To put Christian Principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
An inclusive, high-capacity organization with measurable local impact and regional influence, the YMCA of Central Virginia is the leading provider of innovative and collaborative youth empowerment programs and community health initiatives.
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with immense pride and excitement for the future. 2023-2024 has been a pivotal year for the YMCA of Central Virginia, one defined by new leadership, impactful programs, and a renewed commitment to our mission of strengthening the foundations of community.
In March 2024, following a national search, we were thrilled to welcome Mike Cassidy as our new CEO. Mike brings over three decades of YMCA experience, offering a fresh perspective, strategic vision, and a passion for service. His leadership will guide us into a new era of growth and innovation as we continue to serve Central Virginia.
One of our most significant milestones this year is the launch of Phase One of the Building for a Better US Capital Campaign. These essential upgrades to the Downtown YMCA – including mechanical and electrical work and improvements to our aquatic facility – are the foundation of the transformation to come. With your continued support, we will soon unveil the Schewel-Clark Family YMCA: a modern, welcoming facility designed to serve our community for generations to come.
In addition to these improvements, we have responded to one of the most pressing needs in our community – quality early childhood education that supports both children and working parents. Research shows that 90% of brain development occurs before kindergarten, making these early years critical for a child’s future success. Recognizing this, we were proud to launch Little Scholars Academy in partnership with West Lynchburg Baptist Church. This program provides affordable, high-quality preschool education to children ages 2 ½ to 5, offering a nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. By providing reliable, enriching care, we help parents balance work and family, while ensuring their children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
In 2023-2024, the YMCA of Central Virginia has touched the lives of over 20,000 individuals through our programs in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, we raised $718,339, ensuring that no one is turned away due to financial barriers. These efforts reaffirm our deep commitment to inclusivity and community support.
Looking ahead, we are excited for what the future holds. With your ongoing involvement – whether through volunteering, donating, and participating in our programs – we are confident that we will continue to expand our reach and deepen our impact throughout Central Virginia.
Together, we are not just building a stronger YMCA; we are building a stronger community for all.
Mike Cassidy Chief Executive Officer
Cindy Forren Chair, Board of Directors
$718,339
received in Total contributions to help support the YMCA in expanding access, empowering youth, and elevating health and well-being.
Thanks to the commitment and generosity of so many, FY 2023-2024 was an impactful year.
Access to Well-Being: 54%
Program Fees: 15%
Fees/Gov Grants: 10%
Contributions: 7%
Special Events: 3%
Other: 11%
$283,294 Value of Programs and Services Provided to the Community
$500,292 Awarded in Financial Assistance FOR
$8.4M Amount Raised for Downtown YMCA Capital Campaign $39,350 Received from United Way $913,414 Received from Government Grants & Other Support $10,327,680
For 168 years, the YMCA has help build inclusive communities to ensure equal opportunity for all. The YMCA of Central Virginia; established as the fifth association in the state, continues this mission by fostering connection and support throughout the region.
Our donors, staff and volunteers are an integral part of creating connection in community.
3 Branches
5 Summer Camps
5 Before & After School Sites
25 Board of Directors
2 Aquatic Facilities
1 Preschool
58,210
people served through youth programs, wellness initiatives, community impact, and more
21,000+
people were members of the YMCA in 2023 with a goal of 23K by 2026
BY THE NUMBERS
$500,292 AWARDED IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
679K+ VISITS
380+ MONTHLY EGYM USERS
5K+ VIRTUAL USERS
600+ MEMBERS WITH 24/7 ACCESS
MEET APRIL,
At the YMCA of Central Virginia, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to prioritize their wellbeing. With advanced fitness spaces, community programs, and personalized support, we empower members to nurture their spirit, mind, and body. To ensure accessibility, we provide financial assistance to help members overcome barriers and focus fully on their wellness journey, creating a supportive space where everyone can thrive.
after 17 years at the Y, April’s journey took her from fitness classes to the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program, where she found strength through community support. Her family continues to grow with the Y, as her kids participate in CrossFit and swim team.
Scan the QR code to watch April’s full story.
“He really had not loved sports but last season he had a big save on goal for his soccer team and his coach really allowed him to thrive in it! He absolutely loves playing now!" - Parker’s Parents
The Youth Sports program helps children develop athletic skills, teamwork, and a love for the game in a fun, supportive setting. We offer soccer, basketball, t-ball, and sports mini camps. Our partnerships with Forest High School and Liberty University students bring additional mentorship and guidance to young athletes.
1,515
KIDS DEVELOPED LIFE SKILLS THROUGH YOUTH SPORTS
The Safety Around Water program equips children with essential skills and confidence to stay safe in and around water. This impactful program is made possible through our partnerships with Heritage Elementary School, Jubilee, and Diamond Hill Baptist Church, expanding our reach and ensuring more children have access to life-saving water safety education.
BY THE NUMBERS
1,200+
KIDS LEARN HOW TO BE SAFE IN AND AROUND WATER
115+ SUPPORTIVE VOLUNTEERS/COACHES
Before and After School Program and Summer Camps offer children safe, nurturing environments to thrive yearround. During the school year, children enjoy academic support, physical activity, and creative play, while in the summer, they stay active with outdoor adventures, sports, and arts. Both programs build confidence, friendships, and skills, giving parents peace of mind knowing their children are in trusted care.
300
ACTIVE KIDS IN YMCA PROGRAMS
14
SCHOOLS OFFER YMCA B&A CARE
she started in the Before and After School Program as a kid and now, Shelby works in the very same program, giving back to the next generation of Y kids and creating her own lasting impact. Scan the QR code to watch Shelby’s full story.
In August 2024, we launched Little Scholars Academy in partnership with West Lynchburg Baptist Church. Serving children ages 2 ½ to 5, the program uses the STREAMin3 curriculum, which focuses on interactive learning, creativity, and social development. This helps prepare the scholars for kindergarten with affordable, high-quality preschool education.
BY THE NUMBERS
690 SCHOLARS GRADES PRE-K - 8TH AND TEENS
81% AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE +2 MONTHS GAINED IN READING AND MATH
92% YOUTH TRUSTED ADULTS IN THE PROGRAM
60 HOURS OF MATH AND LITERACY INSTRUCTION
96% FAMILIES WOULD RECOMMEND THE PROGRAM TO OTHER FAMILIES
“I love all the benefits of Power Scholars. My 3 children look forward to it every summer. It’s an opportunity to keep learning year-round and having fun with the enrichment activities. They are much better prepared for the next school year as a result.” - Power Scholar Parent
The Power Scholars Academy aims to reduce summer learning loss typically experienced by school-aged children, particularly those who live in under-served areas. The five-week program, which is offered to students at no cost, focuses on math, literacy, and STREAM learning and incorporates social and emotional learning throughout the day.
Breakfast, lunch, and a snack are provided daily, as well as enrichment programs such as visual arts and physical wellness. Kids who participate in Power Scholars Academy are returning to school two to three and a half months ahead of their peers!
LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA
JOINED LIVING STRONGER GROUP BY THE NUMBERS
SURVIVORS JOINED LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO SURVIVORS 12K+
The LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program is a free, 12-week wellness initiative designed to help cancer survivors reclaim their health and well-being after treatment. During the program, survivors and their immediate family members receive a free YMCA membership, all supported by our generous donors. Participants work in small groups with certified instructors to improve strength, balance, and quality of life, while gaining emotional support and a strong sense of community.
Additionally, our Living Stronger group, led by alumni volunteers, plays an active role in supporting current participants. These alumni, who have graduated from the program, volunteer their time to mentor and encourage new survivors, creating a strong network of peer support throughout their wellness journeys.
MEET JOHN,
after losing strength from cancer treatments, John joined the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. With their support, he achieved his goal of walking the VA 4+ Miler in 2023. Scan the QR code to watch John’s full story.
after graduating the LiveSTRONG at the YMCA program, he joined the alumni group, where he shares his fitness journey and inspires others to stay active. Scan the QR code to watch Dan’s full story.
ICIPANTS ED THE K STEADY NG GRAM VOLUNTEER HOURS BY TEENS
PARTICIPANTS JOINED THE MEMORY CAFÉ 78
The Rock Steady Boxing -contact fitness class that helps individuals gth, balance, and agility while slowing sympt so fosters a strong sense of community. Teen er to assist and offer encouragement durin
“These meetings have offered so much information and resources that are helpful to me while caring for my wife. It’s also nice to connect with others who are experiencing similar things on a monthly basis and share how situations are handled differently...”
- Memory Café Participant
Relaunched in January 2024, the Memory Café offers a welcoming space for individuals with memory loss and their caregivers. Through activities and shared experiences, participants build connections and find support in a compassionate community.
Meet three inspiring YMCA staff members who bring dedication, passion, and community spirit to their roles. Scan the QR code to learn more about how they impact the Y every day.
We are so grateful to our philanthropic supporters who made contributions between July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, are recognized for their gifts below.
FOUNDERS CLUB
$10,000 +
Donna & Herman Cone
Catharine & Bobby Montgomery
Surekha & Nipun Parikh
BENEFACTOR'S CLUB
$5,000 - $9,999
Reggie & Karen Berry
Tom & Janie Hall
Ryan McEntire
Anonymous
Tommy & Kristen Vaughan, III
TABLE $1,000 - $4,999
Teresa Akers
John & Bettie Alford
Jacqueline Bibby
Rose Mary Blankenship
Phillip Brown
Malcolm & Louise Campbell
Lynn & Mike Cassidy
Anonymous
Preston & Marian Craighill
Dr Thomas Delaney
David Dobel
Deidre Douglas, EdD
Crystal & Brian Edwards
Glenn Epps
Stuart & Stacy Evans
Cindy & Mike Forren
Frances Giles
Terrell Griffin
Tim & Beth Groover
Robert & Sue Hahn
Julius Arthur Hoilman
Bill & Ellen Jamerson
Jeanne & Don Landis
Maryan Marshall
Walter Chip Mason II
Jim Murdoch
Robert & Becky O'Brian
Ronald & Debbie Overstreet
Carter & Bill Paxton
Robert & MJ Pearson
Jr-Charley's Restaurant & Catering
Mary Jane & Charlie Pryor
John Ramsey
A.W. Robinson
Phillip & Lisa Sauls
Marc Schewel
LaDonna Shedor
Robert & Alison Shetlar
Sharon Stiteler
Rosemary & Michael Suess
Mary & Rob Taylor
Colin & Misty Spitzer
Judy & John Walker
Sandy & Mike Walker
Jimmy & Marty Watts
Rebecca & Ryan White
Bunny & Anne Wood
Polly Wooldridge
George & Heather Zippel
$500 - $999
Shawn & Randi Abell
Robert Babcock
James Camm
Carol & Frank Cappiello
Kerry & Jordan Cofer
Meet Paula Dahl, who turned her love for the Y into a legacy, growing Storming of Thunder Ridge into a renowned cycling event. Scan the QR code to learn more about Paula’s journey and her lasting impact on the YMCA community
1/3
of our workforce is 18 or younger, gaining leadership experience, professional skills, and often earning certifications that enhance their development
rt Costan
aula & Tim Dahl
onna Elder-Juice Plus
ilary Fiddes
ohn & Diane Gorman
ason Hale
uther Maddy
ubrey & Sandy Mason
atti McCue
Susan & Larry Moxley
Paul & Gail Mudrick
Andrea & Wade Neiman
Dr. Richard & Dorothy Niles
Michael & Sharon Nolan
Rob & Linda Palmer
P M Parsons
Andrew Pearson
Barbara & Cleve Porter
Craig and Dana Ranson
Jennifer Richardson
Cynthia and Jeff Riley
Neville & Mary Rowland
Alison Morrison-Shetlar
Craft Collison Centers
Persis & John Tinsley
James Trent, Jr
David & Margaret Vaughn
Roxie & Alan Wank
Thomas & Paula Warwick
Teena Williams & Family
Rebecca Yaffe
$100 - $499
Shannon Abatecola (2)
Jamie Adams
Sharon Ainslie
Tanis Archer
Tanis Archer
Henry Archie
Jessica Ayers
David & Susan Barney
Kathryn Beck
Anonymous
Elizabeth Bianchino
Erica Bottoms
Brenda Brady
Terry Brame
Joyce Brown
Darrin Bryant
Donna Bryant
Cynde Buckles
H. Francis Bush
Earl Castle
Kevin Coleman
Sherri Conner
Lessie B Cook
Benjamin Corish
Richard Coyle
Melinda Kirkland
Daniel & Brittany Crawley
Rodney Crews
Hometown Cleaning Services
Jonathan & Yvonne Davies
Haley Dell'Aria
Richard & Pat DeMars
Neece Donson
Elizabeth Eckert
Joel Epperson
Christine & Steve Euhus
Bethany Federico
Susan & Gene Frantz
Urs & Michaela Gabathuler
James Gallagher
Karen & Lee Gandy
Jacob Adam Garland
Dale Garrett
Kathy Billotti
Richard Gilliam
Peyton Goldstein
Angelicque Graham
Kathleen Graves
Nancy Gray
Jacqueline Greene
Tereika Grooms
Joyce Guthrie
Griffin Hammersmith
Marabeth Hammersmith
Kevin Harris
Lucia Hathaway
Jennifer Hawkins
Bobbi Hayth
Jack & Harriet Hellewell
Justin & Emma Holdstock
Sandra Jackson
Haley Jennings
Rachel Peters
Sara Jernigan
Journey & Sharon Johnson
Mark Johnson
Ruth Johnson
Torii Jones
Nathan Joseph
Douglas & Jean Judd
Jacquie Jurgovan
Karugah Kariuki
Michael Kelly
Ron and Jennifer Kennedy
Ronald Kennedy
Paul Kerr
Angela Kirkland
Sarah Kline
Kelly Knapp
Susan & Kevin Landergan
Kimberly & John Loyd
Bernadette & Bill Lyford
Meet Lloyd Agnew, a dedicated YMCA member since the 1970s, whose commitment to health and community has been unwavering. Scan the QR code to learn more about Lloyd’s journey and his lasting connection with the Y.
“As a coach, I have seen many first-timers come super scared and timid By the end of the season, they are just getting after it and super excited. ”
- YMCA Coach
Liza May
Chad & Natalie McCain
Michael McCarron
Angelo Mercado
Joshua Miller
Kathy Morris
Cecelia Murphey
Emma Napier
Martha Newcomer
Alex Newmark
Dan Newmark
Cullen Nicely
Michael & Deborah Okin
Timothy Overby DMD LTD
Kyle Parker
Caitlyn B. Patterson
Tim Payne
Lauren Pharis
Carolann & Arthur Pike
Alice & Randy Pirtle
Randolph Pirtle
Jennifer Plunkett
Michelle Power
Ida Proco
Jackie Randolph
Shaun & Melody Redgate
Louise Riley
Larry Ring
Chloe & Ezra Saumenig
Garland Schaefer
Winkie Schoew
Beth Schubert
Karen Shaver
Susan Shipps
Paula Sloan
Ginny Smith
David Somers
Ronald & Sara Staton
Emilee Stonelake
Dawn Sutherland
Andrea Swift
Pierre & Alyson Thomas
Thomas Family
Nicholas Thomas
Murrell Thornhill
Joshua Torres
Eileen Tuttle
Renata & Wallace Vaughan
Mary Welch
William & Phebe Wescott
Christ White
Traci Williams
Dr. Eugene & Sandra Wolanski
Ryan & Abby Woodruff
Paul Yaffe
Daniel Yerdon
Pete & Beth Zeisig
Anne Drewry
Nancy Campbell
We gratefully acknowledge the gifts made in honor of the following:
Mr & Mrs John Blanks
Paul & Gail Mudrick
Centra Healthy Living Group
Torii Jones
Herman Cone
Donna Cone
Lee & Rob Deddens
Beth Schubert
Susan Landergan
Sandy & Mike Walker
LIVESTRONG
Michael & Sharon Nolan
Livestrong Survivors, Coaches & Staff
Chad & Natalie McCain
Alex & Jessica Newmark
Dan Newmark
Ky-Mani Shaw
Nathan Joseph
Mary Taylor
David & Susan Barney
Kathleen Graves
Nancy Gray
John Maxey
Louise Mekanik
Sandy & Mike Walker
James Trent
Thomas Delaney
Richard Gilliam
Tracey Roberts White
Christ White
Angelo Mercado
Mary Taylor
We gratefully acknowledge the gifts made in memory of the following:
Marian Brown
Phillip Brown
William A. (Sandy) Carrington, Jr.
Charlie & Judy Evans
Susan & Kevin Landergan
Patty Parsons
Ginny Smith
Mary & Rob Taylor
Patricia Young
Leonardo Gutierrez
Jim Murdoch
Alvin & Harriett Okin
Michael & Deborah Okin
Bertha Helen Thomas
Pierre & Alyson Thomas
Ann Wilson
Cheryl Burnette
Ben Yaffe
Shannon Abatecola (2)
Monica Abatecola
Tanis Archer
Dr. Thomas Delaney
Paul Yaffe
Rebecca Yaffe
Dr James L Campbell
Nancy Campbell
We gratefully acknowledge the in-kind contributions that have helped support the YMCA of Central Virginia:
Central Technology Solutions
Floyd's of Leadville
Liberty University
Pickle Juice Company, LLC
LMNT
Lynchburg Hillcats
Lotus Bakeries
Virginia Eagle Distributing Company LLC
Earth Right Mid-Atlantic
Twenty-Two Gourmet
Upper Crust Pizza
KUAT Racks
Frito Lay
Glo Chateau
Ridge Supply Company
Paceline Products, Inc
Westover Dairy
Home Town Ice
Overstreet Hardware
Stuart C Evans
Sams Club
Bikes Unlimited
3 in 1 Mobile Services, LLC
7 Grains Planning & Investments
The Addair Group LLC
Affinity Lawn & Landscape
All Phase Roofing and Construction
American National Bank & Trust
Appomattox Glass & Storefront, Inc.
Baird Bank of the James Bates Family Orthodontics
Beacon Credit Union
Bedrock Community Church
Bikes Unlimited
Blue Ridge Scientific Transport
BMS Direct, Inc.
Body Shop Massage Therapy
Boxley
Campbell Insurance, Carmax Foundation
Centra Health
Central Technology Solutions
Central VA Criminal Justice Academy
City of Lynchburg/Office of Economic Dev & Tourism
Clark's Lumber & Millwork
Coleman Adams Construction, Inc
Colony Tire
Cooper Enterprises, Inc.
Core Health and Fitness
Crossroads Family Dentistry, PLLC
David B Bice PC
Daxko
Dermatology Consultants, Inc
Bert Dodson Jr.-Dodson Brothers
Anonymous
Dominion Seven Architects, PLC
Earth Right Mid-Atlantic
EGYM North America
Falwell Corporation
Firestop of Virginia, Inc
Flowserve
Ford Mays-Wealth Management
Foster Electric
Gentry Locke Attorneys
Genworth
Glo Chateau
Health Nut Nutrition
Heavy Lift-Joseph LaMagna
Hodges Insurance Agency
Holy Heaven Cookie Company, LLC
Hurt & Proffitt, Inc
Infectious Disease Associates
Innovative Wireless Technologies
Intravene LLC
Jamerson Building Supply
Jamerson Lewis Construction
Jeremy Phillips & Company
Joshua Silverman Law Firm
Kidds Restoration Service, Inc
Kirby-Cundiff Insulation
Kona Ice
Kubota of Lynchburg
Liberty University
Lynchburg 7 Hills Lions Club
Lynchburg Ready Mix
MH Masonry, & Associates, IncMelvin Hinton
Mallard Services LLC
Mason-Gilbert-Glass Scholarship Fund
Matrix Fitness
Moore and Giles Inc.
Moore's Charitable Foundation
Moore's Electrical & Mechanical, Inc
Morcom Building Supply, Inc
Nation One Mortgage-Dan Castagna
National Pools of Roanoke, Inc
Nautical Bowls LLC
Paddock Pool Equipment Company
Pawprints Mobile Medicine
Peaks Coaching Group
Pearson Equipment Company
Pearson Veterinary Clinic PC, Inc
Peery Woolwine Family Dentistry
Pettyjohn, Wood & White
Pinnacle Financial Partners
R&R Heating & Cooling, LLC
R. Coffee, Ltd
R L Lovelace & Associates
Rehab Associates of Central Virginia, Inc
Rotary Club of Forest
RSG Landscaping & Lawn Care
Rustic Village Dental-Dr Todd, DDS
Scott Insurance
Service Printing of Lynchburg
Southern Air
Southern Maintenance Supply Co , Inc
State of Virginia
Terry/VW Subaru
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory
Thompson-Brooks Insurance
Thrive Logistics
TRUE Fitness Technology, Inc.
Truist Wealth
US Pipe and Foundry Company
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
Verizon
Virginia Farm Bureau
Virginia Sport & Spine Institute
Watt Foster Family Foundation
Watts Petroleum
Wellness Solutions, Inc
Wiley Wilson
Wiltshire Charitable Fund
Wines For Humanity
Women's Health Services of CVA
WSET - ABC-13
YMCA of the USA
We are so grateful to our volunteers, Board of Directors, and Honorary Board of Directors who provide their time, talent, and treasures to uplift the mission.
Cindy Forren | President
Thomas H Vaughan, III | Vice President
Michael Cassidy | Secretary
Robert Babcock
Jacqueline Bibby
Dr. James Camm
Herman Cone, III
Art Costan
Preston Craighill
Dr. Thomas Delaney
Dr. Crystal Edwards
Stuart Evans
George Kayes
Ron Kennedy
Luther Maddy
Patti S McCue
Ryan McEntire
Dr Alison Morrison-Shetlar
Robert O'Brian
Carter Paxton
Andrew Pearson
Lawrence "Wren" Roberts
Anthony W Robinson
Phillip Sauls
James O. Watts, IV
Gorham "Bunny" Wood
William H Gorman
J R Harris, Jr
Clara Jackson
Ellen Jamerson
Walter G."Chip" Mason, II
Robert K. Pearson, Jr.
Marc Schewel
Richard J. Sterne, Jr.
Robert C. Wood, III