DEAR FRIENDS, YMCA OF
When you support the Y, you strengthen the foundations of our community. For 170 years, the YMCA of Greater Richmond has served as a trusted space where people of all ages can play, learn, grow and thrive. In 2024, we remained focused on our core areas of impact—preventing drowning, enriching learning and advancing whole health—while also addressing broader, critical needs that affect the well-being of our community.
At the heart of our work is a deep understanding that health and well-being are shaped by many interconnected factors, including education, access to resources, economic stability and strong social connections. Through our programs and services, we work to remove the barriers that stand in the way of individuals reaching their full potential—ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.
As we look ahead to another year of growth and opportunity, we are profoundly grateful for our members, staff, volunteers, and generous donors. Your unwavering support allows us to continue delivering life-changing programs and services to all. The YMCA is, and always will be, more than just a place—it’s a movement for positive change. And it is because of you that we are able to empower individuals and strengthen communities across the region.
This report offers a glimpse into the real impact your support makes in the lives of our neighbors. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission.
In gratitude,
JODY A. ALEXANDER President and CEO YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND
210,000 People served by a YMCA in our region $7 Million In Financial Assistance was provided to keep the Y open FOR ALL 330 Leaders engaged in Community Conversations 12,000 Volunteers donated 65,000 hours
RICHMOND BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2024
Christopher M. Shockley, Board Chair - Virginia Credit Union, President and CEO
James W. Warren, Board Chair Elect – JMI, Vice President, Brand Strategy and Share More Stories, Founder & CEO
John T. Lancaster, Board Treasurer – Weinstein Properties, Co-President and CFO
Adam P. Carter, Board Secretary – WestRock, Senior Vice President, Global Paperboard Sales
Kristian M. Gathright, Immediate Past Board Chair - Apple Hospitality REIT, Board Member, Retired COO
Anedra W. Bourne – Venture Richmond, Deputy Executive Director
Julia A. Calamita – Community Volunteer
Diana F. Cantor – Alternative Investment Management, LLC, Partner
Todd G. Cassidy –Capital One, Managing Vice President, Technology
Alex C. Cecil – Markel Corporation, Managing Director, Compliance (Retired)
James Y. Chou – SingleStone, Chief Executive Officer
Mark A. Christian - Corporate Living Solutions, Managing Partner and Owner (Retired)
Alexandra B. Cunningham – Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, Partner
Richard D. Dickinson - TowneBank, Executive Vice President/Senior Credit Officer
Gordon W. Fruetel - Altria Group, Inc. - VP, Corporate Audit (Retired)
Tanya M. Gonzalez - Sacred Heart Center, Executive Director
Elizabeth Chu Harkless – Virginia ABC, Former Chief Transformation Officer
Shadae T. Harris – Groundwork Consulting, Founder and Professor in Residence, Virginia State University
Katja H. Hill – Whiteford | Taylor | Preston, Partner
Lane S. Hopkins – Harris Williams, Managing Director, Chief Talent Officer
Donna D. Johnson – Health Care Wellness, LLC, Consultant
Eric C. Lin – The VIE Group, Principal
Peter E. Mahoney – Truist Financial Corporation, Executive Vice President-Chief Program Executive
Cynthia W. Massad – Truist Financial Corporation, Senior Vice President, Wealth Advisor 3/Truist Wealth (Retired)
Shamim Mohammad - CarMax, Executive Vice President, Chief Information and Technology Officer
Urvi Neelakantan – Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Senior Policy Economist in Research Department
Joseph K. Reid, III – McGuireWoods LLP, Partner
Pamela J. Royal – Royal Dermatology, President
Ryan E. Stuhlreyer – Bon Secours Health System, Vice President for Service Line Strategy
Fitz R. Totten – Find The Right College, Founder
E. Massie Valentine, Jr. - Davenport and Company, Managing Director
Nicholas G. Walker - Roslyn Farm Corporation, Vice President
Mark O. Webb - Dominion Energy, Senior Vice President & Chief Innovation Officer (Retired)
Charles N. Whitaker – Altria Group, SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer & Chief Compliance Officer
Corey J. Widmer – Third Church-Richmond, Lead Pastor
Karen A. Wilson – Bank of America, Senior Vice President
PREVENTING DROWNING
16,700
Children learned critical water safety skills in Y Swim Lessons and Learn To Swim programs
1,700
Lifeguard/AED certifications were awarded to grow aquatics professionals
380 Swim Lessons for children with autism were given because safety around water should be FOR ALL
Meet Gerardo – from learning to swim to teaching others.
It all started when he was a second grader at Bellwood Elementary. Through our Learn to Swim program, Gerardo gained more than just swimming skills—he found confidence. After one lesson, he beamed, “This is the best day of my life!” He had just learned to swim. Today, Gerardo is a certified lifeguard and YMCA swim instructor. He now teaches in the very same pool where his journey began, passing on life-saving skills and inspiring the next generation. Through swim lessons and water safety education, the Y is making our communities safe around water—one swimmer at a time.
Engaging over 3,000 community members through in-water and dryland swim instruction
Meet our Woodman West Community.
Through Bright Beginnings, the Y provides students with the essentials for success: backpacks, shoes, coats—and most importantly, confidence. All summer long, kids at Woodman West enjoy nutritious meals, learn alongside their peers, and stay rooted in a community where they feel safe and supported. This year alone, 3,400 children at Woodman West and across our YMCAs got a head start on the school year thanks to Bright Beginnings. The Y is proud to walk alongside families as we build brighter futures together.
From after-school programs that support academic achievement to summer camps that spark creativity and lasting friendships, the Y is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. Our programs inspire curiosity, build leadership, and foster personal growth—helping young people thrive in school and in life.
ADVANCING WHOLE HEALTH
12,000
Youth Sports participants & 50 Youth & Adult Miracle League players experienced the joy of healthy activity
8,600
Seniors found community and belonging
3,800
Individuals found critical resources via Social Needs Navigation with nearly 208,000 pounds of food distributed to those in need
Meet Suellen – marathon runner, YMCA member and Sportable ambassador.
Thanks to our partnership with Sportable, hundreds of individuals with disabilities are reaching their health and wellness goals. “The Y is going to help you figure out how to be active safely, and also encourage you,” Suellen says. “When you feel good about what you’re accomplishing, that’s success. That’s thriving.”
At the Y, we believe wellness is for everyone—regardless of age or ability. Our programs for older adults, youth sports, and adaptive fitness create inclusive opportunities for people to build healthy habits, connect with others and find joy in movement.
