The Greater Toronto Area is alive with stories. In these many stories of migration, growth, and renewal, the turning points are often moments of connection: newcomer becomes neighbour, instructor becomes mentor, city becomes home.

This year has been one of both satisfaction and anticipation for the YMCA of Greater Toronto as we have embarked on a new chapter of our own story: phase one of our exciting strategic plan, Making the Connections. Focused strongly on connections, the past year has found the YMCA:

• Collaborating with a growing number of partners in the GTA;
• Listening to the community, and gaining insight into the evolving GTA through an extensive research process;
• Growing in its relationships, in its assets and projects, and in its deep sense of mission and purpose;
• Investing in an Association that will be strong, relevant, inclusive, and connected in the years to come.

The first step toward a connection is a meeting. This year has seen remarkable growth in the number of people and organizations having a first experience with the YMCA.

Our new Family Access strategy in YMCA Health, Fitness, and Recreation has resulted in 40% growth in membership.

The Markham YMCA had a tremendous launch, attracting over 9,000 members within three months and proudly reflecting the diversity of its community from day one.

Hundreds of new children have experienced nurturing, values-driven YMCA

Child Care as the number of YMCA Child Care programs has grown from 148 to 154.

Youth in Peel have gained access to housing and support at Peel Youth Village, the product of a strong partnership between the YMCA and the Region of Peel.

The YMCA is working with partners like the United Way of Greater Toronto and the City of Toronto on a number of initiatives.

These new relationships build on an immense base of existing connections. Not only does the YMCA serve over 400,000 GTA residents today, but research found that 43% of GTA residents have been involved with the YMCA sometime in their lives.

With connection comes support: our annual campaign was met with unprecedented generosity as the community showed an inspiring level of commitment to the ongoing life and work of the YMCA. More donors and a higher average gift resulted in a 41% increase in contributions—to $2.4 million this year from $1.7 million last year.

Profound respect for this community support leads the Association to model the highest standards of governance and transparency. This year, the YMCA has adopted a new reporting format, enabling the board of directors to more closely monitor Association investments and outcomes at every stage. We adopted Enterprise Risk Management processes to ensure that YMCA decision-making is open and methodical, keeping the Association sound today while making it stronger for the future.

It is with the future in mind that the YMCA is making some important investments in the areas of diversity, technology, volunteer development, human resources, and communications to help align the Association with our strategic goals and ensure that we remain a vital and relevant part of the GTA of tomorrow. We are making major investments in existing infrastructure, renewing and updating our extensive network of physical assets. We are investing in new assets, broadening the Association’s reach, and giving more people the chance to say, “I’m going to the Y.” These investments are large and they are ambitious. In the short term, they will mean a calculated and purposeful deficit. In the long term, our board and senior staff team agree, they will mean an even healthier YMCA.

The first year of our 2005-2010 strategic plan has been a busy, successful, and exciting one. The sense of a new beginning permeates the organization.

Volunteers and staff, in addition to the warmth and professionalism they have always demonstrated, show a palpable enthusiasm for connecting with members. More than ever, it just feels good to be at the YMCA. We thank the many generous, resourceful, and talented people who lend their hands and their hearts to the work of the Association all year long.

Finally, we thank our community and its residents. The YMCA is passionate about the part it is playing in the story of the evolving GTA. We thank you for being part of our story and for letting us be a part of yours.

Read more in our 2006 Annual Report.