YMCA calls for support as financial situation worsens

**This is a letter to the community from the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County. For the original letter, click here: 2020 Covid request letter (Final 2) (1).**

Hello YMCA Family and Community Members,

Your help and support for the YMCA of Ithaca has been vital to ensuring that this 152 year old institution continues to remain a center for health, wellness, child care, social support, and togetherness.

I am currently serving my first term as the Chairperson of our Board of Directors, a dedicated group of volunteers that provides support and governance for the operation of our local YMCA. I have been a member of the Y since moving to Tompkins County in 2010, and have enjoyed being a member of the Y community. In 2017 I joined the Building and Grounds Committee, and with the financial support of the community, we were able to complete two significant projects last year: the paving of the parking lot and remodeling of the gender-neutral changing room. The excitement of completing these projects was stomped out by sweeping changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The pandemic has led the Board and the Y management team to take action to support members and employees while meeting the regulations set by state and local government.

Beginning on March 15, the YMCA was shut down for all activities for over five months.  During this time, necessary mechanical systems needed to remain operational, including the pool, heating, power, etc. A minimum level of staffing needed to be maintained as well to support facilities, communication, and administration.  This was accomplished by dipping into the Y’s savings and through many generous donations.  Just as the finances began to look the bleakest, government mandates preventing the opening of gyms and other communal facilities were altered to allow for specific activities if strict prevention measures were in place. After meeting the expectations set by the CDC and the State of New York, memberships were reactivated and the Y reopened at limited capacity on August 31.

Reopening required bringing Y staff back, including lifeguards, cleaners, and front desk personnel. This created a significant start-up cost in order to restore basic member services. The Y is an independent non-profit that does not receive government funding like other prominent community organizations. Instead, our entire operation is supported by memberships and donations.  Currently, the Y requires approximately $50,000 per month to stay open.  In contrast, in a non-pandemic year, the monthly expenses are approximately $170,000/month.  As of January 1, 2020 there were 1568 membership accounts that supported these monthly expenses.  After reopening, there are currently only 830 membership accounts providing just $32,000/month to apply against close to $50,000 in monthly expenses.  Thus, in remaining open to serve the community, the Y is losing approximately $15,000 per month.

Given these grim circumstances, I implore those members who have previously held memberships and have cancelled due to COVID-19, or the restrictions caused by the pandemic, to reinstate their memberships and help the YMCA of Ithaca.

Yes, the YMCA of Ithaca is in danger of closing its doors because of lack of funding.

Yes, there are other workout facilities that members could join if the Y did not exist.

No, there is no other charitable organization in our community that provides the range of health and wellness programming for youth, family, and seniors like the Y provides.

No, there is not another charitable organization that prioritizes the health and wellness of the community through scholarships for those in need.

Yes, there is something you can do about it.  Please help the Y by restarting or maintaining your membership.  To become a member of the Y, contact our YMCA staff at 607-257-0101 or stop in from 6am-10am, 2pm-7pm to set up your membership.  This will ensure that the Y survives these difficult times so that our community will continue to benefit from all the Y has to offer for another 152 years.

Additional financial support is always welcome.  One-time or recurring financial gifts can be made via the Y’s website at – ithacaymca.com.   Please call Frank Towner, CEO, for additional donation options including grant opportunities or legacy gifts.

Frank Towner  ftowner@ithacaymca.com  or 607-257-0101

Ryan Weese, Board Chair, on behalf of the entire Ithaca YMCA Board of Directors and Trustees. 

YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County   50 Graham Rd West   Ithaca NY 14850   607-257-0101