Tuesday 11 February 2025
Ottawa YMCA launches 5-year strategic plan
by Godwin Ifedi, Editor
Over 50 people from various government and non-government agencies and community partners were in attendance at the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre on Isabella Street to witness the launch of the YMCA National Capital Region strategic plan for the period 2025- 2023. In the unavoidable absence of President and Chief Executive Officer Trevor McAlmont, Manager of People and Culture, Health, Fitness and Aquatics; Child Care; and Corporate Services, Morgan Bello, presented the plan, which consisted of four strategic directions:
- Ignite Potential: Across our programs and services, we operate with the belief that every individual has a ‘spark’ within, and with the right supports, engagement and opportunities, they can be strengthened and empowered toward their full potential. Result: People supported by and those working for the YMCA are strengthened through value-based engagements and responsive approaches (as measured by at least half of respondents).
- Innovate to the Highest Standards: Our aim is to go above and beyond and bring the highest level of service quality utilizing our specialized and highly skilled workforce with a focus on user experience, evidence-based practices and data informed programing. Result: All YMCA services are grounded in standards for excellence, rooted in inclusive, diverse and responsive practise with a focus on results-based accountability.
- Enhance Impact: Utilizing our unique and comprehensive approaches, we will continue meeting the outcomes of client satisfaction through our collaborative partnerships. We will strengthen our response to the many emerging conditions of the community, and increase our profile and impact in the important areas of newcomers, employment, housing, child-youth development and wellness. Result: The YMCA of the National Capital Region has a wide-ranging presence throughout Ottawa-Gatineau and surrounding regions significantly impacting the basic needs and social determinants of health of children, individuals and newcomers.
- Maximize Growth: Building on our 150 years of resilience, we will advance our capabilities toward a sustainable future through modernization and innovative infrastructure planning. Result: The YMCA of the National Capital Region exemplifies a balanced financial picture that allows it to accomplish its mission and meet its budget, by demonstrating sustainability, growing revenues, controlling expenses, and maintaining strong cash flow, and cash reserves.
With Laurie Mezger, Manager of People and Culture as MC, other members of the YMCA Senior Management team shared their perspectives on the future direction of the agency. These included: Katie Sexton, Vice President of Employment and Newcomer Services; and Anne Butler, Chair of the YMCA National Capital Region’s Board of Directors. A pivotal part of the morning was a testimonial from a YMCA client, Merveille Kalemba, who spoke eloquently of the invaluable services he had received from the agency, following his arrival in Canada from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
For more information about the National Capital Region YMCA, visit: Home Page | YMCA of the National Capital Region
