Path to Recovery
Throughout this past year, our YMCA has been working toward recovery and stabilization. Recovery efforts focused on assessing the pandemic’s impact on our Association, our employees, and our communities. In spite of public health restrictions and ongoing complications linked to the pandemic, the YMCA movement has persevered and supported the rebuilding of stronger, more resilient communities across the nation.
Last year, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka made significant progress on its path to recovery thanks to staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and participants. We focused on improving organizational culture, strengthening our operations, advancing key priorities from the prior year, and developing a new strategic plan.
Without the support of our Y community, we wouldn’t be where we are today. It’s people like you who understand the importance of belonging and connection who make our community strong. At the Y, we strive to ensure everyone feels strong, safe, and connected through our life-changing programs and services. Thank you for continuing to support our YMCA.
Message to the Community
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s CEO, Jill Tettmann and Vice Chair/Incoming Board Chair, Todd Young, share a message of thanks to our staff, volunteers, participants, donors and our community for their tremendous support over the past year.
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka 2021-2022 Annual Report
Path to Recovery
Throughout this past year, our YMCA has been working toward recovery and stabilization. Recovery efforts focused on assessing the pandemic’s impact on our Association, our employees, and our communities. In spite of public health restrictions and ongoing complications linked to the pandemic, the YMCA movement has persevered and supported the rebuilding of stronger, more resilient communities across the nation.
Last year, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka made significant progress on its path to recovery thanks to staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and participants. We focused on improving organizational culture, strengthening our operations, advancing key priorities from the prior year, and developing a new strategic plan.
Without the support of our Y community, we wouldn’t be where we are today. It’s people like you who understand the importance of belonging and connection who make our community strong. At the Y, we strive to ensure everyone feels strong, safe, and connected through our life-changing programs and services. Thank you for continuing to support our YMCA.
Message to the Community
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s CEO, Jill Tettmann and Vice Chair/Incoming Board Chair, Todd Young, share a message of thanks to our staff, volunteers, participants, donors and our community for their tremendous support over the past year.
Vision for 2025
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s new three-year Strategic Plan, Forward, Together, launched on July 1, 2022. Over the next three years, we will use this plan as a roadmap to guide us into the future. Our plan will help us to better meet the needs of post-pandemic communities, and fulfill our mission by bringing people together through experiences that build skills and self-confidence, increase health and strength, and create opportunities for exploration and growth.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s three-year Strategic Plan includes four strategic directions:
▼ Cultivate a great place to work and volunteer
We will build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization at all levels, including leadership and governance. By reimagining the future of work and improving employee happiness, we will become an employer of choice. To meet new challenges, we will retain talent with new skills. We will celebrate successes, recognize excellence, and continually invest in our team through training and development.
▼ Strengthen the legacy of our Y for future generations
We will create a flexible and agile organization that nurtures innovation, experimentation, and creativity. By encouraging new ways of working and championing sustainability, we will cut costs and improve efficiency. In addition to creating transformative innovations, we plan to broaden our revenue portfolio and expand our strategic partnerships to drive long-term financial sustainability.
▼ Connect people to meaningful experiences where everyone belongs
We will use community engagement and research to ensure our programs are relevant and responsive to changing needs. We will create places and spaces where people feel comfortable, are treated fairly and respected, and are connected to one another. Through collaboration, we will reduce barriers to program participation, maximize resources, support underserved communities and enrich the overall community experience.
▼ Promote the power of the Y
We will engage our communities in a bold way to help people better understand how we can all work together to make a positive difference. Community members will recognize the YMCA as a centre of community. Values, language, and narratives will be inclusive. Together with local partners we will work to raise awareness of our cause.
In the same way as so many others, the YMCA is looking forward to the future. 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.
Vision for 2025
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s new three-year Strategic Plan, Forward, Together, launched on July 1, 2022. Over the next three years, we will use this plan as a roadmap to guide us into the future. Our plan will help us to better meet the needs of post-pandemic communities, and fulfill our mission by bringing people together through experiences that build skills and self-confidence, increase health and strength, and create opportunities for exploration and growth.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s three-year Strategic Plan includes four strategic directions:
▼ Cultivate a great place to work and volunteer
We will build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization at all levels, including leadership and governance. By reimagining the future of work and improving employee happiness, we will become an employer of choice. To meet new challenges, we will retain talent with new skills. We will celebrate successes, recognize excellence, and continually invest in our team through training and development.
▼ Strengthen the legacy of our Y for future generations
We will create a flexible and agile organization that nurtures innovation, experimentation, and creativity. By encouraging new ways of working and championing sustainability, we will cut costs and improve efficiency. In addition to creating transformative innovations, we plan to broaden our revenue portfolio and expand our strategic partnerships to drive long-term financial sustainability.
▼ Connect people to meaningful experiences where everyone belongs
We will use community engagement and research to ensure our programs are relevant and responsive to changing needs. We will create places and spaces where people feel comfortable, are treated fairly and respected, and are connected to one another. Through collaboration, we will reduce barriers to program participation, maximize resources, support underserved communities and enrich the overall community experience.
▼ Promote the power of the Y
We will engage our communities in a bold way to help people better understand how we can all work together to make a positive difference. Community members will recognize the YMCA as a centre of community. Values, language, and narratives will be inclusive. Together with local partners we will work to raise awareness of our cause.
In the same way as so many others, the YMCA is looking forward to the future. 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.
About
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)
About
mission
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.
vision
Vibrant and connected communities where everyone belongs.
values
Kindness
We are friendly, caring, and committed to cultivating relationships built on compassion.
Integrity
We are honest, trustworthy, and take responsibility for our decisions and actions.
Inclusiveness
We embrace diversity and strive to create places, programs, and experiences where everyone belongs.
Respect
We believe in each other – our strengths, perspectives, and passions.
Optimism
We approach things with an open mind, an emphasis on happiness, and are inspired by the potential of all people.
Community Impact
Supporting Children’s Development
YMCA Child Care provided nearly 3,000 children with a safe space to play, grow, and learn. Hear what one family has to say about the positive impact child care at the Y had on their children’s lives.
Partnering on Youth Mental Health Initiatives
Our YMCA engaged community partners to expand our services and support to even more individuals in our communities. One of our partner organizations, Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County, shares their experience launching the Y Mind mental wellness program in partnership with our YMCA, and the positive impact community organizations can have when we work together.
Opportunities to Give Back
Supporting YMCA programs and services provides powerful opportunities that make a big impact on the families and individuals we serve. Melanie Pockaj, Manager of Major and Planned Gifts, shares just a few of the ways your support helped our YMCA this past year.
Community Impact
Supporting Children’s Development
YMCA Child Care provided nearly 3,000 children with a safe space to play, grow, and learn. Hear what one family has to say about the positive impact child care at the Y had on their children’s lives.
Partnering on Youth Mental Health Initiatives
Our YMCA engaged community partners to expand our services and support to even more individuals in our communities. One of our partner organizations, Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County, shares their experience launching the Y Mind mental wellness program in partnership with our YMCA, and the positive impact community organizations can have when we work together.
Opportunities to Give Back
Supporting YMCA programs and services provides powerful opportunities that make a big impact on the families and individuals we serve. Melanie Pockaj, Manager of Major and Planned Gifts, shares just a few of the ways your support helped our YMCA this past year.
By the Numbers
Last year, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka served over 20,000 individuals in our communities across Simcoe, Muskoka, and the District of Parry Sound.
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1,000+
dedicated employees delivered vital programs to our communities.
95
volunteers dedicated their time and talent.
5,594
volunteer hours helped support YMCA programs.
$510,000
in grants received by our YMCA.
$9,000
awarded in scholarships to 15 local youth, furthering their educational opportunities.
1,761
generous donors gave to our Y.
$110,000+
raised by over 1,600 participants through our annual fundraising events.
636
campers attended YMCA Day Camps.
2,646
weeks of Day Camp were experienced by children.
820
campers attended YMCA Camp Kitchikewana’s virtual and in-person programs.
3,000
children were given a safe space to play, grow, and learn through our licensed Child Care and Before & After School Care programs.
1,532
newcomers were welcomed and given support by YMCA Immigrant Services.
400
individuals received mental wellness, settlement, employment, and educational supports through the Y’s four new community programs – Y Mind, Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS), Ontario Newcomer Trades Awareness Program (ONTAP), and Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) Program.
1,740
youth gained valuable skills, found jobs, and started their leadership journey with the YMCA.
1,034
people were supported to gain meaningful employment.
119
individuals were given the tools to improve their literacy, mathematics, and computer skills.
900
employers posted over 2,600 job vacancies through the Y’s job board, encouraging local business growth.
9,700
people visited our Employment Services Centres in person and virtually to find support.
9,700+
members stayed active and healthy while building a sense of belonging and community.
200+
members joined Y@Home+, our new, virtual Y community that offers live and on-demand programming.
2,081
children and youth learned how to swim at the YMCA, gaining confidence and developing lifelong skills.
$483,000+
in financial assistance was provided to individuals and families to participate in health, fitness, and aquatics programs.
$17,400+
in financial assistance went to families so their children could attend summer camp.
2,000
families received financial assistance to access YMCA health, fitness, and aquatics programs.
454
children and youth attended camp with support from the Y’s financial assistance program.
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1,000+
dedicated employees delivered vital programs to our communities.
95
volunteers dedicated their time and talent.
5,594
volunteer hours helped support YMCA programs.
$510,000
in grants received by our YMCA.
1,761
generous donors gave to our Y.
$9,000
awarded in scholarships to 15 local youth, furthering their educational opportunities.
$110,000+
raised by over 1,600 participants through our annual fundraising events.
636
campers attended YMCA Day Camps.
2,646
weeks of Day Camp were experienced by children.
820
campers attended YMCA Camp Kitchikewana’s virtual and in-person programs.
3,000
children were given a safe space to play, grow, and learn through our licensed Child Care and Before & After School Care programs.
1,532
newcomers were welcomed and given support by YMCA Immigrant Services.
400
individuals received mental wellness, settlement, employment, and educational supports through the Y’s four new community programs – Y Mind, Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS), Ontario Newcomer Trades Awareness Program (ONTAP), and Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) Program.
1,740
youth gained valuable skills, found jobs, and started their leadership journey with the YMCA.
1,034
people were supported to gain meaningful employment.
900
employers posted over 2,600 job vacancies through the Y’s job board, encouraging local business growth.
119
individuals were given the tools to improve their literacy, mathematics, and computer skills.
9,700
people visited our Employment Services Centres in person and virtually to find support.
9,700+
members stayed active and healthy while building a sense of belonging and community.
200+
members joined Y@Home+, our new, virtual Y community that offers live and on-demand programming.
2,081
children and youth learned how to swim at the YMCA, gaining confidence and developing lifelong skills.
$483,000+
in financial assistance was provided to individuals and families to participate in health, fitness, and aquatics programs.
2,000
families received financial assistance to access YMCA health, fitness, and aquatics programs.
$17,400+
in financial assistance went to families so their children could attend summer camp.
454
children and youth attended camp with support from the Y’s financial assistance program.
Map of Regional Services
Map of Regional Services
Leadership
Board of Directors
Senior Leadership
Lynn Strachan, Chair
Andrew Lorriman, Past Chair
Todd Young, Vice Chair
Mary Anne Alexander
Barb Baguley
Sarah Hunter
Pam Kinzie
Dawn Knuff
Derek Lubert
Sarah MacNeil
Rob Mauro
Emily Parker
Stefanie Pereira
Rob Reid
Ravella Wiles
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 Brand Experience & Strategic Initiatives
Karen Pulla, Vice President of Health, Wellness & Community Impact
Kate Venn, Vice President of Human Resources & Risk Management
Vimal Vyas, Vice President of Finance & IT
Leadership
Board of Directors
Lynn Strachan, Chair
Andrew Lorriman, Past Chair
Todd Young, Vice Chair
Mary Anne Alexander
Barb Baguley
Sarah Hunter
Pam Kinzie
Dawn Knuff
Derek Lubert
Sarah MacNeil
Rob Mauro
Emily Parker
Stefanie Pereira
Rob Reid
Ravella Wiles
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 Brand Experience & Strategic Initiatives
Karen Pulla, Vice President of Health, Wellness & Community Impact
Kate Venn, Vice President of Human Resources & Risk Management
Vimal Vyas, Vice President of Finance & IT
Ways to Support
As a charity, they 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.
Ways to Support
As a charity, they 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.
Financials
* To ensure the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s long-term viability, sustainability, and growth, we have established a new Forward Together Fund. With this long-term source of funding, the YMCA will be able to serve our communities in the best possible way for generations to come. Initially the investment income generated by the Fund will be used to support YMCA programs and services across the region in accordance with the priorities in our new three-year strategic plan, which was developed in partnership with our communities. The Fund has been established with the net proceeds from the sale of Geneva Park and has been approved by the Board of Directors. Its total amount is $12 million. The Fund will be managed by the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Board of Directors, which has been made up of representatives from across the region. As part of a region-wide engagement strategy, starting in January 2023, initial priorities for the fund will be determined, starting with those whose access to YMCA programs and services has changed. The Orillia community will be the first to be engaged, followed by other communities in the region.
Financials
* To ensure the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s long-term viability, sustainability, and growth, we have established a new Forward Together Fund. With this long-term source of funding, the YMCA will be able to serve our communities in the best possible way for generations to come. Initially the investment income generated by the Fund will be used to support YMCA programs and services across the region in accordance with the priorities in our new three-year strategic plan, which was developed in partnership with our communities. The Fund has been established with the net proceeds from the sale of Geneva Park and has been approved by the Board of Directors. Its total amount is $12 million. The Fund will be managed by the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Board of Directors, which has been made up of representatives from across the region. As part of a region-wide engagement strategy, starting in January 2023, initial priorities for the fund will be determined, starting with those whose access to YMCA programs and services has changed. The Orillia community will be the first to be engaged, followed by other communities in the region.
