The YMCA of Central Ohio’s mission to strengthen community for all compels us to step forward, always. We began 2020 by stepping in to fulfill the needs of a new community with the opening of the Reynoldsburg Community Center YMCA; then, when the COVID-19 pandemic changed our world and racial injustice came to a head, we stepped forward in whole new ways to protect, nurture, and serve central Ohio.

2020 proved to be a year when central Ohio needed a YMCA most and, because of supporters like you, we were able to continue a 160-year tradition of adapting to serve our community’s most pressing needs. While mandates issued to protect us from the pandemic temporarily closed and disrupted how our community is used to experiencing our branches, many of the YMCA’s social service programs were able to rapidly adapt without impacting the quality and scope of our service to those most in need. In addition to these programs, the YMCA designed and collaborated with many new partners to offer safe programs that filled gaps and kept local children and families well. Below are a few highlights from the YMCA of Central Ohio’s comprehensive response to serving our community through the pandemic:

• Adapted service models at community housing and service-based shelters to keep individuals and families safe while properly social distancing
• Stood up separate emergency shelters for men, women and COVID-19 positive individuals experiencing homelessness
• Offered pandemic child care to families of first responders and essential workers 
• Distributed food to families and seniors at multiple branch locations by hosting or delivering produce giveaways throughout 4 counties 
• Provided intentional outreach to senior adults by making phone calls and providing free access to virtual learning opportunities and fitness classes to help keep them safe, connected and combat the effects of social isolation
• Offered services and programs to virtually check in on families, preschoolers and virtual engagement with teens
• Offered safe and socially distant learning extension centers to children experiencing homelessness, youth and teens to get help support mental health and virtual learning
• Developed a board adopted equity, diversity and inclusion vision statement that underpins our commitment to become an anti-racist organization as we journey forward
• Dedicated resources to lead and facilitate equity and inclusion efforts in our community and across our organization

The YMCA’s work to help our community reach its full potential continues and is growing by the day. Beyond its impact on our health and economy, the pandemic has highlighted inequities that exist within our communities and throughout the country. Now more than ever, we need places and programs that are open to people of all generations, backgrounds, and perspectives, where neighbors can find common ground and solve our community’s most dire challenges. As I reflect on 2020 and look forward to 2021, I am incredibly thankful to our staff teams, members, donors, and partners for helping us endure these challenges and answer the call to step forward.

In-Service,
Tony Collins