It is my honor to serve as the 5th CEO of the Athens YMCA- a Y that has been dedicated to its community since 1857. Despite being the 3rd oldest YMCA in the country, we’ve remained an integral part of Athens and the surrounding communities.
We will always serve to strengthen the spirit, mind and body of every member, prompting us to embark on a new journey!
Our current building is over 55 years old, bustling with activity at every hour and filled to the brim with children, families, professionals, active seniors, and community partners. Our community’s needs have changed and grown beyond the needs 55 years ago!
We are reaching capacity in both programs offered and membership, but the demand for our services continues to grow. Future growth depends on redesigned space, upgraded equipment, advanced technology and elevated staff.
Change must happen in order to maintain our level of excellence in serving Athens.
That’s why we’re launching the Building Community Campaign.
We have envisioned many ways to maximize the impact of our services and facility. Our plans will make it safer for children in programs, more accessible for those with disabilities, and create spaces for a variety of wellness needs. This project will be divided into 3 phases that will require $11 million of funding, including the $1.9 million already raised for phase 1. I hope you will see the vision in the following pages!
Sincerely,
Shae Wilson, CEO Athens YMCA
TAKE A LOOK AT HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE WAITING ON THIS NEW BUILDING:
• 120 kids on waiting list for summer
• 36 on waiting list for swim lesson
LEARN MORE ABOUT BUILDING COMMUNITY
Shae Wilson 706 543 6596 ext 1025 shae@athensymca.org athensymca.org
FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT
• 100+ families are in need of financial aid
Membership: $1,345,000
Donations: $457,000
Program: $689,000
Events: $6,800
Merch: $4,300
Interest & Branch Support: $12,830
Programs: $1,403,949
Admin: $780,983
Fundraising: $160,403
LEADERSHIP
Tom Allen
Josh Brooks
Michael Burnett
Greg DeMent
Bill Douglas
Randy Dudley
Rick Hannay
Van Herrin
Jenifer Hope
Chris Jennings
David Jones
Jimbo LaBoon, Jr.
Jimbo LaBoon III
Jennifer Richardson
Jeff Snowden
Jay Staines
Sean Stoltz
Grant Tribble
Emily Ullrich
Terry Wingfield, Jr
Buddy Allen
Tom Allen
David Jones
Ricky Chastain
Jack Kingston
Mike DeVore
James LaBoon, Jr.
Rick Hannay
John A. Simpson
James Holcomb
Grant Tribble
YMCA MISSION:
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
BUILD a facility that will accommodate members from infants in the child watch center to active seniors in low-impact exercise classes.
SERVE all by providing opportunities to build relationships, reach their wellness goals, participate in programs, and engage in community service activities.
TRANSFORM the Y into a place that is accessible and available to every person in the communities we serve.
Phase 1 of Building Community will help to ensure that the 4,000+ children and teenagers we serve at our campus are safe and growing spiritually, mentally and physically.
1. Secured Youth Only Entrance and Exit
2. New Classrooms for Enrichment Programs
3. New Traffic Lanes for Safe Drop off and Pick Up
Phase 2 of Building Community will increase the accessibility for members with disabilities, those obtaining specific wellness goals and families with small children.
1. Expansion and Renovations of the Child Watch Center
2. New Administrative Center in the Upstairs
3. Expanding the Fitness Center to serve all
4. Consolidating Operational Systems
TRANSFORM: Phase
3...$5,273,814
WELLNESS EXPANSION | Timeline: 6 months
Phase 3 will renovate wellness spaces and locker rooms for a safer experience and create more opportunities for members, teens, and families to participate in various health related programs. This phase will ensure that we are able to provide spaces to help people grow spiritually, mentally, and physically.
1. Updated Locker Rooms
2. New Aerobic Studios
3. Additional Classroom Space for Chronic Disease Prevention Programs
4. A Training Center for Staff and Community Use
TRANSFORM MORE LIVES
CHILDREN
Thousands of children will have the opportunity to engage in any program from swim lessons to STEAM club. Our programs strengthen friendships, help develop new skills, and instill confidence!
handicap accessible restrooms, and more. Our goal is to create a space that helps to continue their growth socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.
The heart of our mission at the Athens YMCA is to serve. We hope to serve the Athens community beyond our greatest ability. We are in the middle of our Building Community Campaign (Phase 2) with the focus of expanding our facility to continue to be a pillar of strength for our community and beyond.
During this period, we will be raising money to upgrade our services to our members, program participants, and community partners, as well as, repurposing square footage to better serve those that enter our facility. This phase will include building new walkways and entrances, developing new childcare and youth spaces, adding a playground, upgrading membership common spaces, expanding the weight and cardio rooms, and expanding handicap parking spaces. All the features will elevate the experience for our members and community.
