“I was out at an all-day training seminar for staff and volunteers from YMCAs across northern New England and I’m pretty jazzed about the opportunities for our Y,” said Boothbay YMCA Board of Trustees Chair-Elect Bruce Harris of Southport.

Last summer, Harris led the Y’s Strategic Planning Task Force (SPTF), which engaged about 50 volunteers, community stakeholders and staff in a forum that assessed and analyzed the Y’s strengths, community impact and future opportunities. The result is a Strategic Road Map document that leverages the Y’s assets in new, multi-use formats, solidifies the focus on impact programming, and defines ways the Y can assist with other unmet needs in the community.

“We have four big picture strategies that I’d summarize as (1) meet critical community needs; (2) be sustainable (both fiscally and environmentally); (3) provide access for all; and (4) tell our story,” Harris wrote. Within each of these core strategies, Y staff has created three to five goals, with deadlines for advancing the initiatives.

This summer, in support of strategic priority 1, the Y will create and implement a behavioral health program at Camp K, identify one or two substance abuse and prevention programs the Y can host, and convene collaborative partners to tackle regional workforce housing shortages – a goal that aids the Y’s and local business’ staffing solutions.

The Jackson House, adjacent to Camp K, has been acquired (again) by the Y and will be used for Camp K staff housing. Recently, the space housed a team of artists who installed the Trolls exhibit at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. In the off-season, space will be used for internships and possibly as a business incubator. “More to come on this,” said Harris.

Over the past three years, the Y has risen to community challenges no one could have anticipated. “Using the field house for COVID-19 vaccinations, providing emergency space for the elementary school when it flooded… it’s important for us to hold willingness and ability to pivot at any time to meet community needs,” said Harris. “We can’t plan for this in advance, but we can have our act together enough to help, meaningfully, when it happens.” He reflected on how he was personally moved by the Y’s leadership in handling COVID-19, for both the community and their ability to adapt Y operations in challenging times.

“It’s not just a job for our staff. The people who work here are fully committed to the Y’s mission. We have to address wage inflation. We have to address staff recruitment and retention.” According to the Strategic Road Map, a salary and wage administration plan and a recruitment and retention plan are due later this month.

As part of the Y’s sustainability strategy, enhanced plans for fund development and sponsorships were completed in January. Harris said they will be rolling out a framework for a new, planned giving program, as well as plans to increase revenue through memberships. Recently, monthly membership fees increased $3, a move the Y dreaded making but had to due to inflation. Chief Executive Officer Andy Hamblett said membership makes up 29% of the Y’s annual revenue; programs 34%, contributions 24% and 13% other.

“Fundraising, whether that be grants or contributed support, is central to the Y’s ability to operate. For the Y to continue to make a meaningful and enduring impact in our community, philanthropic gifts are essential to provide the financial resources needed to expand the reach and impact of the Y,” Hamblett wrote.

For cost saving, the Y partners with the larger Central Lincoln County YMCA, sharing financial and marketing services. “This allows us to stretch dollars, and works well with our sustainability goals,” Harris explained.

Access for All goals address accessibility, affordability, removing applicant barriers, increased awareness and participation, and monthly events for all Y audiences including teens, families, seniors and young adults. In February, the SPTF reviewed language and materials produced by the Y to ensure inclusivity.

“We have to tell our story,” said Harris. The final strategic goals include improved communications between the Y and the community; plans to start an annual Community Leaders Forum and to rekindle the Youth Summit round out a larger communications plan the board adopted.

Other new board members who cycle on next month include Tory Paxson (CMBG), Tricia Campbell (Boothbay Region High School principal), Breanna Davis (Community Resource Council), Dan Hallinan (basketball coach), Andy Hollon, and Colby Allen (BRHS junior).

“The Y is the heart of the community, connecting in a deliberate way to bring positive impact,” Harris said. “I am 100% invested in this organization and this Strategic Road Map. It will guide us, keep us on our mission, and help the Y to remain an integral part of the community’s fabric,” he said.