Greetings Goldsboro YMCA Community,
Thank you for joining us at our recent Town Hall meetings and for your honesty and frankness in addressing issues and problems that exist at the Goldsboro Family YMCA. I trust that you left the meeting feeling encouraged, hopeful, and like you have been heard. Transparency and honesty are keys to building any relationship. As we are creating an atmosphere of change, we reflect on the remarkable journey of the Goldsboro Family YMCA. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow, while cherishing and respecting the legacy that has brought us here.
The following is a list of issues discussed and will be addressed at the November Town Hall meeting. We have begun to implement simple fixes and are prioritizing the others:
Parking Lot Safety: We understand the concerns regarding vehicle break-ins in our parking lot. While break-ins occur across Goldsboro, not just at the YMCA, we are committed to enhancing our security measures. We have a security system in place, but updates are needed to ensure the safety of our members and their belongings.
Unhoused Population Using the Facility: We acknowledge the concerns about unhoused individuals using our facilities, particularly for showers. The YMCA is a community space, and we strive to balance being inclusive while addressing safety and facility usage concerns raised by our members. The Goldsboro Family YMCA Board of Director’s Executive Committee will oversee updates to our policy pertaining to all non-member usage of the YMCA’s facilities. Our goal is to move this usage to non-operational hours only.
Condition of Facility: The condition of our facility, including the need for repairs and updates in various areas such as locker rooms, the pool, and HVAC systems, has been extensively discussed. We have a comprehensive list of necessary repairs and associated costs, highlighting the need for significant investment to address these issues. Paul Worrell will present to the Facilities Committee of the Board to prepare implementation of a comprehensive Preventative Maintenance Plan. Management will continue to pursue a Facility Assessment Plan, Capital Campaign, and other sources of sustainability.
Preventive Maintenance Plan: To sustain our facility's future, we recognize the necessity of a preventive maintenance plan. This plan is crucial for managing our aging infrastructure and ensuring the YMCA remains a valuable community asset. To create long term sustainability in this asset, we will be increasing the YMCA’s reserves through endowments and other investments.
Senior Membership & Silver Sneakers Program: The decision to drop the Silver Sneakers Program was a financial one due to the program's cost versus benefits. We are exploring alternatives and solutions to support our senior members and ensure they continue to feel valued and included.
Closing Facilities on Sundays: The decision to close the YMCA on Sundays was based on financial considerations and low patronage on that day. We understand this has been a point of contention for some members and we are exploring ways to address this concern.
History of the Goldsboro Family YMCA: We celebrate the YMCA's history, including its establishment and growth over 40 years. The YMCA's role in the community and its legacy of service are foundational elements we will build upon for the future. We are collaborating with community partners, creating new opportunities for families, offering new programs, and reestablishing traditional programs. The YMCA is bridging strategic relationships and collaborating with city and county government, SJAFB and Airmen’s families, and a renewed relationship with WCPS working to ensure quality programing with after-school, youth development and teen mental health initiatives.
Membership Declination Since Covid: The impact of COVID-19 on our membership numbers has been significant. We are working on strategies to rebuild our membership and engage the community post-pandemic. Statistically, 65% of Wayne County has never been through the doors of the Goldsboro Family YMCA. Our story of community impact gives potential members opportunities to participate and partner with us to create a bright future for Goldsboro. Providing new programming that is specifically focused, establishing a comprehensive relationship with SJAFB, and new corporate incentives will increase participation.
Future Quarterly Town Hall Meetings: To maintain open communication with our members, we plan to hold quarterly town hall meetings. These meetings will allow us to address concerns, share updates on progress and changes, and ensure we are meeting the needs of our community. We will establish focus groups that allow members an opportunity to make a real impact and create changes and updates in their YMCA. We will discuss this in greater detail on Thursday November 21, 2024, at 10:00am and again at 6:00pm.
Sustaining the YMCA for the Next Generation: We are committed to sustaining the YMCA for future generations. This includes implementing updated security measures, prioritizing needed changes, and ensuring our long-term sustainability. I encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas. I practice an open-door policy; if I am not in a meeting or on the phone, please stop by and visit. You may also make an appointment to meet with me. I want to hear from you, I am here to serve my community.
We appreciate your feedback and will present these comments in the November Town Hall meeting. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the Goldsboro Family YMCA.
Sincerely,
Mark Pritchett
CEO/President
Goldsboro Family YMCA
