About the Jefferson County Family YMCA

HISTORY OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY FAMILY YMCA

In the spring of 2002, a newly formed Jefferson County Family YMCA hit the ground running with programs, partnerships and untapped potential. It also had a director, Bill Kush. The rest of the nuts and bolts would have to come in time. By the end of the year, the organization had acquired an office in the lower level of the Community Center in Port Townsend, completed a modest fundraising campaign, secured a renewal of the city recreation contract, drafted a strategic plan, were awarded three grants, formulated an afterschool childcare program with Chimacum School District, retained a committed board and expanded it, forged a use agreement for facility time with Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, had participated in six YMCA-sponsored seminars and had program ideas cropping up left and right. The YMCA continues to provide all of the programs previously offered by the Port Townsend Recreation department in partnership with the Port Townsend School District which focus on K-8 participants. To that schedule, the YMCA has added several new programs aimed at serving high-school age participants and students in Chimacum.

In June 2009, the Port Townsend School District closed Mountain View School and leased the campus to the City of Port Townsend. The YMCA acquired a lease for the former school cafeteria, kitchen, band room, gym and OPEPO building. The Grant Street school and Chimacum Creek school Y-Kids child care programs were relocated to this new facility.

This new facility has greatly expanded the programs and services offered by the YMCA and has allowed us to partner with other community groups and organizations in our new home.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Jefferson County Family YMCA seeks to enhance the lives of all people within the county through programs designed to develop spirit, mind and body. We are dedicated to the values of caring, respect, responsibility and honesty.

OUR GOALS

Jefferson County Family YMCA 2009 Strategic Plan

Goal 1. Enhance the current YMCA facility and attain a permanent YMCA facility.
            1. Pursue YMCA facility development with the City of Port Townsend.
                a. Negotiate five year contract between the City and the YMCA to secure the Mountain View facility by December 31, 2009.
                b. Maintain regular program of communication with City Council members.
                c. Secure five year commitment with the City for YMCA funding at current or increased levels.
            2. Pursue YMCA facility development with Make Waves.
                a. Maintain YMCA presence on Make Waves Board.
                b. Develop case statement for YMCA to be operator of proposed Make Waves-developed Community Center by April 1.
            3. Modify/Improve Mountain View facility.
                a. Develop Mountain View facility renovation plan by June 1.
            4. Develop signage promoting YMCA.
                a. Complete all signage for YMCA Mountain View facility by December 31, 2009.

Goal 2. Broaden program and participant diversity.
            1. Maintain Board Program Committee.
                a. Create/ maintain staff position that is responsible for Program Committee goals.
            2. Develop more senior and adult programs.
                a. Provide at least five new adult/senior programs by June 1
            3. Develop more programs for people with special needs.
                a. Develop plan to serve people with special needs by 2011.

Goal 3. Provide excellent programs that meet community recreation and social needs.
            1. Create evaluation procedures for all programs.
                a. Utilize participant evaluation form for all programs by December 31, 2009.
                b. Develop internal evaluation of all programs by June 1.
            2. Create program matrix to assess possible gaps in service by 2011.

Goal 4. Generate the necessary financial resources to become independent from City of Port Townsend funding.
            1. Develop an endowment program.
                a. Develop a Board Endowment Committee by June 1.
            2. Develop long-term financial plan.
                a. Create a five year financial plan/budget by June 1.
            3. Develop fundraising events.
                a. Maintain Golf, Raffle and Bingo events in 2010.
            4. Increase Annual Fundraising Campaign results.
                a. Have at least a $12,000 Campaign goal for 2010.

Goal 5. Create and enhance partnerships that serve the community.
            1. Educate ourselves on organizations that may be potential partners by June 1.
            2. Strengthen efforts to let community know who we are and what we do.
                a. Develop communication packet to be used for presentations and other promotional opportunities by April 1.
            3. Develop communication/marketing plan.
                a. Create a marketing plan to include activities, dates and budget for 2010.

Goal 6. Expand service area to reach all of Jefferson County.
1. Develop programs in East Jefferson County.
a. Initiate dialog with County for funding to support programs outside Port Townsend by April 1.

Goal 7. Pursue a green strategy through a sustainable facility and programs.
            1. Develop and implement an environmental policy for all activities.
                a. Create/maintain committee to evaluate and initiate policies that ensure compliance with green standards by January 1, 2010.

Goal 8. Develop a staff and Board training program.
            1. Develop training program for staff.
                a. Lead staff will attend Clallam County all-staff meetings (3/year).
                b. Executive Director will attend Principles and Practices in 2010.
            2. Develop training program for Board of Directors.
                a. Board and staff will work with Clallam County YMCA to develop strong development program including Annual Campaign.
            3. Strengthen Human Resources procedures.
                a. Work to bring personnel policies in line with the Clallam County Family YMCA’s.

Mountain View Commons Sign