2024 Annual Report

Growing
to Serve

 

It is a great privilege to serve this incredible community.

Since 1852, the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit has stood as a trusted partner in strengthening the spirit, mind, and body of individuals and families across our region. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community service organization, every dollar entrusted to us is reinvested directly into programs that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

In 2024, we were honored to welcome more than 5,000 new individuals who chose the YMCA as their partner on their wellness journey. With over 11,000 active memberships, we served more than 55,000 people across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and eastern Livingston Counties—each with their own story, background, and goals.

Gail

Gail von Staden
Chair of the Board
YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

Parrish

Parrish Underwood
President & CEO
YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

 

At the Y, our story is best told by the people we serve. In the videos below, you’ll hear directly from members, staff, and community partners whose lives have been shaped by their connection to the YMCA. Each story is a powerful reminder of the impact we make—together.

 

Michelle Kotas, Executive Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer

We are proud to share that the financial health of our YMCA continues to improve. This progress is a direct result of the growing support we’ve seen in membership, program participation, philanthropic giving, and public partnerships.

Every dollar that comes through our doors helps power programs that change lives. We are grateful for every member, donor, and supporter who helps us build a stronger YMCA for all.

January 1-December 31, 2024

Contributions & Grants$7,611,069
Membership & Program17,311,230
Other319,946
Total Operating Revenue$25,242,245
Youth Development$8,365,748
Healthy Living9,525,683
Social Responsibility1,473,453
Management6,272,848
Fundraising751,307
Total Operating Expense$26,389,039
Net Loss from Operating Activities($1,146,794)
Capital and Other Contributions$664,958
Restricted Grant Revenue(1,110,615)
Investment Activity801,110
Interest Expense(554,957)
Depreciation Expense(2,190,328)
Other(917,681)
Net Loss from Non-Operating Activities($3,307,513)
Net Loss($4,454,307)

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is extraordinarily grateful to have been selected by local, state, and federal agencies and departments to steward public dollars that create significant community impact.

 

The Mission of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is executed by a senior leadership team who all report to the President and CEO. Their sole purpose is to effectively and efficiently utilize YMCA resources to improve the lives of Metropolitan Detroiters.

 

Lynette Simmons, Senior Vice President of Community Initiatives

This year, we had the privilege of supporting more than 13,700 youth and families across four counties through community- and resident-centered programs. From our Fresh Baskets campaign and Y on the Fly sports and play pop-ups to Detroit Swims water safety lessons and Y Arts creative experiences, we showed up where our community needed us most. Our Teen Achievers and Achievers 2.0 programs helped high school students stay on track for graduation and prepare for the future through college and career readiness.

Over the holiday season, our Fresh Baskets campaign raised $32,555, thanks to 90 generous volunteers. Together, we helped 455 families—including 1,087 adults and 970 children—put food on the table during a time that can be especially challenging. While we serve the region’s four largest counties, more than 75% of the people we reached live in Detroit and 80% in Wayne County. Every day, we work to remove barriers and increase opportunity for our most vulnerable neighbors through the power of collaboration and community care.

 
 

Dan Fader, Association Director of Properties

Maintaining seven full-facility YMCAs, each with its own pool, plus two camps is no small feat—but it’s a responsibility we take to heart. This year, we made key upgrades to improve the member experience, from new lighting and locker room renovations to updated pool decks. One of the highlights: we brought in modern stairmasters and a suite of new strength training equipment across all of our wellness centers.

These upgrades aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about creating safe, welcoming spaces where people of all ages can grow stronger, healthier, and more connected. We’re proud of the behind-the-scenes work that makes every visit to the Y something our members can count on.

 
 

Latitia McCree-Thomas, Senior Vice President of Communications & Marketing

Every day, we see the impact of the Y in action—from the first swim lesson to cancer survivorship. In 2024, we worked hard to lift up those stories through powerful media partnerships with outlets like Audacy’s 97.1 The Ticket and WWJ 950 AM, Crain’s Detroit Business, Metro Parent, iHeartMedia’s 92.3 the Mix and WNIC 100.3, LittleGuide Detroit, WDIV Channel 4, and WXYZ Channel 7.

Through these stories, we invited more people to join our mission—whether as members, donors, volunteers, or partners. Because when we share the impact of the Y, we open the door to even greater community change.

 
 

Lisa Mullin, Senior Vice President of Corporate Services, Chief People Officer

Our YMCA is powered by people—and in 2024, we had the privilege of employing 179 full-time and 1,047 parttime staff. We also honored 244 incredible team members who’ve served our Y for five years or more during our Longevity Breakfast.

Safety is also a top priority. That’s why we continue to uphold our Praesidium Accreditation, a mark of our commitment to the highest standards of safety and care. We believe that investing in our people means investing in every child, adult, and family we serve.

 
 

Michelle Kotas, Executive Vice President of Finance and Operations

This year, more than 1,400 new memberships—representing over 5,000 people—joined our YMCA family. By the end of 2024, we were serving nearly 50,000 Metro Detroiters through over 11,000 active memberships.

Each membership is more than a number—it’s a story of someone choosing to build a healthier, more connected life. Whether in the pool, in group exercise, or volunteering at a community event, our members make our YMCA stronger every day.

 
 

Ariel Wilkerson, Association Director of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Global

In 2024, we proudly unveiled the “Call for Peace” mural at our YMCA—a vibrant visual commitment to unity, created in partnership with Interfaith America, YMCA of the USA, City Walls Detroit, and Detroit artist Trae Isaac. As a center of community and peace, we aim to uplift humanity across all lines of difference.

We also hosted several Stand for Something community conversations focused on mental health and visited local cultural institutions in Southwest Detroit. These moments of connection and learning help us fulfill our promise to serve all—and create spaces where everyone can belong.

 
 

Jim Baksa, Vice President of Information Technology

Supporting seven YMCAs, two camps, and dozens of offsite programs with just two IT staff is no small task—but we’re up for the challenge. From keeping phones and copiers online to managing our member software and website, we keep the digital backbone of the Y running smoothly.

One of our proudest moments this year was introducing EGYM technology to Michigan for the first time. This smart equipment brings 21st-century wellness to our fitness floors—helping members work out smarter, not harder. Our goal is to make sure every piece of technology works so our members can thrive.

 
 

Susan Walters-Klenke, Director of Annual and Planned Giving

Together, we raised more than one million dollars to ensure children, teens, and families have access to the YMCA programs they need most—like summer camp, water safety, and Teen Achievers college and career prep.

Thanks to your support, our YMCA Day of Giving raised over $80,000 in just one day. And our Legacy Golf Classic brought in more than $390,000. We are so grateful to every donor, partner, and volunteer who helped make these achievements possible. Your generosity is making life better for thousands of people every day.

 
 

A look through our seven Metropolitan Detroit branches as well as non-branch programs throughout the 2024 year, highlighting the impact made every day in our communities on the lives of youth, families, and older adults. Moments like these are created daily through the Y’s focus on providing youth and families a safe place to belong, bond, connect, volunteer, and improve their health.

Two of our Birmingham Blue Dolphins qualified for the Olympic Trials! Over 375 kids thrived in our summer camp, and more than 80 youth and adults became safer around water by participating in YMCA swim lessons.

a group of older adults at the Birmingham Family YMCA celebrating the YMCA's birthday
an adult Dance class at the Boll Family YMCA

We welcomed over 2,000 new members and served 12,500 Metro Detroiters. With partners like Downtown Detroit Partnership and Eastern Market, we offered free fitness classes in city parks and distributed fresh produce at our Y.

Thanks to generous donors, we raised over $105,000 that enabled our YMCA to provide healthy meals, water safety lessons, and access to STEM and summer camp learning opportunities to over 500 children.

kids at Carls Family YMCA Day Camp
a Safety Around Water lesson outside with Detroit Swims

We expanded pool access in partnership with Wayne State, Centerline, and Detroit Public Schools—providing swim lessons to 1,385 youth. Highlights included teaching open-water safety in the Detroit River with the Detroit Sailing Company.

We raised $73,313 to provide YMCA programs for families in our community. We also shared Thanksgiving meals with 184 of our Downriver neighbors.

celebrating with cake at the Downriver Family YMCA
Day Campers at the Farmington Family YMCA

We raised more than $115,000 to support over 150 children, families, and cancer survivors with financial assistance for swim lessons, youth sports, summer camp, and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.

More than 2,100 elementary schoolers completed 5Ks at Belle Isle and Lake Huron Metropark through Girls on the Run and PACE. Over 400 volunteer coaches and 1,500 running buddies helped make it happen.

runners at the 2024 Girls on the Run/Pace spring 5K
safer swimmers supported by the Macomb Family YMCA

We served over 100 children in summer camp, providing $10,000 in scholarships. Thanks to our partners, 150 kids also received free swim lessons. We continue to host the only Rock Steady Boxing program in Macomb County for those living with Parkinson’s.

We supported 610 teens and young adults through Achievers, Youth in Government, and initiatives lik Grow Detroit’s Young Talent and Boys & Young Men of Color. Every one of our 32 senior Achievers graduated on time. YMCA of the USA spotlighted our Unity Project for as an example of a nationwide best practice.

2024 Achievers graduates posing in caps and gowns
Day Campers at the Plymouth Family YMCA

We gave 120 children a joyful, enriching summer camp experience and awarded over $6,000 in scholarships to help 10 campers attend.

We became Michigan’s first EGYM facility, bringing smart fitness technology to our members. We also raised $60,000 to help over 100 families access YMCA programs like swim lessons, summer camp, and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants at the South Oakland Family YMCA
Students recording video at a Y Arts program

Through 15 live performances, 10 gallery exhibits, and 262 workshops, we brought enriching arts experiences to over 6,200 Metro Detroiters across schools, Y branches, and community spaces.

We were honored to be named two of Newsweek’s top 100 camps in the country. Together, our camps gave over 6,200 kids life-changing outdoor experiences.

a camper riding a horse at YMCA Camp Nissokone
kids in Halloween costumes at a YMCA Learning Center

We opened six new sites in Fraser Public Schools, serving 650 new students. In total, we reached 2,033 kids with safe, structured before and afterschool care and awarded over $30,000 in scholarships.

We brought sports and active play to over 3,400 kids across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Livingston counties. With mobile programming in neighborhood spaces, kids explored pickleball, fencing, soccer, and more—all in a safe, fun environment.

kids playing at a YPPI after-school program
 

The Y’s influence doesn’t stop at the front door of a branch within the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. The Y recognizes the foundational need for community to come together not just within the Y’s four walls, but outside of it as well. Our dedication to wellness of the mind, spirit, and body for families and youth leads us beyond our doors to bring outreach programs and access to enrichment to the front steps of those within our community most in need.

 

Chair of the Board
Eric Huffman

Retired, Owner/Operator, State Farm Insurance Company

Vice Chair
Gail Bernard von Staden

Principal, von Staden Architect, LLC

Vice Chair
MaryAnn Kanary

Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, Cooper Standard

Treasurer
Arthur J. Kubert

CFO, Lakeview Capital Inc.

Secretary
Parrish Underwood

President & CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

David J. Allen

Judge, Wayne County Circuit Court

Paul M. Balas

Executive in Residence, Michigan State University

John C. Carter

Retired, President, Michigan Middle Market, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Anthony P. Cracchiolo

Member, Bodman PLC

Ronald A. Deneweth

President, Deneweth Dugan & Parfitt PC

Jay D. Farner

Chief Executive Officer, Ronin Capital Partners

Marita S. Grobbel

Chief Operating Officer, Autism Alliance of Michigan

Robert W. Kruse, III

Vice President, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

Maria Martinez

Deputy Chief of Staff, Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Michael E. McInerney

Principal, MEM Investments, LLC

James M. Nicholson

Co-Chairman, PVS Chemicals Inc.

Tony Catalina

Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales Manager, Fifth Third Bank

Durant Crum

Diversity Manager, Dakkota Integrated Systems

Jenny Hall

Vice President, Customer Care, Carhartt Inc.

Raymond L. Finocchio

Retired, Vice President of Regional Sales, PPG Industries

Ronald J. Gantner

Partner, Plante Moran Realpoint

Patrice Harold, MD

Southfield Obstetrics & Gynecology

Tracey Kenty

Vice President, Human Resources, Strategic Staffing Solutions

Allyson Parker

Chief Ethics Officer/Exec Dir HR, Ally Financial

Gino Roncelli

President, Roncelli Incorporated

Benjamin L. Smith, III

Principal, Summit Commercial Creative Real Estate Solutions

Jeffrey S. Solis

Partner, UHY, LLC

Jim Spangler

VP of US Sales Operations, Ford Motor Credit

Jeff Terrill

Great Lakes Market Executive, Flagstar Bank

Branch Chair, Macomb Family YMCA
Ian Cole

Financial Advisor, Fortified Financial Group, thrivent

Branch Chair, South Oakland Family YMCA
Darren Cameron

President & CEO, Our Credit Union

Branch Chair, YMCA Camping Services
Gary Forhan

Retired, Product Management, Flagstar Bank

Branch Chair, Farmington Family YMCA
Tanji Grant

Keller Williams Realty

Branch Chair, Downriver Family YMCA
Ronald Hinrichs

President/CEO, Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber

Branch Chair, Y Arts
Nicholas Cucinella

AI Consultant / Musician

Branch Chair, Boll Family YMCA
Lisa Repicky

Associate Director, Informatics, Humana

Branch Chair, Birmingham Family YMCA
Joe Valentine

City Manager, City of Grosse Pointe

Branch Chair, Carls Family YMCA
Kim Waldman

Chief Operating Officer, Stephens Wealth Management Group

Branch Chair, Metro Youth Family YMCA
Donna Stallings

Corporate Coach, Walker-Miller Energy Services

William P. Baer

Chairman & CEO, The Crown Group, Inc.

Evelyn Caise

President, Caise and Associates

Mary E. Corrado

President & CEO, American Society of Employers

Matthew Cullen

Principal and Chairman of the Board, JACK Entertainment

Steven Kurmas

Retired, President & COO, DTE Energy

Ben C. Maibach, III

Vice Chairman & Chief Community Officer, Barton-Malow Company

James B. Nicholson

Chairman, PVS Chemicals, Inc.

Scott Anderson

Vice President of Human Resources, Heartland Region, Comcast

Kevin Bush

Consultant at Governance by Design & Retired, YMCA of the USA

Jeanne Carlson

Retired President & CEO, Blue Care Network of Michigan

John Davids

Senior Design Architect, Kingscott

Mike Heatley

Manager, Global Security, Ford Motor Company

Darrell A. Kennedy

PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP

Patrice Matejka

Human Resources Consultant

Heather Sullivan

Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP

 

A Michigan Nonprofit Corporation supporting the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

Chair
Anthony P. Cracchiolo

Member, Bodman PLC

Vice Chair
Michael E. McInerney

Principal, MEM Investments, LLC

President
Parrish Underwood

President & CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

Treasurer
Michelle Kotas

Senior Vice President/CFO, YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

Richard Aginian

Retired President, Hometown Communications Network

John C. Carter

Retired, President, Michigan Middle Market, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Marita S. Grobbel

Chief Operating Officer, Autism Alliance of Michigan

Gregory C. Hamilton

Owner, Hamilton & Associates

Harold Dubrowsky

Harold Dubrowsky, CPA, Financial and Organizational Consulting

Andrew A. Dincolo

Dincolo & Company, PLC4

 

Academy Securities, Inc

Alliance Inspection Management

AmeriCorp NCCC

Annapurna Foundation

AON Corporation

Arch Insurance Company

Arman Foundation

Asplundh Tree Expert

Atwell, LLC

Bank of America Charitable Foundation

Barclays Capital

Barton Malow Co.

Barton Malow Foundation

Big Cat Basketball

Blue Cross Complete of Michigan

BMO (Bank of Montreal)

BNP Paribas

Bosch Community Foundation

Busch's Supermarket

Canton Community Foundation

Carls Foundation

Cass Community Services

Centers for Success

Children’s Foundation

CIBC

Citi Group

City of Detroit Block Grant NOF

City of Detroit Parks & Recreation

Clark Hill

Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

Community Foundation of Plymouth

Corewell

Credit Agricole CIB

Culture Source-Detroit Arts Support/Erb Family Foundation

Culture Source-Detroit Arts Support/Kresge

Culture Source-Digital Access for the Arts

Delta Airlines

Delta Dental

Deneweth Vittiglio Sassak PC

Detroit Economic Solutions Corporation-City Connect Detroit Grow Detroit’s Young Talent

Detroit Kiwanis #1 Club

Detroit Pistons Basketball Co.

Detroit Public School Community District

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

DTE Energy Foundation

Duke and Duke Services. Inc.

Eagles for Children

Elizabeth, Allan, and Warren Shelden Fund

Emerson Automation Solutions

Erb Family Foundation

Fifth Third Bank

Flagstar Bank

Flagstar Foundation

Ford Motor Company Fund

Ford Motor Credit Company

Franklin Wright Settlements

Gannett

Girls on the Run International

Girls on the Run of Michigan

Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan

Gleaners Community Food Bank

Goldman Sachs

Hazel Park Community Center

Hazel Park School District

Huron Valley State Bank

Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (MetroParks)

Interlochen Center for the Arts

J.P. Morgan

John A. & Marlene L. Boll Foundation

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

KHS Global, Inc.

Kiwanis Club of Allen Park

Kresge Foundation

Kyung Don Joo Foundation

Lee Family Dental

LL Bean

Maibach Family Foundation

Matilda R. Wilson Fund

Max & Margorie Fisher Foundation

Meijer

Michigan Arts and Culture Council

Michigan Department of Education

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential

Miller Pipeline

Mizuho Americas

Morgan Stanley

MUFG Bank, LTD

Oakland County

OneMagnify

Openlane, Inc.

Partnership for a Healthy America

Peacock’s Farm

Planet Ant Theatre

Plastipak

PMMI Education and Training Foundation

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

R.L. Coolsaet Construction Co

Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation

Ralph L & Winifred Polk Foundation

RBC Capital Markets

Reynolds and Reynolds

Rite Aid

River Raisin National Battlefield Park-National Park Service

Robert Bosch Foundation

Roberts & Ryan Investments

Roncelli, Inc

Roscoe & Horkey Farm

RouteOne LLC

Samaritas

San Tan Ford

SEEL, LLC

State Alliance of Michigan YMCAs

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Sutar-Sutaruk-Meyer Foundation

TD Auto Finance

The Bank of Nova Scotia

Total Health Care Foundation

Toni A. Wisne Foundation

Transunion

Van Dusen

Wade Trim Associates

Walmart

Wells Fargo

United Way for Southeast Michigan

Wesco

World Heritage Foundation, Prechter Family Fund

YMCA of the USA