SPRING FORWARD
With 2019 off to a strong start, our steadfast commitment to foster strength and vitality in the communities we serve has never been stronger.
Our focus remains on the execution of a detailed strategic plan to drive accelerated growth and investment in our facilities. Annual giving is on the rise at +15% compared to last year and overall debt has been reduced by 40% since 2016. We are also gearing up for the Best Summer Ever with camp registrations at an all-time high up 48% over last year.
The depth and breadth of our leadership team continue to grow with the recent appointment of Nicole Dominguez as Chief Marketing Officer and Tom Noret, Executive Director at our South County YMCA location.
At the Y, we believe that the zip code you are born into should not determine your destiny or limit your potential. As one of America’s most impactful nonprofits, we’re working to close the opportunity gap in our communities through the implementation of a new branch-wide Membership for All program. This income-based membership rate scale welcomes all individuals and families to become active members of the Y, no matter what their financial circumstances may be. Visit a Y near you for details.
Thank you for believing in the Y’s important mission and continuing to help build equity in the neighborhoods we serve.
With Dignity and Respect,
Steven G. O’Donnell
LEADERSHIP TEAM GROWTH
NICOLE DOMINGUEZ, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Nicole will oversee the strategic direction and transformation of the organization’s fund development marketing, membership, digital engagement, and public relations strategies.
TOM NORET, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUTH COUNTY YMCA
Tom will lead fundraising efforts, provide cause-driven leadership, volunteer development, membership and program administration, and community relations at the South County YMCA.
SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 20 @ CROWN PLAZA HOTEL WARWICK
2019 Y HEROES CELEBRATION: APRIL 23
With tickets sales up 25% YOY, our biggest fundraiser of the year is almost sold out. This special luncheon honors YMCA Heroes who are passionately making a difference in the lives of others every day. Ticket purchases support our mission of improving the health and well-being of children and families in our community. Sponsorship packages are still available. Call Cathy Azzoli at 401.521.9622 ext. 50120 or email cazzoli@gpymca.org.
SUMMER CAMP OPEN HOUSE: APRIL 6
With hundreds of camp offerings, the Y creates an exciting, safe environment for children of all ages to have an unforgettable summer! Day camp and overnight camp options available. Meet camp counselors, tour our facilities and campgrounds, participate in fun camp activities, and learn how to register at our Open House on Saturday, April 6 from 10-2pm. RSVP: camp.ymcagreaterprovidence.org.
LIDS FOR KIDS
Ocean State Job Lot and Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Elmwood Sports Center and the YMCA of Greater Providence, Little Leagues, and Boys & Girls Clubs across New England, is launching its first ‘Lids for Kids’ initiative as part of its greater ‘Teaming Up’ program to encourage participation in team sports. Through the partnership, 135,000 youth sports hats will be available free of charge for all area non-profits who work with youth, Little League baseball and softball organizations, Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken teams, and other local sports teams and organizations. With over 30,000 hats distributed to date, organizers or coaches may visit elmwoodsportscenter.com to select styles and colors. Hats can be picked up at a participating YMCA or Boys and Girls Club location or shipped directly at a reduced rate. For additional questions about your order, or to see if your organization qualifies, contact Elmwood Sports Center at 401-781-9113.
CORPORATE MEMBERSHIPS
We proudly welcome Lifespan and Pet Food Expert employees to the Y family. The YMCA Corporate Membership Program helps employers improve the health and well-being of their workforce. By partnering with the Y, your employees have the opportunity to be part of a place where people can build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance and become more engaged with their community. Contact: Kim Donald kdonald@gpymca.org to develop a corporate membership program tailored to your business’s unique corporate membership needs.
FACILITY ENHANCEMENTS
Based on a 2018 member survey, facility improvements were at the top of our members wish-list. With the help of recent facility fees, we continue to make significant investments in our branches to elevate the member experience. Smart TVs were recently installed in all branches to increase program visibility, member engagement, and overall communication. New flooring was installed in the family locker room at Kent County. Window shading was added to the Cranston location, and tile work is underway at Bayside. New state-of-the-art cardio equipment at all facilities will be coming soon along with new heating and air conditioning units in gymnasiums at Kent County, South County, Newman, and Bayside locations.
FES BIKE INSTALLATION
A new functional electrical stimulation (FES) bike was recently installed at the South County branch. This FES bike expands access to unique therapy that improves fitness in patients living with paralysis. The bike uses a pulse of electrical current to stimulate peripheral nerves evoking muscle contractions and patterned muscle activity to help those who suffer from neurological disease or injury. The purchase of the FES bike was made possible through donations from the YMCA of Greater Providence’s 2018 Dancing Under the Stars event and an unexpected $25,000 donation from Joe Nagle, President, and CEO, Delta Dental.