- 2006 Annual Report 

The YMCA has been living and working in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for over 150 years. Over this time, the Association has developed tremendous expertise, scope, and strength, as well as a rich network of relationships. The constancy of the YMCA’s presence has been possible only because the Association has been attentive to—and reflective of—the changes that have transformed the community it serves.

Today, the GTA is more complex than ever. Change in our region—social, economic, ecological, and demographic—is rapid and pervasive. To better understand the community in which it exists today, the YMCA of Greater Toronto undertook a major research initiative this year. Conducted by Environics, the research consisted of:

• A course of one-on-one interviews with YMCA board and senior staff members to hear their reflections on the first phase of the strategic plan, and what they hoped to learn from the research process
• A quantitative survey of 2,200 GTA residents on current issues, quality of life in the GTA, and the role of community organizations such as the YMCA
• A quantitative survey of 1,500 YMCA members—including volunteers, donors, and staff—on their experiences of the YMCA, their reactions to key objectives of the current strategic plan, and their views on diverse aspects of life in the GTA
• A neighbourhood-level geodemographic analysis of YMCA members, aimed at better understanding the residential distribution of YMCA members relative to YMCA program sites
• Focus groups with a selection of populations the YMCA is interested in better understanding and serving: youth, baby boomers, and members of the Chinese, South Asian, and African-Caribbean communities born outside Canada
• A course of one-on-one interviews with key YMCA associates, including funders, government partners, and leaders of community organizations in the GTA.

In line with its objective of pursuing evidence-based initiatives in both programming and strategy, the YMCA of Greater Toronto is integrating the findings of this research into its planning at all levels. In addition, where relevant, the YMCA is sharing the results of this valuable research with its community partners.

The special research project conducted this year was carried out concurrently with the YMCA’s other ongoing investigations, including child care and camping member satisfaction surveys, feasibility studies related to building and fundraising, studies of the outcomes experienced by participants in the YMCA’s employment and newcomer programs, and dialogue with other community organizations.

Read more in our 2006 Annual Report.