Message from the President & CEO Jason Brown President & CEO

Transformation and change
Fall 2008 / Winter 2009

Our charity is in the transformation business. Through our programs in health, child care, and employment we help children, youth, adults, and families in our communities transform their lives from unhealthy to healthy, from isolated to involved, from unemployed to employed, and from unsupported to supported.

In 1854, the founders of our Y could not have imagined the changes to St. John's, to Newfoundland, and to the world that would take place over the next century and a half. Similarly, in 1979 when Y leaders cut the ribbon to open our facility at 34 New Cove Road, they likely could not imagine how the Y could be called upon to respond changes to our communities and society in future decades.

The stewardship of Y leaders in 1854, to 1979, to today and all days in between, has led us to another period of change. Throughout, the Y was and is our gift to our communities. Starting with important and strategic decisions in 2005, our Board of Directors and staff have transformed our Association into a pro-active, responsive, sustainable, quality, and growing provider of urgently needed programs and services. Our Y has a very bright future.

Change is never easy, but it is necessary. If we are to fulfill our role long into the future, the Y must continue to change and adapt. We will also continue to work to help our program volunteers, advisory volunteers, members, participants, donors, and staff understand these changes and why they are necessary.

The transformation will continue over the next 20 or so months as we work to complete our campaign, start construction, and then open the new St. John's Family Y at the corner of Ridge Road and Higgins Line. When this new location opens, we will be able to increase the number of people involved in the Y, and help even more people have their lives transformed.

Thank you for being a part of the Y. Help us build the new Y and we can do so much more.

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