New Business Model Will Focus on Child Care and Other Select Programming

The Marietta Family YMCA is being restructured by the Board of Directors to make the most of limited resources and provide programs and services that positively impact the children, families, and communities currently served.

Since listing the current facility (300 N. 7th Street) for sale six months ago, the Board and staff have searched diligently to find a suitable location to relocate operations. Regretfully, they have not found a new location that  aligns with  their financial resources.

Effective March 31, 2019, the only service that will continue  being  offered in the current building will be childcare with the intention to relocate that program on/around April 30, 2019 and continue offering this service indefinitely in a new location. The YMCA will also continue to offer the Running Club, Bridges Forward and Volleyball programs in offsite locations, and plan to offer summer camp programming in a new location.

“Our strategic goal is to give the people and communities we serve a stronger, healthier YMCA,” says Rick Smith, CVO. “Restructuring allows us to do that by focusing on certain programs.”

While this has been a difficult decision, it is the right decision for the future of the YMCA to preserve its presence in the community. “We will continue to forge partnerships and to transform our organization to continue serving the mission of the YMCA.”

The Board’s decision to sell the facility on 7th Street reflects the YMCA’s commitment to remain fiscally strong and direct the resources to programs that will make the most impact in the community.

“The Marietta Family YMCA business is not closing, but it will look different than it does today” Smith says. “What is important above all else is that select programs and services will continue through collaborative partners in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”

For over 110 years, the YMCA has served residents of Marietta, and it will continue to operate as usual until March 31, 2019. The YMCA’s office will remain open until April 30, 2019 for summer camp, child care, and other program registrations, and administrative functions. A new office for administrative functions will be announced in the coming weeks.

“The YMCA is not about the buildings we occupy,” says Smith. “YMCA members, volunteers, and staff always have been and will continue to be our heart and soul. The YMCA is an association of people from all walks of life who share a passion for nurturing children, improving health and well-being and supporting neighbors.”

YMCAs are a vital, enduring presence in 10,000 communities across the country, serving nearly 21 million people annually. YMCAs have been meeting the essential needs of communities in the United States for 160 years, and the Marietta Family YMCA will continue to do so.
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