A Message from   
 Tony Collins, Our President & CEO

 


 

Framework Methodology

The YMCA of Central Ohio (YCO) engaged in a strategic planning process with partners and supporters between October 2022 and April 2023.

 

DISCOVER

In November and December 2022, Benefactor Group and YCO’s Strategic Planning Task Force engaged more than 1,300 individuals in the following activities.

  • Materials review: financial reports, annual reports, program descriptions, marketing materials and strategy documents
  • Discovery interviews: with senior leadership, program staff, key partners, volunteers, community leaders and funders
  • Focus groups and surveys: with the YCO Advisory Board, branch members, community partners, corporate and foundation funders, Board of Trustees members, senior staff, general staff, YMCA program participants and members

DREAM

Comprehensive findings were shared with the Strategic Planning Task Force, which led to a strategic planning retreat in January 2023. YCO gathered senior staff members and key board members to discuss and develop a shared understanding of YCO’s mission, vision and plans for the future.

DESIGN

With our partner agency, the Strategic Planning Task Force developed a draft of the Strategic Framework, which was presented to the Board of Trustees Executive Committee. The Framework includes:

  • Mission, Vision, Values; Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement; and Safety Statement: foundational elements that define YCO and its purpose
  • Strategic Priority: area of focus for the plan
  • Strategic Objective: measures to evaluate progress and success

DELIVER

The Strategic Framework was presented to, and approved by, the Board of Trustees in April 2023.

Moving forward, the Framework will be integrated into organizational planning for 2024 and beyond.

Implementation will include the development of a dashboard to track progress on Strategic Objectives and Priorities, which will be monitored by senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.

 

 


 

Our Commitment to Community

MISSION

We serve the whole community through programs expressing Judeo-Christian principles that build a healthy spirit, mind and body.

VISION

We envision a future with strong communities where all people reach their full potential.

VALUES

We do our work while honoring our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

 

ANTI-RACISM, DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

We are committed to strengthening communities to effect lasting, meaningful change. The execution of our mission requires substantial engagement of our entire community and is only attainable when anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion are core to our planning, programming, staffing, messaging, organizational structure and partnerships.

SAFETY

We are dedicated to ensuring safety in every aspect of our operations, from design to policies. Our priority is to identify and minimize risks, creating a culture of safety for our community. We prioritize the identification, assessment and mitigation of potential risks to minimize incidents and create a culture of safety in all our operations.


 


 

Strategic Priorities & Objectives

As we look ahead, our non-profit organization is guided by key Strategic Priorities and Objectives aimed at directly benefiting our communities.  We want our YMCA programs and services to be catalysts for transformative change. Our strategic plan will guide us as we work to build strong families, neighborhoods, and communities through three main areas of impact:

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT  
Empower young people to reach their full potential

  • Strengthen the health and well-being of 35,500 children, youth and teens.  
  • Increase academic success and social and emotional learning of children, youth and teens.

HEALTHY LIVING 
Improve individual and community well-being

  • Strengthen individual and community health for 123,000 members and countless program participants.
  • Serve as a center of our communities.
  • Prevent and treat chronic diseases through evidence-based programs.
  • Expand our impact through collaborations and partnerships.
  • Protect the health, wellness and safety of everyone in our facilities and programs.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 
Support and inspire action to meet the greatest needs of the communities we serve

  • Reduce homelessness for 2,000 individuals through housing stability.
  • Increase volunteer engagement and capacity.


 

Strategic Priorities & Objectives

As a non-profit organization serving Central Ohio, our strategic plan focuses on three key internal priorities: our people, our resources, and our stories. These priorities form the backbone of our efforts to maximize our impact and effectiveness within the community.

OUR PEOPLE

Recruit, retain, and develop committed team members and volunteers and strengthen the systems that support them

  • Strengthen our ability to serve through intentional professional development.
  • Recruit and retain staff who are committed to advancing the Y’s mission, vision and values as well as cultivating a strong organizational culture.
  • Strengthen our ability to work with diverse groups and viewpoints. 

OUR RESOURCES

Ensure we grow and steward physical and financial resources to create a resilient organization

  • Improve financial stability.
  • Optimize physical assets.
  • Increase philanthropic support.

OUR STORIES

Courageously tell the stories of our work and the people we serve to drive collective problem solving and impact

  • Courageously share our Y story in Central Ohio.
    Increase awareness of YCO’s programs and services. 

 

Acknowledgment

The YMCA of Central Ohio extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Strategic Plan Task Force members listed here, along with the 1200+ staff and volunteers who generously shared their time, talent, and insights throughout the strategic planning process. Your contributions are deeply valued, and we honor your commitment, recognizing you as integral participants in shaping our strategic vision. 
 

STRATEGIC PLAN TASK FORCE MEMBERS

John North, Grange Insurance     
Strategy Committee Chair     
 
Christopher Clinton, OhioHealth     
Board of Trustees Member     
 
Erik Farley     
Chief People, Equity, & Inclusion Officer     
 
Brandi AL-Issa     
Chief Advancement and Strategy Officer     
 
Tony Collins     
Chief Executive Officer     
 
Craig Greenlee     
Ohio Alliance of YMCAs     
 
Mary E. Auch, PNC     
Board of Trustees Chair    
 
Ian Czaja     
Nationwide Insurance     
 
Garry Linn     
Chief Operations Officer     
 
Pamela Biesecker, Nationwide     
Board of Trustees   
Immediate Past Chair     
 
Sue Darby     
Senior Vice President of Housing & Shelter    
 
Brad McCain     
Chief Financial Officer     
 
Mark Slayman, Huntington Bank     
Board of Trustees Vice Chair & Treasurer     
 
 
 


 

Our team is fully immersed in our strategic plan, recognizing its vital role in guiding our actions and decisions. With a clear vision of the future, we are empowered to make a real impact on the communities we serve. Every member is committed to our motto, “ALL IN,” embodying dedication and unity as we work towards collective success.