Program Transitions FAQ

The YMCA of Central Ohio is focused on creating a sustainable path forward for the next 170 years. This means making difficult but thoughtful decisions based on the sustainability of our services, programs, spaces, and facilities so that we can expand access, meet communities where they are, and ensure our mission thrives across the region for generations to come. As part of our 10-Year Vision, we continually evaluate our programs to ensure they are:

• Sustainable

• Aligned with our mission

• Deliverable at the highest quality

• Supportive of long-term staff stability

To realize our 10-Year Vision, we must ensure our services and programs are built on a stable funding and staffing model that allows us to serve our community for the long term.

Certain programs depended on grants, contributions, or contracts that are not guaranteed year to year. Operating programs that rely on uncertain funding creates instability — both for the YMCA and for staff whose roles depend on that funding. Our responsibility is to ensure that our programs and our people are not placed in a cycle of uncertainty.

No. The YMCA of Central Ohio remains deeply committed to serving individuals and families experiencing barriers related to income, housing, education, and health. However, we must deliver those services in ways that are sustainable. In order to serve more people over the long-term and fulfill our 10-Year Vision, we must ensure our model is viable.

The YMCA is one of several providers serving our community in this space. We maintain strong partnerships with fellow organizations, and we are working closely with them to ensure a thoughtful transition and continuity of care. Our focus is on making sure individuals and families remain connected to the services they need through coordinated, collaborative efforts. We are committed to a thoughtful transition.

Our staff is incredibly important to us. Impacted staff will receive direct communication regarding support, timelines, resources, and available reemployment opportunities within the organization, if they choose. Executive leadership and our People & Culture team are actively working to support staff through this transition with care and respect.

As a nonprofit, we have the responsibility to steward resources in a way that strengthens our mission today while positioning the organization to serve future generations. Organization-wide sustainability reviews help us assess whether the services, programs, spaces, and facilities we operate are strategically aligned with our mission and built on a financially sustainable foundation.

By 2035, the YMCA of Central Ohio will impact half a million neighbors through community centers, youth development programs, and housing stability services, ensuring every neighbor has the resources needed to reach their full potential. To achieve this vision, we must ensure our foundation is strong and sustainable.

Decisions were made through a comprehensive evaluation that included:

• Financial analysis over multiple years

• Staffing sustainability

• Alignment with long-term strategic priorities

These decisions were not made lightly. While the work is important, this difficult decision follows a comprehensive sustainability review, which identified structural limitations within the delivery model that prevent long-term operational viability.

As a mission-driven organization operating in an ever changing landscape, we continuously evaluate our programs and services. Our goal is long-term strength and impact. When adjustments are needed, we are committed to communicating transparently and proactively.