MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY
YMCA staff and volunteers from across the region share a message of thanks to our Y community for their tremendous support over the past year.
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VISION FOR 2025
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka launched our new three-year Strategic Plan, Forward, Together, in July 2022. One year into our plan, we are pleased with our organization’s progress and advances toward our goals as outlined in our four strategic directions. Here are some of the achievements we’ve made together this past year:
CULTIVATE A GREAT PLACE TO WORK AND VOLUNTEER
- We saw a substantial increase in the number of respondents for our Employee Wellness Survey, as well as an increase in the overall Employee Wellness score, indicating a positive trend forward. Some of the key work our Y has done this past year to support workplace wellbeing includes a paid Employee Wellness Day, a focus on resources and training to support employee wellness, Mental Health First Aid training offered to all supervisory staff, a comprehensive compensation review with a 3-year plan to address gaps, augmented vacation and paid sick days policies, an annual Employee Appreciation Event, improvements to our recruitment strategy, and an increased number of improvements to how we communicate internally with our staff teams.
- This year focused on participation in YMCA Canada’s DEI Community of Practice, and developing a work plan which includes how the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka will engage external expertise for an organizational assessment and planning. Moving into Year 2, our Y will turn its attention to advancing our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in a meaningful way that embeds it into our culture. We will also focus on an intentional approach to engaging internal and external equity-deserving groups.
- YMCA volunteers are integral to our programs and services. Throughout the pandemic, we lost many volunteers due to various circumstances. This year, our Y has worked hard to re-engage our existing volunteers and move forward with rebuilding a strong and committed volunteer team. With a refreshed volunteer engagement strategy and a focus on targeted recruiting for specific volunteer opportunities, our Y saw a 73% increase in volunteerism, ending the year with 164 active volunteers.
STRENGTHEN THE LEGACY OF OUR Y FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
- As we continue to move out of recovery, we are pleased to share that we have surpassed our 1% Return on Revenue (ROR) goal for this fiscal year. With the help of generous supporters, our YMCA also surpassed our fundraising goal by $100,000, raising a total of $1,100,000 in charitable donations this year. Our YMCA has been proactive in addressing various organizational efficiencies and making significant improvements across different departments through Admin Dash workgroups, including reducing staff email load, centralizing reporting, improving Child Care change requests, and creating new enrolment processes.
- We continue to move forward with our plans for the new Barrie YMCA, and announced our site selection at 535 Bayview Drive. This new location allows us to develop our vision for a new centre of community while also maintaining a strong financial foundation for the YMCA. In Parry Sound, our YMCA has continued to work with the Municipal Services Board and leads of the West Parry Sound Steering Committee to progress the vision of the West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre.
- In addition to facility expansion, our YMCA has focused on growth within our programs and services, including the launch of YMCA Licensed Home Child Care, expansion of our employment, youth, and learning services, returning to full programming at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana and YMCA Day Camps, and receiving Heartwise accreditation for five YMCA health and fitness programs from Southlake Hospital.
CONNECT PEOPLE TO MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS
- The YMCA was pleased to establish the Skid Watson Scholarship program for Orillia high school graduates, as well as implement a grade 4 science program with the Simcoe County District School Board through our Outdoor Education program.
- New strategic partnerships were established with Barrie Police Services (creating opportunities to educate about the role of the police in the community), Sandbox Centre and Georgian College (partnering on our innovation strategy), and Catholic Family Services (partner with Y Mind mental wellness program), Shak’s World and the Barrie Public Library (outreach programs in Barrie), CSC Chigamik (Health Centre) in Midland.
PROMOTE THE POWER OF THE Y
- In September 2022, we launched the ‘Go Together’ campaign, a digital initiative aimed at reaching a wider audience and showcasing the positive impact of the YMCA in our community. Our message reached nearly 200,000 people, and shared the importance and value of the Y in our communities.
- The YMCA was proud to be recognized on the Forbes Best Employers list for 2022, demonstrating our commitment to making the YMCA a great place to work. We shared this designation with our communities, attracting new talent and solidifying the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka as one of the region’s top employers.
- To raise the YMCA’s profile as a charity and the impact of our programs, our Y created monthly impact spotlights, highlighting outcomes of our programs/services aimed to inspire and engage both our staff and the broader community.
As we work towards a brighter future using our new strategic plan as a guide, we are confident that we will be able to meet the needs of the communities we serve as we move forward, together.
To learn more, click here.
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ABOUT THE YMCA of SIMCOE/MUSKOKA
OUR MISSION
What is our purpose?
A community-building charity that connects people to each other and to experiences designed to build health and strength, skills and confidence, and opportunities for exploration and growth.
OUR VISION
What do we want to achieve?
Vibrant and connected communities where everyone belongs.
OUR VALUES
What guides our decision-making? (Click each value to learn more)
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A YEAR OF IMPACT
It’s been a BIG year for our YMCA. Here are just some of the highlights from 2022-2023.
July 2022
• The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka launched our new strategic plan, ‘Forward, Together’ to guide our charity’s important work throughout the next three years.
• The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka announced our renewed Mission, Vision, and Values to better reflect the current environment, the changing needs of our communities, and our goals moving forward.
August 2022
• The YMCA Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program hosted its first annual free Community Day event to educate newcomers and their families about public safety and community services in our region.
• YMCA Immigrant Services, in partnership with the County of Simcoe, City of Orillia, and the Orillia Public Library, hosted a free Lunch & Learn event to educate the Orillia community and newcomers on local immigration supports.
September 2022
• Throughout the summer of 2022, Camp Kitchikewana welcomed back 650 campers for the first time in two years since the start of the pandemic.
• The YMCA was recognized on the Forbes list of Canada’s Best Employers 2022.
• The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka launched Y Achieve, a free tutoring program for all Simcoe County District School Board students in grades 6 to 12.
October 2022
• The YMCA was proud to present 22 local youth with Advanced Aquatics scholarships in Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and Midland, helping youth develop essential life-saving skills.
• The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka signed the Canada-Wide Early Learning Child Care (CWELCC) Agreement, making a commitment to families in our communities to reduce fees and increase access to quality YMCA Child Care.
• The Collingwood YMCA’s Inclusive Halloween Party, in partnership with the Children’s Treatment Network, returned for the first time in two years, enabling children of all ages and abilities to enjoy indoor, barrier-free trick or treating and activities.
November 2022
• The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s Spotlight Gala returned for the first time in three years, raising over $50,000 in support of youth programs.
• Thanks to caring donors from across the region and a matching gift from an anonymous donor, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka raised $37,000 on Giving Tuesday to strengthen our efforts to build healthy communities.
December 2022
• The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka received a Community Development Grant from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities to reduce financial barriers for participants in aquatics programming, as well as increase program capacity through paid training support for qualified lifeguards and instructors.
January 2023
• The YMCA introduced “Y Beyond Walls” in Barrie community spaces to bring traditional YMCA programming in new, flexible and inclusive ways to community members outside of our Health, Fitness & Aquatics facilities.
• The YMCA received $6.9 million in funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada to expand the Y Mind youth mental wellness program across Canada, including here in Simcoe/Muskoka.
February 2023
• The RBC Foundation generously donated $50,000 to support YMCA Immigrant Services to help newcomers navigate the health and social care systems.
• The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka launched the new Youth Transitions Program, aimed to provide vulnerable students ages 12-19 with support at critical academic transition points.
March 2023
• The YMCA in Canada was recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers in 2023 by Forbes.
• The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, Barrie Police Services, and the Barrie Public Library partnered to deliver the new Creating Connections series for newcomers to learn about community programs and services in Barrie.
April 2023
• The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka hosted four public engagement sessions in Orillia to gather input about the needs of the community, and how the Y might be able to play a role in meeting those needs in the future.
May 2023
• The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka announced its selection of 535 Bayview Drive in Barrie as the potential location for the new Barrie YMCA. • Our 9th annual Move to Give fundraising event was a huge success, raising over $75,000 and engaging over 1,500 participants to support our Y’s efforts to build vibrant and connected communities.
June 2023
• The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, in partnership with the County of Simcoe, supported the rehousing of 61 Ukrainian newcomers and their families, finding them permanent, affordable housing to start their new lives in Canada. • The 2023 Skid Watson YMCA Scholarships were awarded to three secondary school students in Orillia to assist with their post-secondary education.
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COMMUNITY IMPACT
Supporting Children’s Development
“Having somewhere where Ophelia could go, where I knew that she would be safe and she would be included was really important to us as a family.”
– Stephanie, Ophelia’s Mom
Supporting Children’s Development
“Having somewhere where Ophelia could go, where I knew that she would be safe and she would be included was really important to us as a family.”
– Stephanie, Ophelia’s Mom
Partnerships: Creating Connections Series with Barrie Police Services and the Barrie Public Library
“Not one of the agencies across our community, including us, has answers to everything. But when you look at complex societal challenges, the best way to address those is with a collaborative approach with multi-agency response.”
– Chief Rich Johnson, Barrie Police Services
The Power of Giving
“The purpose of (Legacy Gifts) is the comfort in knowing that there will be funding to pursue what Kitchi has meant to me and that, no doubt, will result in being very impactful in young lives going forward.”
– Jim, YMCA Camp Kitchikewana Donor
The Power of Giving
“The purpose of (Legacy Gifts) is the comfort in knowing that there will be funding to pursue what Kitchi has meant to me and that, no doubt, will result in being very impactful in young lives going forward.”
– Jim, YMCA Camp Kitchikewana Donor
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BY THE NUMBERS
YMCA Volunteers & Staff
1,030+
dedicated employees helped us deliver vital programs and services to our communities.
90+
staff celebrated milestone years with the YMCA.
3 years – 21 staff / 5 years – 41 staff / 10 years – 14 staff / 15 years – 10 staff / 20 years – 5 staff / 25 years – 3 staff
240
volunteers dedicated their time and talent.
19,653
volunteer hours helped support YMCA programs.
Philanthropy
$541,065
in grants received by our YMCA.
$16,500+
awarded in scholarships to 50 local youth, furthering their educational opportunities.
1,141
generous donors gave to our Y.
$1,151,000+
raised through our annual fundraising events.
Camps & Outdoor Education
1,148
campers attended YMCA Day Camps.
2,859
weeks of Day Camp were experienced by children.
636
campers attended YMCA Camp Kitchikewana.
1,343
weeks of overnight camp were experienced by children at YMCA Camp Kitchikewana.
1,420
students participated in the Y’s outdoor education programs.
Child Care
5,000+
children were given a safe space to play, grow, and learn through our licensed Child Care and Before & After School Care programs.
Infant: 77
Toddler: 374
Preschool: 770
Before/After School: 2,221
March Break: 1,210
PA Day/Holiday: 2,741
Summer Kids Club: 1,148
Immigrant & Youth Services
2,700
newcomers were welcomed and given support by YMCA Immigrant Services.
55
newcomers participated in 7 language development programs to improve their literacy skills and prepare for their citizenship test.
538
newcomer children and their families accessed settlement supports through their schools in partnership with the Y’s Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) program.
954
youth gained valuable skills, found jobs, and started their leadership journey with the YMCA.
1,420
students participated in the Y’s outdoor education programs.
Employment & Learning Services
946
people were supported in finding meaningful employment.
213
individuals were given the tools to improve their literacy, mathematics, and computer skills.
612
employers posted over 2,600 job vacancies through the Y’s job board, encouraging local business growth.
21,154
people visited our Employment Services Centres in person and virtually to find support.
Health, Fitness & Aquatics
10,700+
members stayed active and healthy while building a sense of belonging and community at the Y.
280
members joined Y@Home+, our virtual Y community that offers live and on-demand programming.
6,941
children and youth learned how to swim at the YMCA, gaining confidence and developing lifelong skills.
Financial Assistance
$368,800+
in financial assistance was provided to individuals and families to participate in health, fitness, and aquatics programs.
1,100+
families received financial assistance to access YMCA health, fitness, and aquatics programs.
$199,900+
in financial assistance went to families so their children could attend summer camp.
684
children and youth attended camp with support from the Y’s financial assistance program.
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MAP OF REGIONAL SERVICES
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MEET OUR TEAM
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LEADERSHIP
Senior Leadership
Jill Tettmann, Chief Executive Officer
Fiona Cascagnette, Vice President of Children & Youth Development
Lianne Gorbell, Manager of Executive & Association Services
Laura Kelly, Senior Director of Philanthropy
Pamela Marck, Vice President of Strategy & Innovation
Karen Pulla, Vice President of Health, Wellness & Community Impact
Kate Venn, Vice President of People and Culture & Risk Management
Vimal Vyas, Vice President of Finance, IT & AMG
Board of Directors
Todd Young, Chair
Rob Reid, Vice Chair
Lynn Strachan, Past Chair
Mary Anne Alexander
Barb Baguley
Laura Brewer
Sarah Hunter
Pam Kinzie
Rob Mauro
Emily Parker
Stefanie Pereira
Ravella Wiles
Todd Young, Chair
Rob Reid, Vice Chair
Lynn Strachan, Past Chair
Mary Anne Alexander
Barb Baguley
Laura Brewer
Sarah Hunter
Pam Kinzie
Rob Mauro
Emily Parker
Stefanie Pereira
Ravella Wiles
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WAYS TO SUPPORT
As a charity, the Y provides a wide breadth of programs and services to our community, many at no cost to participants – but we can’t do it alone. The strength of our community is rooted in the generous support of individuals, like you, who know the value of the Y. There are many ways to support the YMCA, and help our community members feel valued, supported, and most importantly, connected.
BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR
Monthly Giving is an easy, convenient, and affordable way to give to your Y. Small consistent efforts add up to make a big and meaningful impact.
BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR
Sponsor a program or event to show your support for your community.
BECOME A PROGRAM PARTNER
Partner with the Y to provide a program or service that makes an impact on our community. Together, we can achieve more!
BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Donate your time and help change someone’s life.
BECOME A Y STAFF
Join our team and help deliver vital programs and services to our communities.
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BREAKING IT DOWN
Program Delivery - 70%
Facility Costs (Rent, Repairs, Utilities) - 11%
Admin, Marketing, and Fundraising Costs - 11%
Contribution to Capital and Long-Term Debt - 3%
FISCAL YEAR 2023 (in thousands)
SOURCE OF FUNDING
$42,361
EXPENSES
$40,326
OPERATING GAIN
$2,035
