YMCA Buffalo Niagara

At the Y, we believe that to bring about meaningful change in individuals and communities, we must be focused and accountable. We measure success by how well we engage communities in our three areas of impact:

Youth Development – empowering young people to reach their full potential
Healthy Living – improving individual and community well-being
Social Responsibility – providing support and inspiring action in our communities

YMCA Buffalo Niagara's Board of Directors and senior staff have identified four key strategic priorities:

• Engage our Communities - expand and create scalable community outreach programs to provide physical activity for youth, healthy meals, educational enrichment, lifestyle change programs, drowning prevention, and water safety skills in low-income neighborhoods and communities.

• Promote Equity & Inclusion - facilitate community education series on DEI, increase opportunities for health equity by creating opportunities for people of all socioeconomic backgrounds to be able to fully access the Y's youth development and healthy living programs/services, and partner with local agencies to provide more employment and programmatic opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

• Build for the Future - construct a new wellness facility in the City of Buffalo, develop long-term plans for the sustainability of overnight camps, and rebuild membership to pre-pandemic levels.

• Enhance our Organizational Capacity - cultivate strategic community relationships, develop formal succession plans for key positions, effectively use technology to advance the Y's mission, and explore opportunities for future growth.

YMCA Buffalo Niagara has a strong foundation upon which to achieve its strategic priorities:

• Trusted Organization: The second oldest YMCA in the United States, YMCA Buffalo Niagara has been a trusted institution in Western New York since 1852.

• Broad Reach: YMCA Buffalo Niagara operates six membership facilities, two overnight camps, and over 50 child care locations throughout Western New York.

• Collaborative Partner: YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an established partner with school districts, policy makers, business leaders, and other community organizations.

• Community Impact: YMCA Buffalo Niagara creates positive lasting change for over 100,000 people annually in Western New York. The provides access to vital programs and services regardless of an individual's ability to pay.

• Leadership: The Y’s Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, and leadership staff bring diverse expertise and resources to help develop, implement, and monitor the strategic plan.

• Financial Development: YMCA Buffalo Niagara receives grant funding and conducts an annual campaign to raise funds to fulfill its charitable mission. The Board of Directors is very active in securing funding to ensure sustainability.

The Y, in partnership with corporations, foundations, and local governments, launched its mobile "Y on the Fly" program in 2021, delivering programs to under-served communities in Erie and Niagara counties. Additionally, the Y launched its "Safety Around Water" drowning prevention program in 2021 in partnership with the Niagara Falls School District. Both programs continue to expand to additional locations.

In 2022, YMCA Buffalo Niagara restructured its membership model to increase equitable access to all by removing financial and structural obstacles. The Y's new "Access to All" program is an income-based approach to membership, allowing individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds to fully benefit from the Y's services through a very simple, application-free process.

In late 2021, YMCA Buffalo Niagara purchased property in the City of Buffalo to serve as the site of a future wellness branch. Progress is underway to secure funds to make this project a reality. Once constructed, market study data indicate that the Y will be able to provide programs and services to over 10,000 additional people annually.