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Letter of Reflection: Expanding Access, Strengthening Community
Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we reflect on the past year, we are reminded that strong communities don’t happen by chance; they are built together through connection, consistency and care.
For more than 170 years, we have had the honor of showing up alongside you: families navigating the demands of work and child care, neighbors prioritizing their health and well-being and individuals working toward stability and a place to call home. As gaps in access widen across the communities we serve, we continue to prioritize our legacy of ensuring all people have the support they need to reach their full potential.
In 2025, one of our most meaningful accomplishments was expanding access to the programs and services that help people move forward. Whether it was a child stepping into a safe and enriching environment while their caregiver worked, a member taking control of their health through evidence-based programs or a family finding stability through housing support; these moments are why we exist.
Access is more than a goal for us; it is a responsibility. This Past year, we made intentional progress in removing barriers so more people across our community could participate, belong and thrive.
Looking ahead, that responsibility becomes even more important. At the close of 2025, we launched a bold vision for the next decade — one that builds on our current reach of 240,000 neighbors served and positions us to double our impact across Central Ohio, serving 500,000 individuals annually by 2035. By increasing access to child care, strengthening community health and expanding pathways to housing stability, we are investing in people at every age and stage of life.
This work is made possible by the trust of our community, the dedication of our staff and volunteers and the investment of partners who believe in the YMCA’s enduring ability to strengthen individuals and communities.
Thank you for being part of this work. Thank you for showing up, for believing in our mission and for helping us build a stronger, more connected community where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
To building stronger communities together,
Tony Collins,
President & CEO
Catherine Strauss,
Chair, Board of Trustees
Who We Are
The YMCA is the original social enterprise, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that generates revenue through donations, programs and services to fund initiatives that build strong communities.
We are a trusted cornerstone of the community, serving five generations every day and working alongside our neighbors to meet critical needs throughout Central Ohio.
Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility are the three pillars that guide the YMCA’s intentional efforts to empower young people, improve individual and community health and inspire action and change throughout our communities.
We believe strong communities are rooted in equity and belonging. We provide a safe and inclusive place for all individuals to achieve new goals, build relationships and strengthen spirit, mind and body. We are community!
Expertise You Can Trust, Impact You Can See
The YMCA brings more than 170 years of proven expertise in strengthening communities.
Child Care & Youth Development
Community & Individual Health
Housing & Family Stability
MISSION
To serve the whole community through programs expressing Judeo-Christian principles that build a healthy spirit, mind and body
VISION
Strong communities where all people reach their full potential
VALUES
Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
2025 IMPACT
Youth Development
43,467 YOUTH EMPOWERED
To learn, grow and thrive across our communities
Community Health
173,198 MEMBERS
Improved whole-person health
Housing Stability
2,435 FAMILIES
Received life-changing services to obtain and/or maintain stable housing
The YMCA Difference
SERVING & CONNECTING FIVE GENERATIONS
From infants to seniors, the YMCA is a place where generations come together. We are the center of community, serving five generations every day through programs for all ages.
NATIONAL LEADER & EXPERT IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
The YMCA is the largest provider of child care and youth development programs in the region, backed by a national network and rooted in prioritizing child protection above all else.
BELONGING & ACCESSIBILITY
We design programs for all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Financial assistance, secured through donations, ensures that no one is turned away.
BEYOND OUR WALLS
The YMCA is more than a gym! We address critical community needs such as child care, early education, chronic disease prevention and management and housing stability.
TRUSTED COMMUNITY PARTNER
With a legacy of strengthening communities for more than 170 years, we collaborate with schools, businesses and local governments to create positive impact and drive long-lasting change.
FORWARD-THINKING
The YMCA is more than its history; it’s a vision for the future. We adapt to meet evolving community needs with the reach, operational expertise and scale to respond.
CSCC PARTNERSHIP
A New Collaborative Model for Student Success: Columbus State YMCA
Across Central Ohio, we are already moving our 10-year vision forward by expanding access, strengthening partnerships and investing in communities where growth and need intersect.
Through a partnership with Columbus State Community College (CSCC), the Columbus State YMCA will be the first facility of its kind in the nation, marking a transformational investment in student success and the future of our region. Through the creation of a brand-new, state-of-the-art YMCA community center on the downtown campus (opening August 2028), the YMCA and Columbus State (CSCC) will remove one of the most significant barriers to graduation — access to child care — while expanding a variety of resources that aid in student success. This includes health and wellness programs, learning labs for applicable academic programs and state-of-the-art spaces for recreation and connection.
Together, this partnership will foster belonging and resilience among students, downtown residents and workers alike. By supporting the whole student, especially working parents, this collaboration will increase graduation rates, advance workforce development, strengthen family stability and contribute to a more vibrant urban core. It is a powerful example of how the YMCA leverages bold partnerships to expand access and shape lasting regional impact.
A 10-Year Vision to Grow With Central Ohio
The YMCA of Central Ohio sits at the intersection of child care, health and housing, uniquely positioned to drive regional impact across Central Ohio. Serving 240,000 people annually across five counties, we are preparing to double our impact and expand access to 500,000 individuals by 2035 in the following areas: child care and youth development, community and individual health and housing and family stability.
Central Ohio is growing rapidly, but so are housing costs, child care shortages and health disparities. Without action, these gaps will widen, leaving more individuals and families without access to what they need to thrive.
Now is the time to invest in the services and infrastructure that will determine whether growth strengthens our community or strains it.
CHILD CARE & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Serve 75,000 youth
Serve 75,000 youth
COMMUNITY & INDIVIDUAL HEALTH
Welcome 275,000 members
Welcome 275,000 members
HOUSING & FAMILY STABILITY
Housed over 2,000 people annually
Housed over 2,000 people annually
Expanding Childcare and Youth Development Partnerships
As youth development experts, we are committed to ensuring every child and family has access to high-quality, accessible child care and youth development opportunities, regardless of income, zip code or circumstance.
Eliminating Barriers: Expanding child care and school-age programs helps families access opportunities and remain active in the workforce.
Expanding Access: YMCA youth programs support children year-round through high-quality experiences that build confidence, encourage learning and create lasting impact for families.
Creating Pathways to Lasting Housing and Family Stability
We are committed to ensuring our most vulnerable neighbors and families have the resources and services they need for safety, stability and long-term success. Our long-term vision prioritizes accelerating individuals from crisis to housing and expanding supportive services for comprehensive family stability.
Investing in Community Health
The YMCA builds strong communities, and we envision a world where a Y is within reach of every resident. With more than 170 years of experience, the YMCA of Central Ohio brings deep expertise in developing impactful community-centered spaces that respond to evolving local needs.
Strategic investments in YMCA centers in high-growth and high-need communities will:
Expand access to high-quality programs and services for individuals and families at every stage of life.
Increase access to evidence-based chronic disease prevention and management programs.
Develop more pathways for youth to stay active and engaged.
Strengthen opportunities for older adults to remain connected, healthy and supported within their communities.
One YMCA, Serving Central Ohio
The YMCA of Central Ohio serves communities throughout the region through a connected network of YMCA centers, camps and community-based locations. Each site plays a unique role in advancing our mission while working together to meet the needs of children, families and individuals across Central Ohio.
Turning Vision into Action
We will expand financial access and program reach to ensure that cost is never the reason a child misses out on opportunities.
We will grow with Central Ohio by making strategic investments in our centers to expand access, strengthen wellness and youth development programs while meeting rising community needs.
We will deepen partnerships, expand housing opportunities and invest in the resources required to ensure stability is not short-lived, but sustainable.
CHILD CARE & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Building Strong Foundations for Every Child
At the YMCA of Central Ohio, we believe strong families are the foundation for strong communities. That’s why we’re committed to walking alongside families through every stage of their journey and nurturing the potential of every child, from infants to teens and all the years in between.
As the largest child care provider in the region and a national leader in youth development, we play a critical role in helping children learn, grow and thrive, while enabling parents and caregivers to work, pursue education and strengthen their families. Our programs span early learning centers, school district partners, community centers and in-home social services, ensuring a consistent presence throughout a child’s developmental journey.
Our Youth Development programs build the foundational blocks for lifelong learning, health, positivity and critical thinking. Whether it’s early learners discovering the world in our child care centers, or teens finding belonging in our Teen Leaders programs, the YMCA creates safe, welcoming spaces where every child can reach their full potential inside and outside of the classroom.
From parent-child activities that strengthen bonds to wraparound support for working caregivers, the YMCA is a trusted partner in family life. On average, we serve nearly 5,000 families annually so parents and caregivers can have peace of mind while participating in the workforce.
IMPACT DATA
43,467 YOUTH EMPOWERED
To learn, grow and thrive across our communities
4,892 FAMILIES SUPPORTED
Through accessible, high-quality child care
EXPANDING ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY
COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE PARTNERSHIP
Supporting student success through accessible child care Opening August 2028
PARTNERING WITH DELAWARE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
To provide high-quality before & after school child care
BATTELLE INVESTMENT
To continue critical STEM initiatives through 2026
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
CHILD PROTECTION
Praesidium Accredited organization
EARLY LEARNING & CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Step Up To Quality rated programs by the State of Ohio
30 Gold Programs
13 Silver Programs
21 Bronze Programs
93% KINDERGARTEN READY
Children entering school prepared to succeed
A Year-Round Community for Every Generation
Every family’s story is different, but across Central Ohio, the YMCA is helping children and families find the support they need to grow and thrive. For Jennifer, Josh and Chris, the Y became more than a program; it became part of their family’s journey.
For Jennifer, it started as a child, when she learned to swim through YMCA preschool programs. Years later, she needed a safe place to rebuild strength after cancer treatment. Jennifer found something crafted toward her recovery in the YMCA’s Livestrong program. Today, her son attends Kindergarten Plus and the family stays active through membership at the Delaware Community Center YMCA. “The Y has been part of every stage of our lives,” Jennifer says.
For Josh, principal at Buckeye Valley West Elementary, the challenge was dependable care during before and after school hours. In Ohio, there are only three licensed child care spots for every five children who need care. Y-Club filled this gap, providing a safe and familiar environment inside his children’s school. “It puts it in an area that the kids are already comfortable in,” he says. “The convenience in and of itself is worth its weight in gold.”
What started as child care became something more. “Most of the time I have to drag them away. They’re like, ‘Can we stay longer?’ They do a good job of making it special,” he adds. When his family welcomed a foster child midyear, YMCA staff adjusted quickly, ensuring care for every child. “They were patient with him and patient with us,” he says. “I’ve seen Y-Club work with students who have challenging behavior and I’ve seen them be experts with all kids.”
For Chris, returning to civilian life after the Marine Corps meant finding a stable community for his family. The YMCA became an anchor, connecting Y-Club, summer camps, youth sports and wellness programs into one system of support. “It’s a space that’s safe, welcoming and fun, but also gives them structure and guidance,” Chris says. “Our kids are part of this community year-round.”
Across each family, the story is different, but the outcome is the same: barriers become manageable and routines become possible in ways that they weren’t before. For thousands of families like these three across Central Ohio, the YMCA creates opportunities for stability and a sense of belonging at every stage of life.
Y-Club Stories
Jennifer's Story
Josh's Story
Chris' Story
Housing & Family Stability
Meeting Urgent Needs, Building Lasting Stability
Access to health and wellness is a leading indicator of community vitality, and by prioritizing health at every stage, the YMCA of Central Ohio is shaping how our communities live, grow and thrive tomorrow.
The YMCA brings deep expertise in strengthening whole-person health throughout the lifespan, serving five generations through programs and services that build a healthy spirit, mind and body. This includes preventing and managing chronic diseases, supporting healthy aging, fostering community connections and improving mental health.
At a time when people are increasingly disconnected, YMCA community centers serve as a vital third space, a place beyond home and work where people can gather and belong while reducing rates of isolation and depression. Our centers are living hubs of civic life — spaces that strengthen the social fabric of Central Ohio.
Across five generations, our impact spans:
- Infants taking their first swim lessons, learning safety and confidence alongside caregivers
- Toddlers establishing the building blocks for lifelong learning and success in preschool programs
- Youth and teens discovering who they are through sports, summer camps, academic support and mentorship
- Young adults, parents and professionals finding community, balance and wellness through programs that meet their needs and schedules
- Seniors staying active, preventing and managing chronic diseases and improving their quality of life
173,198
MEMBERS
Improved their health and well-being through YMCA Community Center membership, with more than 2.35 million visits throughout the year
"Walking for Niles" at the Grove City YMCA
Bryan had a clear goal when he entered the Grove City YMCA: to walk beside his first born grandson, Niles. Just months earlier, that felt impossible. A severe injury left him paralyzed on his left side. After surgery and a month of intensive rehab, Bryan left the hospital using a walker, unsure how much independence he would regain.
When insurance halted his therapy sessions, Bryan wasn’t ready to accept that his recovery would pause there. He came to the Grove City YMCA, a next step he and his care team agreed would help him continue rebuilding strength.
At first, progress was slow. Walking short distances or turning without losing balance felt unreachable. But Bryan showed up every day, lifting weights, improving motor skills and circling the indoor track. With guidance from the YMCA Wellness Team, he followed a personalized post-rehabilitation program built around his previous therapy exercises, focused on restoring functional movement and fine motor control.
“Bryan has such a positive spirit and incredible dedication to his goals,” says Mitch, YMCA Wellness Experience Director. “He’s inspired our staff and members who see him show up every day and keep pushing forward.”
“I made it four times around the track yesterday without holding on once,” Bryan says. “That was a milestone.” What keeps him coming back is the community. Members share their own recovery stories, encourage him and help when he stumbles. “Every day someone tells me, ‘You’re getting better. Keep going,’” he says. “That means everything.”
Nearly a year later, Bryan walks farther than he imagined, attends group fitness classes and continues improving movement. “Because of the Grove City YMCA, I’ve been able to begin reaching my goal of walking on my own,” he says. “I feel like I’m just about there.” Today, each lap brings Bryan closer to the reason he started: walking beside Niles.
EXPANDING ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY
COLUMBUS STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE PARTNERSHIP
A state-of-the-art YMCA community center on the downtown campus
A first-of-its-kind YMCA collaboration
UNION COUNTY FAMILY YMCA PARTNERSHIP
Strengthening services across five generations of Union County residents
Expanding long-term community impact
STREET HOCKEY RINK
In Partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation and the NHL, Liberty Township/Powell has the first YMCA rink of its kind in Central Ohio
ADA-accessible space for play and connection
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
WATER SAFETY & SWIM INSTRUCTION
America’s Swim Instructor: 100+ years of teaching water safety and confidence
CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION & MANAGEMENT
In partnership with OhioHealth and OSU Wexner Medical Center
TRUSTED MUNICIPAL PARTNER
Managing and strengthening city-owned community centers for long-term, sustainable impact
City of Delaware
Liberty Township/City of Powell
City of Reynoldsburg
City of Whitehall
Housing & Family Stability
Meeting Urgent Needs, Building Lasting Stability
Strong communities are built when individuals and families have access to the support, resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Through our work in family stability, housing, inclusion and access, and emergency shelter, the YMCA of Central Ohio helps neighbors overcome barriers, navigate crises and build pathways toward long-term stability and well-being. As a trusted community partner, we implement evidence-based strategies and person-centered solutions that respond to our neighbors’ most pressing challenges.
Family Stability: Many marginalized families lack resources to maintain stability. The YMCA of Central Ohio provides Stable Families programming to help children and caregivers thrive. This includes securing housing, stabilizing finances and ensuring academic success. Through community outreach and in-home social services, families are empowered to meet their goals and reach their full potential.
Inclusion & Access: Strong communities are built on connection and access, yet many face barriers to belonging and resources. We are committed to ensuring that all people have access to the resources they need, whether it’s health services, nutritious food or financial assistance.
Emergency Shelter: Shelter is a basic need. Through the Van Buren Center Emergency Shelter, we serve as a lifeline for families, women and men experiencing homelessness, providing immediate, low-barrier access for individuals with no safe place to sleep.
Housing: With over a century providing housing services, we know that housing stability is the foundation upon which health, education and economic mobility are built. We implement national best practices and evidence-based housing strategies, addressing housing insecurity through essential programs that go beyond providing temporary relief and ensure our neighbors have a stable home and a pathway to long-term success.
TRANSFORMATIONAL INVESTMENTS
The Bezos Day 1 Families Fund awarded the YMCA of Central Ohio a $5 million grant
To strengthen housing stability across the region over the next five years, representing the largest private gift in our organization’s history
From Crisis to Home: How the YMCA Helps Families Reclaim Stability
For one woman, stability disappeared the moment she fled an unsafe situation. Elena was suddenly navigating housing insecurity, limited income and the uncertainty of rebuilding her life while working through immigration paperwork needed to secure employment.
Safe housing wasn’t just difficult to find; it felt entirely out of reach. In Columbus, there are only 27 affordable units for every 100 renters in need, and every option she faced carried risk — whether safety concerns tied to her past or financial barriers that made stability feel impossible. In the middle of that uncertainty, Elena was connected to the YMCA’s Rapid ReHousing Domestic Violence program.
YMCA case manager Andrea placed her in a shared living arrangement with a private landlord where she could stabilize while rebuilding. YMCA staff worked with Community Shelter Board’s Direct Client Assistance team to secure rental assistance during this transition, giving Elena time to obtain documentation and work authorization.
“Thank you for being delighted in my life when I thought there was no way to find the light,” Elena wrote to Andrea. “Thank you for going on this journey with me... always bringing up ideas on how we can tackle situations and how I can achieve my goals.”
“Everyone has their own barriers,” Andrea says. “With domestic violence, we also ensure housing is safe and connect clients to outside resources so they can build a safety plan and longterm stability.”
The first shift came when Elena moved into stable housing. For the first time in months, she had safety and space to breathe. “She had a sense of relief that she was somewhere safe,” Andrea says.
That stability grew again when Elena’s work visa was approved and she secured full-time employment, moving from crisis toward independence. Andrea continues to support clients with budgeting, utilities, food assistance and long-term planning so they can maintain housing on their own.
“No two journeys are the same,” she adds. For Andrea, the impact is personal. “Seeing the relief when someone is finally safe and housed — knowing they can start rebuilding — that’s what makes it meaningful,” she says. Today, Elena is safely housed, employed and rebuilding a future that once felt out of reach.
IMPACT DATA
EMERGENCY SHELTER
4,336 INDIVIDUALS (INCLUDING 885 CHILDREN)
Facing homelessness had a safe space and a warm bed while on their path to stable housing
STABLE FAMILIES
2,645 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Received resources to enhance housing stability, income and school consistency through our Stable Families program, in partnership with the Siemer Institute and United Way of Central Ohio
HOUSING STABILITY
2,435 FAMILIES
Received life-changing services to obtain and/or maintain stable housing
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
1.4M IN FINACIAL ASSISTANCE
Created opportunities of access to transformational YMCA services
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
HOUSING STABILITY SERVICES & CASE MANAGEMENT
100+ years as a community cornerstone providing stable housing and support services
Legacy of impact employing national best practices, guided by a person-centered approach
2025 Community in Action
Spirit Day, sponsored by Battelle
Outdoor Inclusive Adventures, in partnership with Franklin County Metro Parks
Van Buren Center Emergency Shelter
Liberty Township/Powell YMCA Street Hockey Rink opening, thanks to an investment from the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation and the NHL
18th Annual Ward Legacy Celebration
Nature Playscape openings at North YMCA and Hilltop YMCA, thanks to an investment from PNC Foundation
FY2025 Financial Reporting
Generating resources to strengthen communities where all people reach their full potential, the YMCA of Central Ohio is a responsible steward of public and private dollars. We secure multiple funding sources, including public resources with government entities and private partnerships with companies, individuals and families, to deliver our programs and sustain our impact.
An investment in the YMCA is an investment in the community. This includes membership, programs, child care, donations and volunteer service. Your involvement and support of the YMCA leads to a greater footprint of impact and transformation. Thank you to our dedicated staff, donors, members and volunteers for another year of tremendous impact across Central Ohio. Because of you, people experience connected communities.
Total Revenue
Public & Private Support
Contributions $4,236,451
The Bezos Day 1 Families Fund Contribution $5,000,000
United Way $1,810,759
Fees and Grants from Government Services
Federal $11,298,630
State $9,005,771
City & County $2,503,317
Community Shelter Board $2,301,846
Subtotal $25,109,564
Resident and Related Services $390,199
Other (Interest Income, realized/unrealized gains/losses, sale of assets, misc) $1,687,873
Total $38,234,846
Earned Revenue
Membership $17,645,564
Programs $12,308,259
Total $29,953,823
Total Revenue $68,188,669
The financial figures included in this report are unaudited.
Non Cash Depreciation $3,653,447
Net Cash Flow from Operations $4,905,187
Total Year-End Net Assets $86,713,019 as of 12-31-2025
Total Expense
Program Expenses
Youth Development & Child Care $22,294,258
For youth to reach their full potential
Community Centers $6,938,805
For community & individual health
Social Responsibility $20,789,396
For housing stability & access
Head Start $6,871,226
Total $56,893,685
Allocated Expenses
Support Services to Programs $8,370,116
Finance Costs $410,821
Fundraising $1,125,678
Central Ohio Youth Sports Collaborative $136,629
Total $10,043,244
total expense $66,936,929
Net Income / Change in Net Assets: $1,251,740
Total Expense $66,936,929
For a copy of the full audited financial statements, contact
development@ymcacolumbus.org
or visit ymcacolumbus.org/2025-annual-report starting August 2026
