Over the past few weeks there has been significant local discussion regarding the YMCA/JCC of Greater Toledo’s decision to close the building occupied by the South YMCA and move programs and services into the community. I would like to clear up some misperceptions.

In late July, we made a series of difficult decisions to restructure operations — the result of a sudden cut of $1.5 million in funding from the State of Ohio. Without action, the shortfall would have had an immediate and negative impact on the association’s finances. Our primary goal was to maintain all services — including our scholarship outreach and services to the central city.

As a result of intense planning by the executive committee of the board of trustees and staff leadership in the days following passage of the state budget, the YMCA determined the operational changes that would best address its financial challenge.

They included the relocation of the South Toledo YMCA Branch building. The new home of the South Toledo YMCA will be less than two miles away at the Morse Center on the University of Toledo Health Science Campus, where health and fitness programs will take place.

The YMCA/JCC has managed these programs at the Morse Center for four years, which makes the transition to that facility seamless for members. The YMCA/JCC has also provided child care services at Faith Lutheran Church and Calvary Assembly of God and are ready to welcome South YMCA kids to either of these programs. The Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center will continue to offer outreach programs. The gymnastics program will be relocated to the YMCA Sports Zone in Perrysburg. The swim team will be housed at the Eastern Community YMCA, and aquatics and some youth sports programs will be conducted at the Wolf Creek YMCA on Holland-Sylvania Road.

To avoid leaving the South Y building vacant for an extended period of time, the YMCA has agreed to affiliate with CedarCreek Church, which has been looking to extend its ministry in South Toledo.

We believe strongly that this use of the property fits with the YMCA’s Judeo-Christian mission.

Throughout the YMCA’s 144-year history, the organization has assisted many churches in their formative years. The YMCA’s goal of nourishing the body, mind and spirit was further fulfilled by a nationally recognized, one-of-a-kind merger with the local Jewish Community Center.

In determining that CedarCreek should be the new owner of the facility, several factors beyond our mission were evaluated: the church’s ability to invest up to

$2 million for improvements, compatibility with the community and the immediate neighborhood and park and the willingness to collaborate with the YMCA in the future to deliver programs in the South Toledo area.

For instance, CedarCreek Church will house the YMCA’s child care program rent free in the near future; a savings of approximately $30,000 per year.

In addition, the YMCA met with and discussed the plan with employees, as well as the gymnastics and swim team members, 80 percent of whom do not live in South Toledo. Letters were sent to members and public officials, but, because of leaks to the news media, the YMCA was not able to fully execute its planned communication effort.

These are difficult times for our region and organizations are making difficult, but important decisions. You have this pledge from us, on behalf of the entire board of trustees of the YMCA of Greater Toledo.

We are committed to keeping the YMCA an organization our community can be proud of, and we will continue to operate transparently and in the public interest.

Paul Schlatter is chairman of the board of trustees of the YMCA and JCC of Greater Toledo.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 14th, 2009 at 12:00 am and is filed under Guest Column, Opinion.
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