2024 Annual Report
Growing
to Serve
Letter from the President & the Chair of the Board
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.
Among our proudest accomplishments: nurturing and empowering more than 20,000 children in YMCA youth programs, many of whom are not YMCA members. These programs go beyond recreation. They help young people connect with caring adults, succeed academically, develop lifelong healthy habits, build confidence, explore nature, prepare for careers, and even learn life-saving water safety skills. Each child served represents a story of hope, growth, and possibility.
We were equally honored to walk alongside those navigating life with chronic illness—supporting hundreds of cancer survivors through our LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program, individuals with Parkinson’s through Rock Steady Boxing, and over 10,000 older adults who found fitness, fellowship, and renewed purpose at their local Y. These programs not only promote health, but also reduce isolation and foster meaningful connection and longevity.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we raised over $1.5 million through our Annual Campaign and the Legacy Golf Classic. These funds provided critical financial assistance to ensure that no child, family, or senior is turned away from life-enhancing Y programs due to financial barriers.
Our impact is made possible by our remarkable team of more than 1,200 dedicated YMCA employees. In 2024, we also expanded our leadership team to elevate program quality in wellness, youth services, member engagement, human resources, community partnerships, and technology.
We know that what we focus on grows. This year, that focus led to real enhancements—such as updated wellness centers with more strength-training equipment and the launch of Michigan’s only EGYM smart fitness system, proudly located at our South Oakland Family YMCA.
And we didn’t stop there. In 2024, we embarked on an ambitious strategic planning process, engaging members, staff, volunteers, and community leaders in a shared vision for the future. Together, we identified five key priorities that will guide our work over the next three years:
- Prioritize Youth and Family Engagement
- Expand Health and Well-Being
- Invest in our People and Culture
- Deepen Impact by Increasing Brand Familiarity and Visibility
- Ensure Organizational Impact
In the year ahead, we look forward to bringing this plan to life—creating new pathways for people of all ages and backgrounds to grow stronger, healthier, and more connected.
Thank you for your ongoing belief in our mission. We invite you to read this report, celebrate the stories of impact within it, and share your YMCA experience with others. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more connected Metro Detroit.
Gail von Staden
Chair of the Board
YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Parrish Underwood
President & CEO
YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
voices of impact
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.
2024 Financial Update
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.
2024 Financial Summary
January 1-December 31, 2024
Operating Activities
Operating Revenue
| Contributions & Grants | $7,611,069 |
| Membership & Program | 17,311,230 |
| Other | 319,946 |
| Total Operating Revenue | $25,242,245 |
Operating Expense
| Youth Development | $8,365,748 |
| Healthy Living | 9,525,683 |
| Social Responsibility | 1,473,453 |
| Management | 6,272,848 |
| Fundraising | 751,307 |
| Total Operating Expense | $26,389,039 |
| Net Loss from Operating Activities | ($1,146,794) |
Non-Operating Activities
| Capital and Other Contributions | $664,958 |
| Restricted Grant Revenue | (1,110,615) |
| Investment Activity | 801,110 |
| 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.
Organizational Updates
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.
Community Initiatives
13,700 families served
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.
Facilities
Upgraded wellness for all
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.
Communications & Marketing
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.
Human Resources/Risk Management
1,226 employees
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.
Membership
50,000 Metro Detroiters
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.
Culture and Community
Bridging Community
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.
Information Technology
9 Locations
2 Person Team
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.
Philanthropy
$1,000,000+ Raised in 2024
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.
Branch Highlights
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.
Birmingham Family YMCA
375 Day Campers
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.
Boll Family YMCA
2,000 New Members
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.
Carls Family YMCA
stem opportunities
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.
Detroit Swims
1,385 Safer Youth
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.
Downriver Family YMCA
184 Holiday Meals
We raised $73,313 to provide YMCA programs for families in our community. We also shared Thanksgiving meals with 184 of our Downriver neighbors.
Farmington Family YMCA
$115,000+ raised in 2024
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.
Girls on the Run
4,050 5K runners
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.
Macomb Family YMCA
150 Safer Swimmers
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.
Metro Youth YMCA
100% Graduation Rate
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.
Plymouth Family YMCA
$6,000 to support campers
We gave 120 children a joyful, enriching summer camp experience and awarded over $6,000 in scholarships to help 10 campers attend.
South Oakland Family YMCA
Egym- First in michigan
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.
Y Arts
6,246 Artistic experiences
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.
YMCA Camp Nissokone & YMCA Camp Ohiyesa
Top 100 Overnight Camps
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.
YMCA Learning Centers
2,033 Students served
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.
YMCA Positive Play Initiative (YPPI)
3,400 active children
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.
Our Reach
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.
2024 Volunteers
Association Board Leadership Volunteers
Our Officers
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
Executive Committee
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.
Members at Large
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 Board Chairs
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
Emeritus Members
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.
Non-Metropolitan Board Members serving on committees of the Metropolitan YMCA Board
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
YMCA Foundation
A Michigan Nonprofit Corporation supporting the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Officers
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
Members at Large
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
2024 Partners
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