Greater Austin YMCA 2030 Vision

HEALTHY

PEOPLE | PLACES | PLANET

2023 - 2026 Strategic Plan

COMMUNITY PROMISE

The Greater Austin YMCA is a dynamic network of people and places that will help power your purpose as an individual, a family and community. When you find power in your purpose with the Y, you drive positive change...now, and for future generations.

DEAR FRIENDS,

This Strategic Plan is like no other in our YMCA’s history. But in the wake of the last few years, nothing is exactly the same, nor should it be, even for an organization as well established as the Y.

As we anticipate the Greater Austin region becoming part of the nation’s third largest metroplex by 2100, we know the efforts we take in the next decade will set the foundation for how growth impacts local communities. In creating this plan, we asked ourselves, “How might we do our part to drive growth that provides more access and opportunities to more people and communities?” What you see here reflects thousands of hours of research and input from thousands of neighbors through in-person meetings, focus groups, surveys and Community Open House celebrations at our Y centers. It also aligns with the World Alliance of YMCA’s Vision 2030, which Y representatives from 80 countries adopted in July, 2023.

Our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan places a priority on elevating our work for greater impact on children, individuals and families. Through proramming in more than 70 communities, the Greater Austin Y is uniquely positioned to bring together caring people who are dedicated to improving health and empowering youth and families.

With each step, we have looked beyond current practices to tackle problems through meaningful innovation, access and a sustainable approach. You’ll see this reflected in new early learning programs like our Tomorrow AcademyTM preschool, expansion of health outreach like our ¡Salud, Salud! diabetes management program, redevelopment of our TownLake YMCA to create a Community Wellness District, and the addition of new centers like the YMCA at Four Points.

As you consider this 2030 Vision, please accept our invitation to power your purpose through the Y by volunteering, contributing and collaborating in the meaningful and transformational programs and services we provide. Together, we can truly create a benefit greater than the sum of our parts.

Sincerely,

Kathy Kuras President & CEO

Greater Austin YMCA

IN MEMORIAM

Anamita Mukherjee, Co-Chair

Strategic Planning Task Force

Greater Austin YMCA

Nichole Lopez-Riley, Co-Chair

Strategic Planning Task Force

Greater Austin YMCA

This plan is dedicated to the memory of Anamita Mukherjee, Greater Austin YMCA Metro Board member and Co-Chair of our Strategic Planning Task Force. Anamita’s vision and legacy will live on through all of us at the Y. We will carry her memory in our hearts and minds as we continue our efforts to elevate quality of life FOR ALL.

Anamita Mukherjee Co-Chair

Kathy Kuras President & CEO

Nichole Lopez-Riley Co-Chair

2030 VISION. We are elevating quality of life in Central Texas by boldly expanding access for all children, adults, families and seniors in our dynamically growing community.

MISSION. Our mission serves all ages, cultures, races and ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and faiths. We recognize our heritage, the power of love and a culture of belonging within our mission:

To put Christian principles (such as caring, honesty, respect and responsibility) into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

FOR ALL. At the Y, we are continually learning what it means to be for all. Our commitment begins with listening to the authentic stories of all people and engaging our community as a welcoming, supportive organization. We amplify voices for all. We lead innovative change for all. We create opportunities for all.

IMPACT AREAS

Our nonprofit community enterprise will power the purpose of all people across Central Texas through innovation, access to opportunity and a sustainable approach in these Impact Areas:

Elevate Quality of Life in Central Texas

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Empower & Educate Young People

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Expand Access for All

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Energize a Sustainable Future

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8

Greater Austin Area Community Centers + YMCA Camp Moody

TOP 20 Employer in Greater Austin & Central Texas

Our ESG Commitment

We join the YMCA World Council and Ys in 120 countries in striving to achieve excellence in environmental stewardship, social responsibility and corporate governance (ESG).

We aim to bring positive social impacts to the communities we serve in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The 17 SDGs, or Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations Member States in 2015 as “a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The YMCA is the largest youth-serving organization in the world spanning 120 countries, from child care to workforce development.

60+ Locations Offering Infant Care, Preschool & Afterschool Child Care

20+ Summer Day Camp & Holiday Camp Locations

Our 2030 Vision Impact Areas align with the following United Nations SDGs:

Quality of Life in Central Texas

& Educate Young People

To view all 17 United Nations SDGs visit https://sdgs.un.org/goals.

This report is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

ELEVATE QUALITY OF LIFE IN CENTRAL TEXAS

At the Y, we know well-being starts at home and is shaped by community-wide factors. We are building a culture of health across Greater Austin by providing access to innovative programs and services that make Austin one of the best places to live, work and play, raise a family, and create meaningful connections and friendships. We will help power the purpose of ALL people and show how we’re elevating quality of life through data-driven research.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Expand Whole-Person Health & Wellbeing Programs. Continuously improve current programs and introduce new initiatives, including expanding mental health programs, that provide access and elevate quality of life for all.

Expand Mental Health Programming. Grow Everline Counseling access and availability, and partner to offer additional mental health programming for individuals, youth and families.

DID YOU KNOW?

After nearly 10 years of community conversations, work has begun to develop a new YMCA in Four Points that will reflect the unique character of West Austin.

Expand Community Impact. Extend the Y’s reach and community impact through a growth plan that ensures facility and program growth tracks with the population growth of Central Texas, while meeting the evolving needs of communities and ensuring access for all.

• Downtown Community Health District. Collaborate with key stakeholders in TownLake Y redevelopment project to expand community benefits such as wellbeing (including mental health), early childhood education and affordable housing.

• YMCA at Four Points in Northwest Austin. Successfully complete a $15 million capital campaign to launch the new Y at Four Points.

• YMCA Camp Moody in South Travis/North Hays County. Successfully complete capital campaign to launch Phase II development to include overnight cabins, dining hall, early education center and additional outdoor activities.

Accelerate Private/Public Partnerships. Develop private/public partnerships to build and operate YMCA community centers, meeting the fast-growing needs of Central Texas.

Boost Y Volunteer & Staff Engagement. Recruit and engage volunteers, community and governing board members and Y team members to expand and strengthen our service to communities. Develop and implement staff team culture mindsets, skills and behaviors throughout the enterprise.

HOW WE’LL

MEASURE

Meet growing needs in the region by expanding facilities and programs from serving 77,000 to 200,000 YMCA community members annually

Develop YMCA Community Health Index and monitor our impact on community well-being by comparing Y data to general population

Ensure high-quality programming by driving an 85% recommendation rate to family and friends among YMCA members, program participants and board volunteers

Successfully implement culture mindsets, skills and behaviors while tracking engagement, belonging and employee net-promoter metrics

EMPOWER & EDUCATE YOUNG PEOPLE

We commit to partnering with school districts, community organizations and employers to ensure a bright future for all young people. Thanks to the generosity of donors and partners, we provide access to quality education, promote enriching and fun experiences and meaningful work to build sustainable livelihoods.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Early Childhood Education. Lead development of new business model for entire sector through public-private partnerships that expand presence in schools, in Y centers and in corporate offices.

YMCA Tomorrow AcademyTM. Create and phase in across our region a unique, new preschool and early learning model that includes a student-centered curriculum (Reggio Emilia-inspired) combinded with nature-based learning and Y enrichment programming.

DID YOU KNOW?

1 in 4 students in Y Afterschool education and care programs, and 1 in 5 kids in Y Summer Day Camp participate thanks to scholarships supported by generous donors.

Extend-A-Care YMCA Afterschool & Summer Camp. Become goto provider for area school districts by strengthening partnerships and enhancing program offerings with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), character development, environmental sustainability and Y enrichment.

Teen Leadership & Workforce Development Programs. Deepen foundation and corporate partnerships to increase the reach of current programs and better serve rural and low-income communities. Expand workforce development pipeline through experiential and skills-based learning programs like the Best Buy Teen Tech Center at the North Austin YMCA.

Youth and Government Civic Engagement Program. Increase statewide Youth and Government student participation to preserve and strengthen democracy and civic institutions.

Swim Safety. As America’s #1 swim instructor, teach every first-grader from underserved communities in our service area how to be safe in the water through Project SAFE.

Child Abuse Awareness. Partner to co-develop public-facing child abuse awareness programs.

HOW WE’LL MEASURE

Meet growing demand by tripling the number of young people served in Extend-A-Care YMCA, Youth and Government and all other Y youth development programs from 30,000 to 90,000 annually

Partner with educational and workforce development organizations to increase Y staff capacity and reduce the number of children waiting for Extend-A-Care YMCA out-of-school time programs by 75%

Achieve a “school-ready” rate of 95% among children completing YMCA early learning programs

Increase participation in Drowning Prevention and Swim Lesson programs from 10,000 to 15,000 children annually

EXPAND ACCESS FOR ALL

FOR ALL is our promise to the community, in collaboration with donors and partners. We provide financial support to ensure access to programs for underserved communities and to address the evolving needs of children, families and seniors. We amplify community voices and provide access to opportunities to learn, grow and thrive so that ALL people share in the prosperity of Central Texas.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Expand Philanthropic Efforts to Strengthen Communities. In collaboration with donors and partners, increase financial support to ensure access to programs for underserved communities and to address the evolving needs of children, families and seniors.

DID YOU KNOW?

The North Austin YMCA is a first-of-its-kind partnership with the City of Austin serving more than 15,000 community members since opening in 2012.

Support Community Vision and Resilience. Develop strategies and programs that demonstrate that the Y is a trusted ally and partner to community leaders, organizers, and alliances (e.g., Heart Gallery of CTX, We Are Blood, recovery homes, disaster relief) and a resource that shows up during crises.

Advance Employee Recruitment & Workforce Development. Attract and prepare first-time employees and young professionals for Y careers and future workforce opportunities through upskilling and career training.

HOW WE’LL MEASURE

Expand community financial assistance and invest in innovation, reslilency planning and growth by increasing annual philanthropic support from $1.3 to $6M and total endowment funds from $4.9 to $9M

Increase the amount of dollars and number of community members served through Financial Assistance for memberships and programs

Expand access to current service areas programs in zip codes and neighborhoods with the greatest need and interest

Report staff and board composition compared to community demographics

ENERGIZE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

We aspire to meet the needs of the present without compromising the future. We are responsible stewards of our environment and will create new sustainability practices and education programs for youth and community members. We will also strengthen civic engagement and convene discussions among neighbors that build understanding, reduce polarization and promote volunteerism and community building.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Healthy Planet. Develop an environmental sustainability plan in alignment with the City of Austin, surrounding communities, state, national and global partners to set practices and a measurement system for YMCA-owned properties and all operations. Include guidelines for evaluating partnerships and vendor relationships based on their sustainable practices.

DID YOU KNOW?

Nearly 1,000 volunteers give back to their community annually through Y coaching, advocacy, service projects and special events.

Environmental Stewardship. Equip our community with education, training and resources to cultivate environmental stewardship and drive awareness throughout our programs and places. Place sustainability as a core pillar of all future Y developments, including Y centers and YMCA Camp Moody.

YLabTM. Create a YLab concept to test innovations and technologies with partners, startups, and businesses to build healthy people, healthy places and a healthy planet.

Sustainability Co-Lab. Collaborate with YMCAs across globe through the YMCA Sustainability Co-Lab to address environmental challenges and green opportunities through projects that support community impact, economic growth, improved operational efficiency and collaborative innovation.

Bridgebuilding Programs. Co-develop and grow programs that promote community understanding. (e.g., Team Up Service-Learning, Welcoming Week, Refugee & Immigrant Support).

HOW WE’LL MEASURE

Reduce carbon footprint by 2030 with the intent of becoming carbon neutral or resource positive by 2050

Develop eco-friendly practices for operations, facilities and property development

Promote understanding and community-building by implementing 100 new service-learning projects and community conversation events

PLANNING CYCLES

Our path toward the 2030 Vision is organized into two strategic planning cycles. The Vision and Strategic Plans will be reviewed at the end of each cycle with adjustments made as needed.

LOOKING AHEAD: STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION

200,000

50,000

Key Definitions

• Community Members refer to YMCA of Austin members and program members (including Extend-A-Care YMCA members).

• Access is the condition in which every member of the community has a fair opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and services that enhance their health and well-being.

• Environmental Sustainability is a state of balance between the earth’s resources and our needs, both now and in the future.

• School Readiness refers to children attaining the skills and knowledge across the four domains of child development (social-emotional, language and communication, early literacy and mathematics) necessary for success in school and life.

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

Strategic Planning Task Force Leadership

Anamita Mukherjee, Co-Chair

Melissa Curtis, Co-Chair

Nichole Lopez-Riley, Co-Chair

Kuntal Sindha, Facilitator

Dorothee Auldridge

Drew Bennett

JaNet Barkley Booher

Jeremy Blackman

Don Gillespie

Sam Goessling

Kathy Kuras

2024 Metropolitan Board of Directors

Brian Haulotte, Chair

Dorothee Auldridge

Roberta Rocha Benham

Drew Bennett

Jeremy Blackman

JaNet Barkley Booher

Mariko Boswell

Blaine Brunson

Katherine Butler

Susan Burton

Andy Carlson

Robert Digneo

Carlos Greaves

Bart Gunkel

Kathy Green

Sam Greer

Kate Henderson

Daniel Hogberg

Linda Jackson

Evan Johnson

Sharmila Kassam

Kelly Latz

Anamita Mukherjee

Reagan Nash

Nicole Newlan

David Quintanilla

Kierstan Schwab

Sean Taylor

2024 Community Enterprise Leadership

Kathy Kuras, President / CEO

Shaq Brown, Chief Operations Officer

Tad Hatton, Chief Financial & Administration Officer

Sara Harwood, Chief Development Officer

Andrew Wiggins, SVP of Finance & Operations

Wendell McClellon, Vice President of Facilities

Sarah Inbau, Vice President of Marketing

Jason Gindele, Vice President of Youth Development

Adrienne Barnett, Assoc. Vice President of Operations - Northwest Family Y & Future Y in Four Points

Dione Booker, Assoc. Vice President of Operations - Camp Moody, Hays Communities & Springs Family Ys

Kristen Pierce-Vreeke, Assoc. Vice President of Operations - North Austin & East Communities Ys

Sarah Rinner, Assoc. Vice President of Out-of-School Time, Extend-A-Care YMCA

Ami Cortes-Castillo, Assoc. Vice President of Early Childhood Education, Extend-A-Care YMCA

Betsy Shelton, Chief of Staff

Sean Doles, Public Affairs Officer