM AT A FEW OF 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. OUR MATH INITIATIVE, NUMBERS IN THE SUN, HAS EVOLVED OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, INTEGRATING MATH INTO PROGRAMMING AT OUR CENTRAL COMMUNITY BRANCH IN WORCESTER. WE ALSO CONTINUE TO OFFER A STEM-FOCUSSED CURRICULUM AT CAMP GREENDALE ON INDIAN LAKE 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 2025, CAMP ONCE AGAIN OFFERED AN INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE TO CHILDREN 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, SERVING NEARLY 1,900 CHILDREN. ACHIEVERS PROGRAM THE ACHIEVERS PROGRAM IS A NO-COST PROGRAM DESIGNED TO EMPOWER TEENS TO CREATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS, TARGETING MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. PROGRAM STRATEGY HELPS 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 CENTRAL AND MONTACHUSETT COMMUNITY BRANCHES. 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. TEENS FROM OUR CENTRAL COMMUNITY BRANCH PARTICIPATED IN 2025. Form 990 Part III, Line 4 (A-C) HEALTHY LIVING THE Y IS DEDICATED TO HELPING ALL PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF AGE, ABILITY, OR SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, 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 A HIGH 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 YMCA 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 2,500 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 AT THE Y STAFF WORK DILIGENTLY TO ENSURE SURVIVORS' INDIVIDUAL NEEDS ARE MET. 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 - SERVING OVER 591,000 MEALS AND SNACKS IN 2025. 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 AND 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. 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-INVOLVED 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. ALL BRANCHES THROUGHOUT THE REGION HAVE ACTIVE CLUBS. 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 SHADOWING EXPERIENCED YMCA STAFF WITHIN EACH FIELD, AS WELL AS PARTICIPATING IN WEEKLY TRAINING AROUND CORE SUBJECTS LIKE RESUME AND COVER LETTER WRITING, WORKPLACE PERFORMANCE, AND PROFESSIONALISM. CITY OF WORCESTER AQUATICS COLLABORATION IN ITS SECOND SEASON, THE YMCA CONTINUES STAFFING PUBLIC POOLS AND BEACHES IN WORCESTER. THE Y PROVIDED WELL-TRAINED STAFF, FREE SWIM LESSONS, AND NEW RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, SUCH AS PADDLE BOARDING, THAT ENRICHED THE COMMUNITY. NEARLY 80 STAFF MEMBERS OVERSAW THE DAILY OPERATIONS OF CROMPTON POOL, BELL PARK POND, COES POND, SHORE PARK, AND INDIAN LAKE BEACH. YMCA STAFF FROM THESE LOCATIONS WELCOMED RESIDENTS DAILY FOR EIGHT WEEKS IN JULY AND AUGUST, RECORDING OVER 55,600 VISITS. 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. Form 990 Part III, Line 4 (A-C) GLOBAL RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AS A COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS FOCUS ON CREATING WELCOMING ENVIRONMENTS WHERE EVERYONE FEELS A SENSE OF BELONGING AND WHERE ALL CAN THRIVE. FOR OVER 15 YEARS, WE HAVE ENGAGED OUR COMMUNITIES TO HELP SERVE EVERYONE AND RESPOND TO LOCAL AND GLOBAL ISSUES THAT IMPACT ALL COMMUNITIES. THIS APPROACH STRENGTHENS COMMUNITIES, BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER, AND KEEPS OUR Y FOCUSED AND SUSTAINABLE. PARTNERING WITH YUSA AND OTHER Ys, WE ARE COMMITTED TO ACHIEVING AND MAINTAINING EXCEPTIONAL GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES. 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. 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. YMCA HISTORY: THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS HAS BEEN IMPACTING CHILDREN, TEENS, FAMILIES, AND ADULTS FOR 160 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. 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 POSITIVELY IMPACTING MULTIPLE COMMUNITIES. THE NEXT ADDITION TO THE UMBRELLA OF THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS, THE MONTACHUSETT REGIONAL Y IN FITCHBURG, 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. THE COMBINED ENTITY RESULTED IN THE OPENING OF THE LEOMINSTER COMMUNITY BRANCH. THE 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. IN 2018, THE YMCA OF CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS AND TRI-COMMUNITY YMCA DEEMED IT DESIRABLE AND IN THE BEST INTEREST OF EACH RESPECTIVE CORPORATION AND THEIR MEMBERS TO MERGE. THIS COMBINED ENTITY RESULTED IN THE EXPANSION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND ENHANCEMENT OF WELLNESS PROGRAMS IN SOUTHBRIDGE AND CHARLTON AND HAS CREATED DEEP COMMUNITY IMPACT IN SOUTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS.