Message to Our Communities
I
n 2011 the YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo grew and developed our service areas, reinforcing our position as one of Waterloo Region’s high-impact and collaborative community organizations. We have strengthened our associations to increase the number of ways people can be touched and engaged by their YMCA experience. This year saw the completion of several major infrastructure initiatives that will ensure our asset base is renewed for years to come. The Chaplin Family YMCA in Cambridge and the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA in Kitchener both refreshed their facilities to maintain our high quality experience. New buildings at the YMCA Outdoor Centre provide spaces for more children to connect with their environment and broaden their knowledge of energy conservation. As our Smart Start wellness programs expand their reach, greater numbers of participants are building healthy, active lives. Our partnerships with the Cambridge Cardiac Care Centre, Cambridge Memorial Hospital, the Ministry of Health Promotion, and the Canadian Diabetes Association continue to grow and enable us to strengthen our impact. Many of our community based programs and services continue to evolve as we respond to opportunities to renew and expand our Settlement, Employment, and Language Assessment services. Our work in measuring the long term outcomes of YMCA program participation and its positive impact on healthy development is being recognized locally and nationally. The response to the opening of the Stork Family YMCA in fall 2011 exceeded our expectations. The support we received from our community, volunteers, and donors confirms our ability to advance the broad-based health of our region. In particular, the family involvement is over 70%, a remarkable benefit for families in West Waterloo. As we plan for the next three years, our strategic plan continues to focus on engaging our community. We believe that no matter where you experience it, community happens one person at a time. It is the commitment of the YMCA to continue to serve our rapidly changing Region by building healthy communities now and in the future. Sincerely,
Mike Dinning
David Libertini
Chair, YMCA of Cambridge Chair, Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA