2025 Annual Report

To Our YMCA Family and Community,

The past year has been one of extraordinary transformation and renewed purpose for the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. As we reflect on our collective journey, we are filled with immense gratitude for the resilience of our staff, the passion of our volunteers, and the unwavering support of our donors. Together, we have proven that we are truly Stronger Together.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit expanded opportunities for youth and families across the region through programs that strengthened confidence, leadership, enrichment, and connection. From academic achievement and youth sports to camps, arts, and mentorship, branches and initiatives created spaces where young people could grow, thrive, and feel they belong.

• Metro Youth YMCA achieved a 100% graduation rate for the Achievers Class of 2025, with one senior earning more than $1 million in scholarship support.
• Y Learning Centers emphasized youth confidence-building through STEM learning and empowerment where 70% of youth felt safe and had fun learning something new.
• YMCA Positive Play Initiative served 6,828 youth, representing 50% growth year over year, while increasing sports participation rates among participants to 65%.
• Detroit Swims exceeded youth participation goals and expanded water safety access across Metro Detroit.
• The Bosch Community Fund awarded the Farmington Family YMCA $22,848 to help remove barriers to participation and ensure more children could access enriching STEM opportunities.
• Camp Nissokone celebrated its highest overnight camp enrollment we have on record, totaling 736 camper weeks—an 11% growth increase over last year.

Across Metro Detroit, the YMCA strengthened individual and community well-being by expanding access to health focused programs, food security initiatives, recreation, and supportive services. The Y’s holistic approach to spirit, mind, and body helped individuals and families improve their health while building meaningful connections.

• Carls Family YMCA celebrated its 9th cohort of cancer survivors completing LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.
• South Oakland Family YMCA launched LIVESTRONG at the YMCA in partnership with Birmingham Family YMCA, expanding support for cancer survivors.
• Community Initiatives raised more than $52,000 through the Fresh Baskets campaign, serving 500 families, including more than 1,000 children.
• Macomb Family YMCA expanded our Rock Steady Boxing program, a non-contact boxing-inspired fitness program that helps people living with Parkinson’s improve strength, mobility, confidence, and independence.
• YMCA Positive Play Initiative increased access to safe play opportunities and distributed sports kits to more than 200 youth.
• South Oakland Family YMCA experienced record-breaking membership growth as more families chose the Y as a place for health, connection, and support.

The YMCA deepened its commitment to creating a culture where staff, volunteers, members, and communities feel welcomed, connected, and valued. Through leadership development, inclusion initiatives, volunteer engagement, and intentional community-building, the Y strengthened a culture rooted in belonging.

• Human Resources launched Association Round Up, creating a welcoming onboarding experience that connected new staff across the association.
• We implemented the first employee engagement survey in several years to establish a baseline for future staff satisfaction and culture initiatives.
• Staff development efforts included resume and interview coaching for day camp staff preparing for future career opportunities.
• Carls Family YMCA expanded volunteer leadership with 18 engaged board members.
• Camp Nissokone and Camp Ohiyesa welcomed staff from 16 countries around the world, which enriched our camps with diversity, talent, and cultural exchange. Seasonal staff retention at camp reached a 25-year high, reflecting the great progress towards staff culture, and seasonal staff engagement.

The YMCA increased its visibility and strengthened community awareness with new partnerships and by showing up in neighborhoods, community events, and public spaces throughout Metro Detroit. Through these efforts, more individuals and families experienced the Y as a trusted and welcoming community resource.

• Our Welcoming Week celebration elevated awareness of the Y’s global mission and commitment to inclusion.
• Community Initiatives expanded neighborhood-based outreach through Y on the Fly, Fresh Baskets, Detroit Swims, and Y Arts programming.
• Y Learning Centers strengthened community partnerships and communications efforts.

• Collectively, we exceeded the 2025 operating budget and achieved our YMCA’s first operating net income since before the pandemic, driven in part by growth of more than 1,400 membership units.
• Together we exceeded our Annual Campaign goal, raising more than $1.14 million, including a 33% increase in YMCA Day of Giving revenue.
• We advanced strategic decision-making through the Strategic Plan Dashboard and Grant Decision Matrix.
• Major funding achievements included:
  • $7 million in Ballmer Group funding
  • $2.8 million in MiLEAP funding
  • A three-year renewal for Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation funding
• Detroit Swims exceeded its Annual Campaign goal by 210%.
• Carls Family YMCA surpassed fundraising goals by more than $28,000.
• South Oakland Family YMCA exceeded both fundraising and membership growth goals.
• Boll Family YMCA secured $93,000 in philanthropic support to expand access for Detroit residents.

Driven by service and guided by purpose, the leaders of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit help advance the Y’s mission. Together, they ensure the YMCA remains a trusted community resource where all people feel welcome and empowered.

Officers

• Gail von Staden
  Board Chair
• Jeff Terrill
  Vice Chair
• Maria Martinez
  Vice Chair
• Arthur J. Kubert
  Treasurer
• Parrish Underwood
  Secretary

Executive Committee

• David J. Allen
• Paul M. Balas
• Anthony P. Cracchiolo
• Ronald A. Deneweth
• Jay D. Farner
• Marita S. Grobbel
• Eric Huffman
• Robert W. Kruse, III
• Allyson Parker
• Gino Roncelli
• Joe Valentine

Members at Large

• Sumaiya Ahmed Sheikh
• John C. Carter
• Carlos Cubia
• Anthony Catalina
• Ronald J. Gantner
• Jenny Hall
• Tracey Kenty
• Michael E. McInerney
• James M. Nicholson
• Amy Schaden
• Jeffrey S. Solis
• Jim Spangler
• Dr. John Tafelski
• Stefen Welch
• Jill Wilmot

Emeritus Members

• Evelyn Caise
• Mary E. Corrado
• Matthew P. Cullen
• Steven Kurmas
• Ben C. Maibach, III
• James B. Nicholson

Community Leaders

Non-Metropolitan Board Members serving on committees of the Metropolitan YMCA Board

• Scott Anderson
• Kevin Bush
• John Davids
• Heather Sullivan

• Ian Cole
  Macomb Family YMCA
• Nicolas Cucinella
  Y Arts
• Gary Forhan
  YMCA Camping Services
• Tanji Grant
  Farmington Family YMCA
• Rose Angela Gronda
  Downriver Family YMCA
• Don McCann
  Carls Family YMCA
• Lisa Repicky
  Boll Family YMCA
• Donna Stallings
  Metro Youth YMCA
• Tiffany Wisnieski
  South Oakland Family YMCA
• Joe Valentine
  Birmingham Family YMCA

A Michigan Nonprofit Corporation supporting the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

Officers

• Anthony P. Cracchiolo
  Chair
• Michael E. McInerney
  Vice Chair
• Parrish Underwood
  President
• Michelle Kotas
  Treasurer
• Anca Mitchell
  Secretary

Members at Large

• Richard Aginian
• John C. Carter
• Marita S. Grobbel
• Gregory C. Hamilton
• Harold Dubrowsky
• Andrew A. Dincolo

The influence of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit extends well beyond our facilities. Rooted in a belief that everyone deserves connection and opportunity, the Y brings programs and services directly into the communities that need them most. Through outreach, partnerships, and neighborhood-based programming, we help foster healthy spirits, minds, and bodies while creating spaces where individuals and families feel welcomed, valued, and supported.