gRoWing stRongeR togetheR

2013 AnnuAl RepoRt RiveR vAlley RegionAl ymCA

FoR youth development FoR heAlthy living FoR soCiAl ResponsiBility

dear Friends,
growing stronger together is the core of our ymCAs service to the community.
The YMCA helps people in every stage of life grow stronger every day. Our Y has programs for people starting at eight weeks through the golden years. For the young, we offer growth opportunities through preschool education, swimming lessons, youth sports, and academic enrichment. For teenagers and young adults, we offer mentoring, safe harbor programs, summer day camp and after-school latch-key. For those that are still young-at-heart, we offer fitness and wellness activities, SilverSneakers, all sorts of aerobics and wellness classes, and a venue to meet and make lasting friendships. We are especially proud of our role in helping the seniors that we serve stay healthy, vibrant and independent. Growing stronger together also pertains to the RVR YMCA itself. Since the formation of the regional Y in 2006, the Y has established numerous branches in our region. As time has passed, our branches have grown stronger because we have helped each other. Last year, the Y made tremendous advancements with several fundraising campaigns and projects. Most notably, in 2012 the Jersey Shore Branch YMCA opened its newly renovated Wellness Center, which is now serving more members than ever before. Likewise, the Williamsport Branch Project progressed on schedule and ground breaking is expected in late spring. Our other branches are also planning branch growth projects in the next year or so. It certainly is an exciting time to be a part of the YMCA! Within the pages of this years annual report, you will find examples from this last year of how our Y has grown stronger and testimonials showing how weve helped people grow stronger. Much of this is accomplished through the hard work of the YMCA staff team. We truly appreciate their dedication and commitment. Likewise, we couldnt have done this without the support from the community. Whether it was a volunteer donating time, a person/company that made a donation, or participation in YMCA membership/programs, we owe our success to your involvement. To all those that helped the YMCA this past year, with our dedication to growing stronger together, we offer a sincere thank you. david stone Chair, River Valley Regional YMCA Corporate Board dave Fagerstrom Mission Advancement (President/CEO)

What is the ymCA?

the y is an inclusive organization of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to youth development (nurturing the potential of kids), promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social Responsibility. We know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. thats why, at the y, strengthening community is our cause. every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. With a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all, our impact is felt when an individual makes a healthy choice, when a mentor inspires a child and when a community comes together for the common good.

youth development
Nurturing the potential of every child
We believe that kids deserve opportunities to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Through the Y, our areas youth are cultivating values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. There is an old Y saying, It is better to build a strong boy today, than to mend a broken man tomorrow. 2012 highlights
We offered opportunities for kids to start a lifetime of healthy activities through youth sports, swimming lessons, and over 100 other activities to 3,500+ youth. The Y offers a multitude of activities, from youth basketball to cheerleading, and everything in between. There is something for every kid at the YMCA. We empowered children to make friends, gain confidence, develop skills, and create memories to last a lifetime, through our summer day camp programs for over 2,000 kids this last summer. All of our major camp sites were held in park settings in the outdoors, in order to get kids fresh air and away from the TV. We prepared children for future success - academically and socially - to enter kindergarten. Our before and after-school programs offer academic tutoring as well as teaching the Ys four core values of Respect, Responsibility, Caring and Honesty. We are the largest provider of licensed, curriculum-based child care in NE Pennsylvania, with over 1,200 children attending daily. We inspired and empowered teens with leadership skills, values and healthy living habits. These teen programs are offered to local kids free of charge.

FOUNDATION FOR LIFELONG SUCCESS

Connor Mattie is a ten year old boy living with Autism. Since his diagnosis at the age of three, Connor has had many obstacles to overcome. Daily, he struggles with changes in his routine, loud noises, social interaction, and extreme anxiety. However, hes a true fighter and with the proper support has been able to rise above many of the challenges in his life. This past fall, Connors family was looking for an activity to get him involved in something that would help him with his confidence as well as to help relieve stress. Since he loves the outdoors and enjoys running, his family contacted the YMCA to see if they could set up some sort of activity for him. The YMCAs Wellness Director, Buffy Basile, set up a running program with Conner Thursdays at the Y. Part of the program was a goal that would empower Conner to complete a 5K race. Connor trained very hard and proudly finished the 5k race, running every step. He also teamed up with the Y to help raise autism awareness in the community. Through the efforts of Team Connor, an event was organized that raised over $9,500 for Connors Connection, a local non-profit formed to assist children and fund programs dealing with Autism. It brings Connor great satisfaction knowing he is able to help other kids with challenges in our area. His wish to create awareness and to find a way to support other children with autism and autism spectrum disorders was made possible by the encouragement and support of the YMCA. The YMCA is proud to play our part in helping kids like Connor.

healthy living

Improving our communitys health and well-being

With an emphasis on balance, the Y brings individuals together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, youth, adults and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body. 2012 highlights
We motivated and supported healthier lifestyles by offering programs such as fitness challenges, Zumba, personal training, fitness classes for all levels, personal training, etc. The Y is not only a resource for those who wished to stay fit, but it also actively engaged in helping health seekers who need the Ys expertise to help them make behavioral changes needed to start a healthy lifestyle. We empowered hundreds of seniors to stay physically and socially active through both land and water-based programs. The Y is proud of our collaborative efforts with the senior community to help keep our senior population healthy, socially engaged, and independent. We strengthened positive family relationships through family fun nights, family programs, and parent-child programs. With the onset of the internet generation, the Ys efforts to maintain face-to-face activities for the whole family are making a positive difference in the ability of family members to connect with one another.

Helping PEOPLE LIVE HEALTHY

My name is Fran Winner. Im 59 years old. Ill be 60 in May. Ive been coming to the YMCA since the end of October 2011. My daughter Lisa actually got me started using a free trial. We started on the machines and decided to see what Zumba was all about. We laughed and laughed because it was something new to us and fun. I loved it. She preferred the machines. I started going four days a week, two days of aqua Zumba and two days of land Zumba. I was hooked. I found something for me. I always loved to dance. I tried everything in the past: machines, weights, gimmicksnothing worked for me. My treadmill at home is my towel rack! I love to walk and swim, but Zumba is my passion. I believe everyone needs to find what works for them your own niche, something you enjoy. Thats the key! Find something you look forward to, not dread. I didnt go near a scale. Before I realized it, I was losing weight! I lost 25 pounds in a year. My friends, family, and my doctor were all telling me how good I looked. I didnt diet. I work part time in a hoagie shopand YES, I eat the hoagies. I believe the YMCA is a wonderful place for you and your family. It will leave you with a sense of belonging to a family. The instructors are all very friendly and helpful in achieving your goals. My personal favorite is GiGi. To me, she is one of the best, very encouraging and fun. She cares about every individuals progress. I look forward to my classes. I feel better. My overall health has greatly improved.

Social responsibility
At the Y, we foster the care and respect which all people need and deserve. We develop skills and encourage volunteerism through values-based programs. We welcome and connect diverse demographic populations through membership and services. We help prevent chronic disease and build stronger communities through collaboration. Every day, Y-volunteers, donors, leaders and partners are empowering people to be healthy, confident, connected and secure. 2012 highlights
Over 500 volunteers devoted their time and talent to help our Y offer our programs, activities and events that benefited our community. We were steadfast in our commitment to make the Y accessible to all. More than 6,500 donors generously donated to the YMCAs Strong Kids Campaign, which enabled our Y to improve the lives of youth and families through $130,936 worth of financial assistance. Of this, the vast majority, $95,514, went to help children participate in preschool, summer day camp, and latch key programs. $31,786 went to help seniors and other people afford a YMCA membership so that they could get or stay healthy. And the remaining $3,636 went to help people participate in a variety of YMCA programs, such as swimming lessons, youth sports programs, etc. We collaborated with over 100 community partners and organizations to improve health and well-being and develop the potential of children and teens.

Giving back and providing support to our neighbors

supporting seniors
Phil Brennan is 83 years old and a retired school teacher. Three years ago, Phil fell and was left paralyzed from the neck down. After weeks of physical therapy, Phil was able to regain limited mobility. Phils doctors recommended that he stay as active as possible. In June of 2011, Phil entered the Y in a wheel chair and thought he would try the Silver Sneakers class. What Phil found at the Y was a second home. Both physically and socially Ive made great improvement due the wonderful Y staff and the great friends Ive made. I have nothing but praise and thank the Y for caring and helping me to make such improvements. After a few months, Phil was able to stand for different exercises in class. Phil kept progressing until he had a spark. He said to Y staff, Im going to walk to the end of the gym and back. Using his walker, Phil did just that. Phil now has reached his goal of taking 10 laps around the gym, which he does before he leaves each day. He recently reached 11 laps to beat his goal. Fellow Y Senior member Rita Moore said The Senior classes at the Y have been a major factor in Phils recovery and an essential step on his road to meet his goal of walking without aid. Phil is the most courageous, indomitable man I have ever met.

FinAnCiAl RepoRt
yeAR ended deCemBeR 31, 2012*
*the following are unaudited results.

operating Revenue and support

Program Service Revenue Contributions & Grants Other Income United Way Funding 4,375,205 441,115 269,655 139,910

opeRAting Revenue And suppoRt

Child Care 44% Membership 29% Program 11% Other Income 5% Grants 4% Contributions 4% United Way 3%

total operating Revenue and support

5,255,855

operating expenses
Membership Programs Child Care Management and General Fundraising 554,169 1,544,106 1,944,730 1,448,909 20,637

total expenses Change in net Assets From operations

5,512,551 (286,666)

FinAnCiAl AssistAnCe AWARded

Scholarships 55.77% Subsidized Programs 44.23%

non-operating Changes
Restricted by Donors Total Changes in Net Assets Net Assets at Beginning of Year 1,038,922 752,256 12,868,295

net Assets at end of year

$13,620,551

Branch membership
Bradford County YMCA Eastern Lycoming YMCA Jersey Shore YMCA Tioga County YMCA Williamsport YMCA 1,255 4,313 1,038 570 2,605

total

9,781

Financial assistance ensures that the YMCA is available to all residents of our communities. We rely on the generosity of our donors, volunteers, members and partners to give the additional financial support that will enable the YMCA to make a meaningful impact in the communities that we serve. During 2012, we provided $235,300 in direct financial assistance as well as subsidized services to our members and program participants.

achieving goals together

Jersey Shore Branch
Five years ago, the Jersey Shore Branch volunteers had big plans for major renovations at their branch. Due to the downturn in the economy in 2008, those plans came to an abrupt halt. After some careful consideration of what could be done, in 2012 plans to update the wellness areas and teen center were restarted and completed. On November 7, 2012, an official ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony was conducted for the Shangraw Wellness Center. The projects primary benefactor, Bob Shangraw, spoke of his familys longtime involvement with the YMCA while growing-up in Jersey Shore. It was a safe place for me to go after school, said Bob. My home away from home was this very room and Louie Carpenter, the director at that time, was like my second father. He took good care of me and all the other boys here at the Y. I think that is what the Y is all about. Im just happy that my sister, Betty, and I were able to do this, Bob testified.

Meet Lisa
Lisa Lewis was born and raised in Bradford County, Pennsylvania. In 2007, Lisa decided to join the Y and it immediately became a very important part of her life. She was coming 6-7 days per week. An active member of Zumba, Lisa quickly became part of the growing YMCA family and made many friends in class. In December 2011, her world was completely turned upside down by a phone call. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Lisa met with her doctors to discuss treatment and what activities she could continue as she needed the support of her YMCA family more than ever. With doctors approval, she continued to attend Zumba and lean on her Y family. Lisa had chemotherapy biweekly for 8 weeks and then weekly for the following 12 weeks. During this time, she would come to the next Zumba class immediately following treatments when her blood count was the highest and her energy level would permit her to participate. She recalled a situation that will always stick with her. During her first few classes after chemo, she would wear her wig to hide the obvious. As the temperatures increased, she felt more comfortable and wore just a scarf. Until one hot day, in the middle of class she ripped off her scarf to bare her head. It was a very emotional moment for Lisa as everyone began to show their support with high fives, hugs and so many tears. It is that kind of support from her friends and family that kept her going through this tough time. During treatment, Lisa continued to work and stay active. Doctors believe part of her success was that she was in the best shape of her life. Ten months to the day after her diagnosis in October 2012, Lisa completed her treatments, and began her road to recovery. Currently, her cancer margins are clear and although she has had multiple surgeries, Lisa continues to go to Zumba faithfully several times a week. Her next goal is to begin spinning. Lisa really put things into perspective when she said, The Y is not just a gym for me; it is my Y family, friendship, fellowship and support. She continues to be an inspiration to her family, friends, Y members and staff. Above, Lisa is pictured with Y Zumba Instructors Shari Williams and Doreen Secor, at the 2012 Zumbathon: Party in Pink.

A few months later on January 23, 2013, the Jersey Shore Branch YMCA Teen Center dedication ceremony was held. The teen center was officially dedicated to the teens and pre-teens of Jersey Shore. The teen center is a sanctuary for young adults, offering a supervised, safe place to hang out with friends, work on homework, play sports, and socialize. This teen room shows what can happen when we all come together to address a community need, said Dave Fagerstrom, River Valley Regional YMCA President/CEO. I want to thank all the people who have given their time and treasure to make this happen. It is the combined efforts of all of our volunteers and donors that make our Y a real force for good in our community.

VOLUNTEERS
Ken Bear Kathleen Campbell Ron Cimini John Confer Bob Elion Garth Everett Bill Fox Steve Gee Tammy Gunsallus Kyle Lane

The River Valley Regional YMCA volunteers provide advocacy, policy direction, and fundraising support for the Association. The visionary leadership of these volunteers helps us to fulfill the YMCA mission daily. RIVER VALLEY REGIONAL YMCA CORPORATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nancy Larson Dave Maciejewski Dena Miller Geneva Peck Andree Phillips George Rizzo Doreen Secor Pete Schultz Barb Schmouder Sue Stackhouse David Stone, Chair

RIVER VALLEY REGIONAL YMCA BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Betty Allen Ron Cimini John Confer Bob Elion John Fry Craig Kremser Andree Phillips, Chair Jeff Rauff Pete Schultz Marvin Staiman

RIVER VALLEY REGIONAL YMCA Branch Advisory Boards

Williamsport Branch Ron Bernstine Jim Dabney Dan Ertel Doug Estes Curtis Fay Jason Fink Bill Fox Bob Gundrum Dean Heinbach Jamie Johnson Chris Keiser Ed Metzger Tony Nardi Lance Ricci Mark Sitler Sue Stackhouse David Stone Bradford Branch Heather Blokzyl Shannon Clark Ryan Eberlin Barb Gordon Hillary Krill Kyle Lane Dena Miller Dave Reilly Wendy Roof Doreen Secor Eastern Lycoming Branch Ken Bear Ken Blessing, Jr John Fry Mike Getz Craig Kremser Ernie Larson Don Konkle David Maciejewski Bill Martens Pat Merrifield Geneva Peck Brian Pick Fred Springman Ron Reynolds Pete Waldron Jersey Shore Branch Larilyn Arndt Dee Brown Denny Buttorff Denise Dieter Edward Emel Suzanne Forcey Tammy Gunsallus Joseph Hamm Crystal Merryman George Rizzo Ken Scheesley Barbara Schmouder Jenna Snyder Tioga County Branch Debra Allen Jennifer Barnes Kathleen Campbell Layne Conrad Amy Farrer Steve Gee Jennifer Gluszczak Julie Miller Kelly Morgan Nancy Nauman Gena Rasmussen Jon Shaw Tracy Sweely Barnave Thanis

Williamsport Branch

320 Elmira Street Williamsport, PA 17701 (570) 323-7134

Bradford County Branch

9 College Avenue Towanda, PA 18848 (570) 268-9622

Eastern Lycoming Branch

50 Fitness Drive Muncy, PA 17756 (570) 546-8822

Jersey Shore Branch

826 Allegheny Street Jersey Shore, PA 17740 (570) 398-2150

Tioga County Branch

40-42 Besanceney Drive Mansfield, PA 16933 (570) 662-2999

WWW.RVRYMCA.ORG

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