2023 Impact Report YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth

Dear YMCA Members, Partners, Volunteers, and Advocates,

As we reflect on 2023, the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth stands at a thrilling crossroads of innovation, reimagination, and growth. This year has been a testament to our resilience and a bold declaration of our commitment to evolve and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our journey the past twelve months underscores a profound truth: the strength of our community lies in our collective ability to reimagine and reinvent.

In this spirit, we invite each of you to dream, innovate, and reimagine with us. Imagine a community where everyone, regardless of age or background, finds a place of care, support, and opportunity. Envision a YMCA that continually reinvents itself, boldly embracing new ideas and technologies to meet the evolving needs of our community.

This call to action stems from our unwavering belief in the power of collaboration and being open to new ideas. By pooling our diverse talents, insights, and resources, we can create transformative experiences that uplift every member of our community. We challenge you to join us in this endeavor, to be architects of change and beacons of hope in our quest to build a more inclusive, vibrant, and supportive environment for all.

While we’ve seen remarkable growth in the past year, the journey ahead is even more exciting. Let us commit to pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and redefining what it means to be a community. Together, we can forge a path of unparalleled growth and impact, ensuring the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth remains a vital, dynamic force for good in the lives of many.

Thank you for being an integral part of our YMCA family. Your passion, dedication, and support fuel our mission and inspire our vision for a brighter, more innovative future.

With deepest appreciation and excitement for what lies ahead,

2023 Impact - By the Numbers

1,410 Volunteers

200,625 total people served through our YMCA including members provided 20,640 hours of service

12,500+

8,148 youth learned leadership in Y Sports Programs community members joined this year’s Turkey Trot

15,325 children learned water safety skills thanks to Safety Around Water initiative

6,579 schoolchildren learned about nature and science through an Outdoor Education Program

4,238 youth had a safe and engaging place to learn and grow during afterschool and breaks

4,694 Teens and Youth were involved in a nonsports related Y program this year

150+ programs were offered across 50 sites

A New Location for a YMCA Favorite

Reimagine

More than 12,500 people hit the streets of Fort Worth’s Clearfork area during the refreshed and reworked 42nd Moritz Fort Worth YMCA Turkey Trot presented by Texas Health, setting a new record for the race since 2019. The race took place at a new location, The Shops at Clearfork. This new location provided an elevated race day experience for the ever-growing event and ushered in a new race course for runners, including a 13K option. Texas Health also joined the event as a presenting sponsor.

Improved Online Experience at YMCAFW.ORG

The organization ushered in a new digital front door with the launch of a new website in December. The new site was built to enhance support of the community. The refreshed website design addressed four key needs:

• Enhanced User Experience – A reworked navigation system, search functionality, language

• On-page program plug-ins – Visitors can more easily find programs in a user-first environment

• NEW! Blog section – Advance our role as a thought leader and community resource

• Mission-First Messaging – Text and format showcases organizational impact as a leading nonprofit

Innovate 4All Studios

A new branch was launched entirely dedicated to the recording arts. 4All Studios, an initiative of the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth, was the brainchild of Chief Innovation and Impact Officer Kevin Ervin and President and CEO Mike Brown. An unused racquetball court was given a new life and purpose when an all-star team came together and transformed the space in 90 days. The result is a world-class recording studio open to ALL.

This studio is open to members and non-members, with recording sessions and 16-week semester classes on engineering, songwriting, and production. Embedded within the walls and tools of this studio are the potential and joy – of a third grader unlocking a new passion for the arts to a teen who can now embrace their dreams because the cost and access to resources are no longer out of reach.

Take a Virtual Tour

Regional Sports Tournament

The YMCA hosted the first regional sports tournament of its kind for our community in November. The Volleyball Tournament welcomed YMCA teams from across the Metroplex for a two-day, intensive tournament that pitted the top 12 middle school teams from across Fort Worth to see who would leave with bragging rights and the trophy for the top team. The Benbrook Black Widows walked away with the win. This new event structure sets a new trajectory for Y sports to provide a more competitive environment and expand youth experiences. The success of the regional competition will expand to additional sports at the end of each season, including a Final Four basketball tournament.

First Trail Run at YMCA Camp Carter

Runners across the region met at Camp Carter for the first-ever trail run. This new and to-berepeated event took advantage of the natural landscape of camp to challenge seasoned and new trail runners. After medals were presented in top categories, everyone was invited to stay and play at camp with challenge courses, canoeing, s’mores, and more! Lace up for future events. This innovative event is here to stay!

Grow

The Bedford Center YMCA

January 1, 2023, marked the opening of The Bedford Center YMCA, a partnership with the City of Bedford. The 91,000-square-foot, two-story facility features an indoor track, multiple community and meeting rooms, an indoor pool, a double gym, and an outdoor waterpark, to name a few highlights. The facility saw record growth in the first year, adding approximately 9,400 new members who checked in 272,739 times! With more than 72 classes offered weekly, it’s not a surprise this latest addition has quickly become the hub of the community!

Heading West

A Grand Splash at Ryan Family YMCA

A new eight-lane indoor pool was completed at the Ryan Family YMCA in partnership with Crowley ISD. This new pool satisfies UIL requirements and provides expanded seating for fans of both Crowley and North Crowley High Schools’ swim teams. The added benefit is that when not in use by the teams, the facility will be used to offer swim and water safety programs to the community and through targeted school-based programs for Crowley ISD elementary students.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth is turning its service area sites to the west. After a successful request to the Y USA network, the local YMCA can now explore opportunities in 11 new counties with potential service support in more than 40 additional schools and 90 zip codes reaching more than 400,000 additional people. This expansion will allow for greater innovation services and allow the Y to support communities in new ways that could include mobile fitness units, sports, afterschool care, or city partnerships.

The Y Fleet

Three new buses have become the backbone of support for expanded reach and program access for teens, youth, and outdoor education. With the support of grant funding, the YMCA was able to address barriers to accessing programs that come with a lack of transportation. Thanks to this investment, the Y can support teens and youth attending afterschool, summer, leadership, and Youth and Government programs. It also provides program teams with the resources necessary to bring nature-based, hands-on lessons to schools and communities.

Celebrations

YMCA Camp Carter Celebrates 75 Years

In 1948, YMCA Camp Carter opened its gates to the children of Fort Worth and has impacted the lives of all who have entered. As a 10-year-old boy, Amon G. Carter Jr. went to the YMCA Camp Holland near Weatherford, Texas, and had the time of his life. His joyful experience caused his father to hope that someday, the Fort Worth YMCA would have a camp of its own.

September 2023 marked the kick-off of Camp Carter’s 75th anniversary year with an alumni dinner and camping weekend.

Volunteers Honored at 133rd Annual Celebration Luncheon

May 4, 2023, marked the 133rd Annual Celebration Luncheon of the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth and honored local volunteers for their impact and three high-profile community leaders for their exceptional efforts to help the organization promote the well-being of area residents.

• Chi Rho Award: Lillie M. Biggins

The highest honor given to a YMCA volunteer, in recognition of her YMCA service and dedication helping the Fort Worth community.

• Community Partnership Award: Representative Marc Veasey Honors collaborative actions that significantly impact the YMCA and the individuals it serves.

• Community Champion Award: County Commissioner Roy C. Brooks Honors an exceptional individual or entity that has shown unwavering dedication in supporting and advocating for the YMCA mission and vision.

Accomplishments

Praesidium Accreditation

The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth was awarded Praesidium Accreditation and achieved the highest industry standards in abuse prevention. The accreditation was a rigorous process focusing on eight operational areas as well as a continued commitment to upholding stringent safety practices

DFW Favorites Awards

The YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth was chosen as a 2023 DFW Favorite in THREE categories!

• Best Nonprofit

• Best Fitness Center

• Best Alternative Fitness Class

Community members voted on their favorite business or service in various categories. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the collective effort, passion, and commitment of every staff member, volunteer, and board member who helps shape the Y experience daily.

Revenue $31,858,004

30,139,939

*Numbers are unaudited at time of print.

Our Mission:

To put Christian principles into practice through programs, services and relationships that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

2023 Board of Directors

Mario Garza, Board Chair/ Chief Volunteer Officer

Melissa Harris, Vice Chair

Eric Guy, Treasurer

Ellen Buck, Secretary

Ricardo Alvarez

Lawrence Atkins

Teresa Ayala

Carmen Curry-Beatty

Lillie Biggins

Mark Bohon

Sonyia Byrd

David Campbell

Damien Coltey

Joyce Davis

Steve DeLeon

Vernon Evans

Tiera Gilyard

Jeff Hall

Jordan Hampton

Erayne Gee Hill

Chase Iles

Kirsten Jakowitsch

James King

Chris Lokey

Cindy Milrany

Carol H. Murray

Stephanie Muzi

Buddy Puente

Joseph Reyes

Kayla Seeling

Noah Simon

Diann Smith

Twynette Solomon

Kenneth Spears

Sanel Thomas

Scott Turner

Jermaine Watson

Adam Weiskittel

Lisa Wenske

YMCA Endowment Board

Steve Boma, Chair

Robert Molloy, Secretary/ Treasurer

Joyce Norris

Allan Howeth

Art Anderson

Terry Schultz

Vernon Evans

Lynn Montgomery

Mark Your Calendar for Y Events and Milestones in 2024

• April 15- 19 – Five Days of Action

• April 20 – Healthy Kids Day + Try the Y Weekends

• May 20 – 24 – Water Safety Week

• May 25 – SUMMER POOLS OPEN

• May 27 – First day of Y Summer Camps!

• July – Eastside YMCA Reopens

• August 15 – 23 – Back to School/Afterschool Programs Resume

• October 17 – Triangle Society Mixer

• November 28 – Moritz Fort Worth YMCA Turkey Trot