United we stand.
These words aptly describe 2024, the year we saw the full-scale implementation of our 2020–2025 strategic plan. From the outset of the plan, we have been focused on our ability to redefine ourselves so that we can tackle the challenges facing local communities more effectively. Sedentary lifestyles, isolation, the rising cost of living, the lack of affordable housing, growing mental health problems, and declining school success rates are just some of the pressing social issues close to our hearts.
By looking at what has been accomplished to date, we can see that we have made great strides in our transformation, while keeping the communities we serve at the heart of our decisions. We have thus moved ahead with our real estate transformation while maintaining our programming and built up our mission-driven investment fund. But visions like these are not achieved without a strong, well-equipped, and well-trained team to face each challenge and judiciously seize new opportunities for development. In 2024, we laid the foundations to better position ourselves for years to come. This includes the launch of the Y’s first awareness campaign in more than 10 years, showing people that the Y is here—and will continue to be here—to help each person shine on.
Our Foundation, which is also undergoing a transformation, has been crucial in the deployment of our programs and services. This year, it will publish its own annual report for the first time as its fiscal year has changed and is now ending on March 31. In fact, it is thanks to the fundraising efforts of our Foundation and the hard work and support of our donors, volunteers, partners, and teams that we were able to provide $740,000 in financial assistance this past year. It is this support that empowers us to pursue our mission—on the front lines and behind the scenes—to ignite the potential in everyone. With you by our side, we know that we can tackle the biggest challenges, and we are eager to start on our next strategic plan and move forward together.