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Message
From the Chair of the Board of Directors and the President & CEO
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Jason Brown, President & CEO; Craig Rowe, Chair of the Board of Directors
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Thank you for being a part of the Y. Our Y has been in a process of change for the past several years with at least two more years of significant change to come.
It is a very exciting time to be a part of the Y – participation in programs is growing, the capital campaign continues to be successful, we are engaging more volunteers in the vital and charitable work of the Y every year, and we have a bright future.
As you likely know from previous communication, in recent months several very important milestones have been reached in the achievement of our Association’s strategic plan:
- Construction has started on the new Ches Penney Family Y at 35 Ridge Road, it is set to open in early 2011
- 34 New Cove Road has been sold, and we will remain as tenants until we can move into the new Y, now that the renovations are complete City Stars Basketball will be joining us in the building and we will be sharing some program spaces
- We have raised over $7.1 million of the $8.6 million we need to raise in the Y Strong Families Campaign
The Y is more than health fitness and recreation membership at the St. John’s Y. On the Northeast Avalon we operate health, employment, and child care at 30 locations and growing. One of the many wonderful things about the Y is whether you've been involved for 25 years or just started today everyone is equal.
Together, we are working to change the Association to the benefit of everyone. As we continue on our process of change we will continue training staff and volunteers to manage change carefully and with sensitivity. We’ll also schedule two information sessions a year. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to talk to the General Manager or Duty Manager at your Y location, or contact Y staff right away.
Check out our website www.ynortheastavalon.com for construction pictures, media releases, drawings of the new Y, and other news. You can also sign up for e-updates or submit a comment card.
Again, thank you for being a part of the Y,
Craig Rowe, Chair, Board of Directors and Project Committee
Jason Brown, President and CEO
jbrown@ynortheastavalon.com
709-754-2982 ext. 41
Past messages
Annual Report 2005/2006
Communication Update
Communication and consultation
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Communication and consultation has been a very important part of our process of change in ensuring the Y is part of life in our communities for another 155 years and more. From the initial work on our strategic planning in 2004, the Board of Directors and staff have strived to take a very consultative and communicative approach. We feel good about progress so far, our most recent member survey shows a 19% increase in satisfaction in this area.
While it is impossible to satisfy everyone with decisions made, we can assure you all major decisions have been and will be made after a consultation and that sincere feedback is considered and appreciated.
Our most recent information session in September, 2009 was very helpful in identifying some things that can improve as we continue to consult and communicate during this time of significant change. We’ll schedule two information sessions a year as another way to keep people up to date, answer questions, and seek feedback.
As part of our annual plan and based on feedback, over the next several weeks and months you will notice some new communication, consultation, and comment tools being introduced at sales and service desks, at Y locations, and on our website:
- New postcard to drive traffic to our website, the website is updated weekly
- New e-update and e-comment card functions on our website
- This new electronic newsletter
- New postcard to ensure universal understanding about voting membership
- New signage system at Y locations
- Additional involvement by advisory committees
- Updated FAQ sheet on our website
Our landlord at 34 New Cove Road has completed renovations, the posted program September, 2009 to June, 2010 schedule lists all programs currently available to program members. We are confident that sharing the gymnasium will work, however there may be some initial growing pains:
- There are very few changes to previous September-June program schedules
- We have responded to member feedback in as many areas as possible
- The newly renovated gymnasium and 2nd and 3rd floor areas look great and support Y programs as long as we are in the building
To strengthen the changes made to our volunteer program so all volunteers in all areas are trained, supported, recognized, and receive benefits equally, we will do everything we can:
- To support and supervise our volunteers
- To ensure attendance at regular meetings and recognition events
- To introduce some new recognition awards
- Ensure 2 or 3 annual volunteer meetings in all areas
We are also introducing a new etiquette statement approved by the Board of Directors to help everyone understand what is expected of their behaviour while they are involved with the Y:
“The Y is a shared experience for everyone to enjoy. Each of us can make it better for all by being considerate to others. Y members, participants, clients, visitors, staff and volunteers all pledge to treat one another with respect and dignity.”
We are hopeful, that as we change and grow, as many people as possible who have involvement with the Y choose to remain involved.
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Meeting Notes - Neighbourhood Consultation - June 18, 2008
Neighbourhood Consultation - June 18, 2008
Meeting Notes from Member Consultation - March 27, 2008
Member Consultation - March 27, 2008 (7:30 PM)
Y Stories
Fun and security at Y camp
Note from a Y parent, Nathan's mom:
I just wanted to throw a bouquet to the Y for the wonderful summer program. My 9 year old son Nathan attended the Easter camp and summer camp held at the Mount Pearl Y on Holden Street. He thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a tremendous sense of security knowing that he was in the care of responsible young people who involved the children in lots of fun activities and provided good supervision. I wanted to say thank you!
The Y offers both in-city and outdoor day camp programs every summer. In the summer of 2009 over 950 children and youth were involved in fun, educational values based Y day camps.
A business dream comes true
Structure Wardrobe and Styling
When Jessica Mealey and Katie Burke were ten year old school friends in St. John’s, NL they dressed Barbie dolls. Fifteen years later, at the height of economic uncertainty, they would open a boutique and go into business dressing full-figured women and fulfil a business dream for both of them. Their business, located in Churchill Square, is a plus size clothing boutique for women and is now six months old and thriving! More than just a clothing store, Structure Wardrobe and Styling is a place where full-figured women can go for one-on-one style consultations and make up tips.
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After deciding on the concept for their business venture, Jessica and Katie went to the Y for help and consultation on the development of their business plan. At the Y they met with a Y business consultant who helped with the financial aspects of their plan and advice on seeking sources of funding. Jessica and Katie are really grateful for the help they received from the Y and feel it is a great resource for anyone who wants to start their own business. |
Y program members benefit from Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion
People living with spinal cord injury in St. John’s now have access to state of the art exercise equipment thanks to the YMCA-YWCA and Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion, presented by Scotiabank.
In partnership with the Miller Centre, Eastern Health, a portion of the funds raised at the 2008 Wheels In Motion event have been used to purchase an Upper-Tone Exercise System, which allows individuals with spinal cord injuries to utilize the equipment without any assistance from others.
“It is incredibly important for people living with SCI and related disabilities to live active and healthy lives,” says Sherry Thompson, Y General Manager, Health, Fitness & Recreation. “Thanks to the support of Wheels In Motion, we are now able to provide increasingly independent exercise opportunities for people living in our community.”
Wheels In Motion brings communities together and touches the lives of thousands of Canadians with spinal cord injury every year. Funds raised by Wheels In Motion support projects that respond to the priority needs of Canadians living with SCI through local customized solutions and national initiatives that help improve the quality of life of people with SCI.
Front: Dion Regular, Rick Hansen Ambassador, St. John's, NL. Back L-R: Cecil Templeman, Representing CPA Board of Directors; Randy White, Y Member and Volunteer; Michelle Northover, Director, Development, YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon; Norman Dawe, Scotiabank; Jennifer Shears, St. John's Wheels in Motion Event Leader, Miller Centre.
Program Highlight
Do you know SAM?
 SAM stands for Serving All Members.
It is a customer satisfaction service program that was designed by YMCA Canada in 1995 after a four year study about how to best serve Y members.
Each year current Y adult members are randomly surveyed via email to collect member feedback, identify trends/best practices, monitor progress and stimulate action. In 2008, 108 members out of 402 survey invitations responded. Your latest SAM results are below:
- Since 2006 almost all SAM standard service areas have increased in score ( 27 out of 32 items show positive changes)
- We scored better than national average in the number of donors/volunteers, value for fee, certainty to renew and overall satisfaction- this is great!
Top 5 Areas of Improvement Over 2006 Scores
| Members are consulted about changes |
+19 % |
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My complaints are handled in a timely manner
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+18 % |
| My property is safe at the Y |
+ 9 % |
| Staff are well informed |
+ 8 % |
| Information is readily available |
+ 8 % |
Actions your Y has taken:
- Consulted with Y Advisory Committees and staff for strategies to improve
- Designed our current program guide focused on member convenience
- Reviewed and modified staff and volunteer schedules to be more accessible to members during prime times and implemented a new Duty Manager system to have a consistent person each day to support members and staff
- Continued to offer YMCA Fitness Leadership courses to encourage more members to become volunteers to assist with member orientations in the conditioning center and fitness class leaders
- Trained all membership sales and service staff and program staff with the YMCA Individual Conditioning Level 1 course to be able to deliver orientations and answer basic fitness questions
- Revised cleaning and maintenance checklists, staff levels and products were using in addition to tracking high periods of member traffic to have all facilities fresh throughout the day
Campaign Milestones
Groundbreaking and naming donor ceremony
Strong Families Campaign Project Committee standing with Mr. Penney at the Groundbreaking Ceremony. L-R: Laurie Clouston, Co-Chair Communications Committee, Scott Giannou, Co-Chair Communications Committee, Sharon Horan, Chair Capital Campaign Cabinet, Jason Brown, CEO, Ches Penney, Chairman of the Penney Group of Companies, Craig Rowe, Board Chair and Jerry Kirkland, Chair Building Committee, missing from photo, Sharon Sparkes, Board Treasurer
On Monday June 8, 2009, the YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon held a special ceremony to break ground and to announce a $1 million gift given by Ches Penney and the Penney Group of Companies. The new building will be named the Ches Penney Family Y.
“My family and our companies have done well in business, and this is our way of giving back. I am happy to be here today to make this announcement public and to be a part of building the new Y for generations of children, youth, and families and to encourage others to give” says Ches Penney, Chairman of the Penney Group.
The campaign will continue throughout construction. It is anticipated the Ches Penney Family Y will open the spring of 2011. At approximately 50,000 sq ft, the facility will include an aquatics centre, change rooms, employment and enterprise centre, child care centre, gymnasium, exercise facilities, offices, and community space.
Thank you to the Penney Family for your generous donation and thank you to everyone who joined us for this exciting ceremony!
Construction Update
Footings, foundations and concrete…let it pour!
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On September 4, 2009, the first of the cement trucks arrived to pour the concrete for the footings for the pool area!
This was an exciting moment – over the course of the project there will be hundreds of pours of concrete to form the foundations for the new Ches Penney Family Y.
Construction photos
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Special Events
YMCA World Peace Week
YMCA World Peace Week is an annual YMCA Canada event to celebrate and promote peace and peace building in communities across Canada and around the world. Each year the YMCA in Canada dedicates a week of programming in November to explore and facilitate peacemaking from a personal, community, and international perspective.
The YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon is proud to participate in the 22nd Annual YMCA World Peace Week from November 21 - 28, 2009. Ys across Canada will be recognizing Peace Makers in their communities and hosting a Peace Week Breakfast to award the YMCA Peace Medallion to a local peace maker.
This year's Peace Week Breakfast will be held at the Holiday Inn on Friday, November 27, 2009, 7:30 - 8:30 am. All are welcome to attend!
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Update
What is the Y doing to help decrease the spread of the H1N1 virus?
In addition to our constant attention to providing healthy, safe program locations, we are regularly tracking and following the advice of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Clean, cover, and contain posters have been posted at all locations.
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Additional hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed in all locations.
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We are working with Eastern Health in our licensed child care locations to follow any new guidelines.
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We are ensuring we are following Eastern Health standards in cleaning and sanitizing dishes, toys and surfaces in our licensed child care locations.
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Surfaces, program equipment, toys, phones, keyboard, and door knobs are scheduled for more day time cleaning in addition to night cleaning in all locations.
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Additional communication with program participants and families will be done as necessary.
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Staff and volunteers will receive regular updates as information changes.
For more information click on the following link:
YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon
Our Mission
The YMCA-YWCA is a charity that provides opportunities for all to grow in spirit, mind, and body.
Our Vision 2010
The YMCA-YWCA will be a leading charity providing access to all in employment, child care, and health programs.
YMCA-YWCA Core Values
Caring - Honesty - Respect - Responsibility - Health - Inclusiveness
The Y is a charity that builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
Make a difference for someone today! Go to www.ymcastrongkids.ca to read the latest stories, and to find out how you can make a difference in the life of a child or youth in your community.
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health fitness & recreation
employment & enterprise services
voluntarism & philanthropy
children’s services
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YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon
P.O. Box 21291, St. John's, NL A1A 5G6 Ph. 709-754-2982 Fax 709-754-2870
www.ynortheastavalon.com> Charitable Registration # 108225533RR0001
If you have any questions or comments, or to remove your name from our mailing list, please e-mail us at info@ynortheastavalon.com
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