CHARTING OUR PATH TO A BETTER FUTURE
At the YMCA, our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Our vision is for a vital and significant force building strong, thriving and equitable communities dedicated to the health and well-being of all. We are a welcoming place for all and our programs reflect that commitment.
The Y is one of only a few non-profit organizations embedded throughout the community and positioned to help address inequity and social determinants of health while also pivoting and responding to changing community needs and environments.
Our Strategic Advantages
Our unique assets and outstanding execution of programs build the foundation of our organizational traits.
> Our respected and valued brand.
> Our ability to convene and build community.
> Our Judeo-Christian values to love and serve all.
> Our holistic approach to building healthy spirit, mind and body to contribute to overall community well-being.
Our Strategy Screen
A filter in aiding the Y's choices to say "yes," "no" or "not yet" to new strategies or opportunities.
Organizational Goal:
Create a welcoming, inclusive and transformative community where people:
- Explore their purpose and goals.
- Achieve health and wellness of their spirit, mind and body.
- Connect with their community and foster a sense of belonging.
Loneliness and isolation, which can lead to depression and anxiety, is the number one public health crisis in Colorado.
50% of Colorado residents live in areas without enough licensed child care providers.
55% of Coloradans report having experienced anxiety in the past year.
40% of youth felt sad or hopeless every day for 2 weeks or more in a row.
Only 50% of Coloradoans meet current CDC physical activity guidelines.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Colorado.
Colorado is in the top 10 states in the nation for suicide rates overall.
Strategic Objectives
CREATE unique, supportive and inclusive intergenerational environments that foster spiritual, mental and physical well-being and promote meaningful connection.
ESTABLISH a community care model to promote positive mental health and increase access to mental health services.
ENGAGE, educate and inspire teens through safe gathering places, activities and opportunities.
CREATE programs and opportunities that address chronic disease.
EXPAND programs to include social offerings for individuals and families.
Outcomes by 2026
INCREASE a sense of belonging and well-being of Y participants by 40%.
EXPAND child care access through partnerships with employers.
GROW the number of families engaged in Y Your Way by 30%.
ASSIST 50% of new members in achieving personal health goals.
CREATE new spaces for teens at centers designed by teens.
INCREASE participation in programs focused on improving health and decreasing chronic disease by 500 participants.
Organizational Goal:
Leverage the Y’s diverse resources to act as a catalyst, a partner and/or a participant to address social and systemic inequalities impacting health outcomes for under-resourced communities especially those of color.
Collective Impact
Black and Hispanic/Latinx coloradans are disproportionately impacted by poverty.
2 out of 5 Coloradans lack reliable access to nutritious food.
52% of Latinx individuals report they struggle to put food on the table.
Denver housing is 37% more expensive than the U.S. average.
Black, Latinx and Indigenous boys have the lowest graduation rates (68.2%) in Colorado.
Strategic Objectives
INFLUENCE systemic change through advocacy and promotion of policies to improve health and eliminate social and institutional inequities.
INCREASE civic engagement and leadership among youth through programs such as Youth in Government.
EXPAND the Y’s reach serving those who are under-resourced by addressing barriers to participation and creating opportunities for their voices to be heard.
ADDRESS access inequities, especially in the areas of food disparity, education and child care.
SUPPORT refugees and immigrants as they navigate their new environment.
POSITION the Y to serve as a convener and safe space for people and communities to have courageous conversations.
ENSURE all Y Wellness Centers, programs, policies and practices reflects the racial, ethnic and cultural norms of the diverse communities we serve.
CREATE meaningful volunteer opportunities for Y members and the community to engage in the Y's mission and bolster our impact.
Outcomes by 2026
CONVENE YMCAs across the state and key partners to promote policy change through annual Day at the Capitol.
GROW annual teen participation in civic engagement and leadership programs from 200 to 500.
INCREASE access to food, education and child care programs through community partnerships and mobile programming.
ENSURE that 70% of boys and young men of color have access to high-quality academic support, nurturing and culturally responsive learning environments and trauma-informed care.
SUPPORT 500 refugees and immigrants through resource navigation.
DOUBLE the number of volunteers from 500 to 1,000.
Organizational Goal:
Invest in our people, environment and communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of the YMCA of Metro Denver as the leading non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives and communities.
The Y brand is a strong national brand; however, there is low awareness of the Y in the Denver Metro area.
60% of individuals, families and older adults in the Denver metro area do not currently have access to a health membership.
The cost of living in the Denver metro area is 8% higher than the state average and 12% higher than the national average.
Future estimates project Colorado temperatures rising an additional 2.5° to 5° by 2050.
80% of employers say they have difficulty filling jobs due to the increasing skills gap.
The Y wants to be recognized as one of Colorado's top employers for its employee benefits and racial equity and inclusion policies and practices.
60% of market research respondents want a place that provides more non-fitness activities to connect with family and friends and meet new people.
Strategic Objectives
DESIGN and deliver consistent, world-class programs and services across the Association and in the community that deliver on our brand promise and create exceptional experiences.
CREATE a culture that embraces, supports and demonstrates excellence and fosters meaningful, dignified and equitable work.
DEVELOP, strengthen and scale sustainable education, upskilling and employment opportunities for young people with a focus on increasing their readiness for tomorrow’s workforce.
INSPIRE members, staff, volunteers and community stakeholders to create and/or support programs and opportunities that champion environmental responsibility.
OPTIMIZE real estate assets to ensure sustainability and impact.
EXPAND the Y’s presence and impact and create new revenue pathways to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Outcomes by 2026
INCREASE unaided awareness of the YMCA of Metro Denver from 3% to 50%.
ACHIEVE a member retention rate of 65%.
ENSURE 75% of members and program participants are satisfied with their YMCA experience.
IMPROVE employee retention by 10%.
ESTABLISH skills-based workforce development partnerships for high school and college students.
INCREASE membership revenue from $4.5 million to $10 million.
REDUCE energy consumption of Y facilities by 30% to meet Denver and Colorado’s energy ordinances.
INCREASE fundraising revenue from $3 million to $6 million.
GROW contract management revenue from $3 million to $5 million.
REALIZE an annual surplus of 5% of gross revenue.
DOUBLE the amount of financial assistance provided to ensure broader access to YMCA programs.
Download a copy of the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.