Page 12 - 2024 Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Annual Report

FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
DEAR FRIENDS,
Thanks to the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, passionate volunteers and
the generosity of our donors, we celebrated another milestone year at the Tampa
Metropolitan Area YMCA.
We are making significant
progress on our strategic
plan, launched last year, which
continues to guide our decision-
making efforts. Notably,
we have made remarkable
advancements on several capital
projects, including our Tampa
Heights development. The
redevelopment of our Tampa Heights properties will
not only allow us to provide a new, state-of-the-art
YMCA for our central city community, but it will also
position us to better serve this vibrant neighborhood
for generations to come. Additionally, our 18,000
square foot Spurlino Family YMCA gymnasium
addition is nearing completion, addressing a crucial
community need and enabling us to provide even more
impactful programs to a South County community that
continues to experience substantial growth. We’re
also excited that our new Wesley Chapel YMCA has
entered its preconstruction phase. This new facility
will allow us to serve the needs of one of the fastest-
growing communities in our region. When we say we
are Building Community, we mean it – it’s at the heart
of everything we do.
Furthermore, a key strategic priority for the Tampa
Y is to fill critical community voids. And this year, we
launched two licensed preschools. Preparing youth
for success is a fundamental objective for our Y. Both
locations, YMCA Camp Sierra and the Central City
YMCA, offer evidence-based curricula dedicated to
promoting children’s social, emotional and physical
well-being. They’re led by certified/experienced
childcare staff ensuring the highest quality of
education/care. It’s a perfect environment to see a
child learn, grow and thrive.
Another opportunity for children to thrive is in the all-
new Thrivers Club. A 12-week youth cancer survivor
program, Thrivers uses low-impact physical activity
to help develop coordination and decrease fatigue
from cancer treatment. It offers much-needed respite
for caregivers with free Y memberships for the entire
family. This membership allows the parents/siblings of
our young Thrivers to enjoy/connect through many Y
programs.
This past year, Tampa Y programs and community
outreach events impacted 281,407 children, teens,
adults, senior citizens, cancer survivors, chronically
ill community members, at-risk youth, infants and
toddlers. We served 714,826 healthy meals and
nutritional snacks to kids through the Y’s out-of-
school meal programs. And for the ninth year, our
Veggie Van - a mobile marketplace – served 32,465
kids, seniors and families living in food deserts with
162,628 meals.
I’m proud to share - we invested $13,299,895 back
into the community through financial assistance,
subsidized programming and community reinvestment
to help ensure every child can pursue their fullest
potential at the Y regardless of their family’s financial
capacity. Also, we continue to serve as a gathering
place FOR ALL as neighbors support one another in
their health/well-being journey. Everyone’s welcome
at the Y regardless of age, race, religion or physical
capacity.
Tampa Bay’s trust is not something we take lightly. We
work diligently to ensure we’re good stewards of our
resources. Again, your Tampa YMCA impacted over
250,000 individuals in 2024, strengthening the region
and building a brighter future for kids and families.
Thank you to our Governance Board, Center Advisory
Boards, volunteers, donors and especially our great
staff, for their dedication/commitment to support our
neighborhoods. I’m excited as we work together to
empower our community to reach its healthiest and
most fulfilled life.
With appreciation,
Matt Mitchell
President & CEO
813.224.9622
11 | TAMPA METROPOLITAN AREA YMCA | ANNUAL REPORT 2024