Founders Report

Founder’s Progress Report
January 2009

The Northfield Area Family YMCA (NAFY) begins its third year of programming in 2009, marking an exciting yet critical time in its development.  Participation in our programs continues to grow, a new Health and Wellness center has been opened, and the NAFY is making preparations for a capital campaign to fund the construction of a new facility in the near future.

Thanks to our founding and annual campaign donors, dedicated staff and volunteers, the NAFY has come a long way in a short amount of time.

Our accomplishments to date:
• 81 individuals and businesses supported the Founders Campaign, raising over $430,000 to cover the start-up costs of the NAFY.
• More than 900 individuals have participated in NAFY programs offered in 2007 through 2008.
• More than 400 individuals have become NAFY members, giving themselves access to healthier living and providing necessary support for the future growth of the NAFY.
• There were 1,516 visits to our new Health and Wellness center from Sept – Dec 2008.
• The NAFY hosts many family friendly events throughout the year including the Healthy Kids Day, Daddy Daughter Dance, Fall Classic 5K, Teen Nights and Kids Night Outs.
• The NAFY collaborates with many community organizations. Some program partners include the Northfield Armory, Northfield Soccer Association, Northfield Public Schools Community Services Division, Northfield Hospital, Just Foods Co-op, and the Northfield Retirement Community.
• The NAFY provided 1 full and 62 part-time jobs to area adults and youth in 2008.
• Hundreds of volunteers have been engaged in NAFY programs, policy making and events.

Future Plans for the Northfield Area Family YMCA

The NAFY board and community volunteers are continuing to promote its mission by setting in place the foundational work necessary for the construction of a full facility. We are working with the guidance and support of the YMCA of the USA, which has built more than 2,700 YMCAs nationally. The national organization’s track record of success and its established planning process, plus our amazing group of local volunteer leaders, has set us off on a well-traveled path.

Soon the NAFY will conduct an important feasibility study to determine if there are sufficient funds are available through private donors to execute a Capital Campaign. The NAFY has hired a professional firm to guide this process. Due to the national economic crisis, this feasibility study has been placed on hold for now. In the meantime, substantial work is being done by volunteer committees such as developing a visual representation of the future building, determining potential sites for its construction, and learning the best practices for fundraising.

The strength of an independent YMCA is directly related to the support it receives from its community. So far, the Northfield Area Family YMCA has received tremendous support but it is important to note that the future of the organization depends totally on the wishes of the community. The more individuals that become members now, participate in programs now, donate to our campaigns now and become involved now, the brighter the future will be for the Northfield Area Family YMCA!

Thank you for your support!