Allegheny Valley YMCA financially confined — again
Editor's note: As we reflect back on 2015, we think of many of the interesting and offbeat stories we've covered and ask ourselves, ‘Whatever happened to ...” As a result, we present this article, part of a series updating stories covered by the Valley News Dispatch in 2015.
Like a marathon runner in the midst of a race, the Allegheny Valley YMCA is feeling the pain, but looking optimistically toward the finish line.
This is the second time in three years YMCA management has found itself financially cramped. In October 2012, the Y put out a call for increased donations and memberships, reduced staff levels and held fundraisers. A donation plea was issued again this August, but management has not had to reduce staff or cut programs.
“We are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Laura Ford, YMCA board president who is heading the search committee for a new chief executive officer.
The YMCA has been able to save a chunk of revenue during this dry stretch as a result of longtime Allegheny Valley CEO Gerald DeMarco's Dec. 1 retirement. DeMarco, 59, of New Kensington, worked for the organization for 31 years and served as CEO for more than 26 years.
“That was our biggest cut and it worked out well for the position is the Y is in right now,” Ford said.
In late August, DeMarco sent letters to members and potential donors, noting that unexpected expenses, such as pool renovations, exercise equipment repairs and other maintenance, led to a $5,000 monthly shortfall. Back in 2012, the Y had a $7,000 monthly shortfall, which was quenched by $34,000 in donations after a similar appeal letter.
Ford said the YMCA's membership is pretty strong — it has about 1,000 memberships, individual and family. Another thousand participate in senior memberships, which are paid by their insurance companies. About 40 percent of the Y's budget comes from memberships.
“We have a great senior program with Silver Sneakers and Silver and Fit,” Ford said. “The senior population is just fantastic up here.”
To get to the YMCA along Freeport Road in Harrison, members and potential members drive past several for-profit exercise gyms charging lower monthly membership fees. But the Y is more than just a place to work out, Ford said. It's a community organization that nurtures the potential of children and teens, improves the area's health and well-being and gives back to support the community.
“We, as a Y, provide so much more than those other places,” Ford said.
To draw potential members, the Y is holding an open house Dec. 28 through Jan. 10, featuring tours and free seven-day guest passes. Last month, Ford said the Y offered a full fitness membership for the cost of a basic membership, which brought in “a good amount” of members.
“The more people we have who can see what fantastic energy we have in this building, the better,” she said.
She said the board is open to all growth ideas.
“We're revisiting all aspects of the Y and how we've done things,” she said.
The board is holding fundraisers, including the annual spring purse bash, where people purchase tickets for a chance to win designer handbags.
“It was well-received, but it was a lot of work,” Ford said. “I think our time could be better spent. We rely on fundraisers, but we want to rely on grant proposals more than in the past.”
She said one of the requirements for the new CEO is to have solid grant-writing — and grant-receiving — experience.
The Y received 45 applications for the CEO position, but the two-month process did not reveal a solid candidate. The position will be reposted in January.
Maria Guzzo is a freelance writer for Tribune-Review.
