Leading with Care, Growing
Together with Purpose

At the Greater Providence YMCA (GPY), we are committed to making thoughtful, strategic decisions that ensure we can continue serving our members and community at the highest level. Transparency and trust are central to how we operate, and every decision we make is guided by what’s best for our members—rooted in data, careful planning, and the willingness to make tough but necessary choices.

As we previously shared, we engaged Y-USA to assess our operations and finances across all branches. Their findings reinforced two key priorities: strengthening our operational leadership to ensure long-term sustainability and prioritizing the member experience—through expanded programming, cleaner and safer facilities, modernized amenities, and increasing revenue and cost-savings to support the services our members value most.

We have taken action to address these priorities. We’ve expanded programs for adults and kids, stepped up fundraising and membership promotion efforts, and made significant investments in our facilities—including improvements to cleanliness. These efforts are all part of our commitment to creating a better experience for our members and ensuring the long-term strength of the GPY.

As part of these efforts, we transitioned our facility maintenance services to a professional cleaning provider. While this change impacted 13 employees, we approached it with care and a commitment to supporting our team. Each affected employee was encouraged to apply for two newly created positions or other roles within the GPY and we provided guidance and assistance throughout the process. Six employees have since transitioned into new roles within our organization, and we remain dedicated to helping all staff find opportunities that align with their skills and experience.

To further strengthen our operations and position the GPY for the future, we also hired a Chief Operating Officer, a key recommendation from Y-USA. This role brings essential leadership and operational expertise to help us run more efficiently, enhance the member experience, and ensure the GPY remains strong and sustainable for generations to come.

Every decision we make is rooted in our mission and in the needs of our members. The GPY has always been more than a place to exercise—it is a place where families, children, and individuals of all backgrounds find connection, support, and opportunity. Our focus remains on strengthening this mission and ensuring that the GPY continues to thrive.

Thank you for your trust, your feedback, and for being a valued part of our community.

Karen A. Santilli

President & CEO,
Greater Providence YMCA