CEO Welcome

For more than 130 years, the Findlay Family YMCA has been a place where individuals and families come together to learn, grow, and thrive. While many people know us for our fitness facilities, swimming pools, and youth sports programs, the YMCA is much more than a building. We are a mission-driven organization committed to strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Today, the YMCA serves more than 9,000 members and impacts thousands more through child care, youth sports, aquatics, health and wellness programs, chronic disease prevention, community outreach, and financial assistance. Every day, we work to ensure that everyone—regardless of age, income, or background—has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

As we look ahead to the next five years, we are focused on creating an even greater impact throughout our community. Guided by our vision of "Creating a welcoming environment where we build connections and lifelong wellness ," we have identified several key initiatives that will shape the future of the Findlay Family YMCA.

Our first priority is expanding access to high-quality early childhood education. With the opening of our new Early Learning Center, we are increasing our capacity to serve children and families while helping address one of the region's most significant workforce challenges—access to affordable, quality child care. Through our Center of Excellence, we also aspire to become a leader in workforce development and early childhood education by providing training, resources, and support for child care professionals throughout the region.

Second, we are committed to strengthening the health and wellness of our community. We will continue to expand programs that address physical health, mental well-being, chronic disease prevention, and healthy aging. Through innovation, partnerships, and technology, we will create opportunities for individuals of all ages to live healthier lives.

Third, we are investing in the future of our facilities and services through our Capital Campaign. This effort includes plans for a new downtown YMCA and significant renovations to our East Branch. These projects will ensure that future generations have access to modern, welcoming spaces that support recreation, wellness, youth development, and community connection.

We are also focused on increasing access and removing barriers for those who need us most. Through our open doors program which provides financial assistance to individuals that may not be able to purchase a membership. Also through outreach programs, and strategic partnerships, we will continue to ensure that financial circumstances never prevent someone from participating in YMCA programs and services, which would provide individuals access to our programs services.

Finally, we will continue to deepen our community partnerships. We believe that the greatest challenges facing our community cannot be solved by one organization alone. By working together with schools, businesses, nonprofits, faith communities, healthcare providers, and civic leaders, we can create meaningful and lasting change.

The next five years present an incredible opportunity for the Findlay Family YMCA. We are excited about the future and remain committed to serving as a catalyst for positive change in our community.

Thank you for your support, your partnership, and your belief in our mission. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Parsons, Chief Executive Officer, Findlay Family YMCA