Envisioning Our Future Impact

Mission, Cause, Values & Impact

Our Strategic Advantages

Our unique ability to produce value using our assets and/or outstanding execution. That which sets our Y apart from other organizations or service providers.

• Our Christian values
• Our focus on strengthening the whole family and building multi-generational connections
• Our commitment to inclusion, accessibility and belonging
• Our respected and trusted brand
• Our high standards for and commitment to child and adult safety
• Our skilled, qualified and relationship-focused staff
• Our passion for group exercise as a way to build community and maintain healthy routines
• Our wholesome youth programs offer value, safety and quality at a rate that supports working families
• Our focus on skills and character building in youth sports
• Our reputation and position as largest aquatics provider
• Our program variety (“something for everyone”)
• Our resilience as demonstrated during and after our facility fire

Our Strategy Screen

A filter to aid our staff and board leaders’ decision-making. Our strategy screen enables our Y to respond appropriately to new strategies or big questions.

• Does it align with mission, cause, vision, focus?
• Can it be supported by facts and data?
• Are its risks and return on investment identified?
• Does it have a positive impact on people and the community?
• Is it sustainable? Does it have an identifiable funding source?
• Will it enhance the Y’s reputation and position as an asset and leader in the community?
• Do we have the right staff and volunteer structure to accomplish the desired outcome?
• Is someone else already doing it (better)? Can we do it better in collaboration with a partner?
• Is there a better way to achieve the same outcome?

Our Big Questions

A method for identifying threats and opportunities for the Y outside of the current organizational strategy. Answering our big questions leads us in new directions for greater impact.

• How can the Y grow best-in-class youth programs that impact healthy development of kids and teens and be the provider of choice in Southeastern NC?
• How do we become known as the community partner of choice to best address the barriers to our community’s overall health?
• How can we position our Y to grow our membership base and increase community awareness/financial support of our good work?
• How will we grow our capacity to meet our community’s needs?

Strategic Priorities and Organizational Strategies

Strategic Priority 1: Youth Development

Develop a new generation of change makers.

Organizational Goal: Expand sustainable, best-in-class youth programs that help youth and teens build healthy connections and a sense of belonging that supports their mental, physical, and spiritual development.

Impact on Critical Community Needs:

• Provide safe space with caring adults to eliminate isolation, avoid unhealthy influences and build resiliency
• Improve the overall health of children and teens
• Identify solutions to address barriers to success/economic mobility (such as food insecurity, bullying, depression/mental health, lack of family structure, lack of transportation)
• Prevent drowning

Strategies:

1. Expand, revitalize and strengthen youth serving programs that instill life skills such as aquatics skills, sportsmanship, physical fitness, and nutrition.
2. Ensure quality experiences in youth programs with a primary focus on camp, afterschool, and education.
3. Partner with like-minded organizations to expand programs in our service area, including underserved and low-income communities.
4. Create a pathway from birth to career, ensuring that all youth and teens have a safe environment to explore their passion, build positive relationships, for career and life.

Strategic Priority 2: Healthy Living

Align efforts to increase impact on community health.

Organizational Goal: Provide high quality opportunities and resources to improve wellbeing and advance health equity across Southeastern North Carolina.

Impact on Critical Community Needs:

• Contribute to community-integrated health efforts
• Address barriers to healthy activity and preventative healthcare
• Keep seniors active and engaged in the community
• Address social determinants of health

Strategies:

1. Become the partner of choice to provide evidence-based health initiatives that address community needs.
2. Position our Y as the community’s health and wellness resource for all ages and abilities.
3. Increase member engagement by building relationships.

Strategic Priority 3: Social Responsibility

Building awareness to grow resources and fuel impact.

Organizational Goal: Position our YMCA as an inclusive, non-profit, charity committed to nurturing the potential of youth, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of giving back and supporting our neighbors.  

Impact on Critical Community Needs:

• Advocate for positive change to improve quality of life for all
• Address social equity by creating connected communities and building trust
• Encourage civic engagement among staff, members and volunteers

Strategies:

1. Becoming the community’s charity of choice by increasing awareness, engagement, and philanthropic support.
2. Share and promote the Y’s narrative with a focus on elevating our commitment to serving all.
3. Identify and recruit volunteer leadership that reflects the diverse communities we serve.
4. Create a strong synergy (deeper relationships) with partner organizations for better utilization of community resources.

Strategic Priority 4: Building Capacity

Expand our capacity to meet our growing community's needs.

Organizational Goal: Establish a growth roadmap for future expansion, while ensuring operational effectiveness and securing the Y’s long-term sustainability.

Impact on Critical Community Needs:

• Strengthen human resources
• Expand facility resources
• Grow financial resources

Strategies:

1. Increase the Y’s capacity to serve SENC through physical and programmatic expansion.
2. Expand the number of partner organizations we work with to better serve our community needs.
3. Secure our Y’s long-term sustainability through philanthropy and sound fiscal management.
4. Strengthen the Ys organizational culture and workforce.