The YMCA is a well-established nonprofit organization with a global and local history of providing accessible resources for youth and their families. Located five minutes away from Choate on 81 South Elm Street, a certain franchise has served the community of Wallingford for 77 years. In this edition of Talkin’ Business, let’s get to know the local YMCA.
As a global organization, The YMCA operates on a franchise model, which allows its members to attend whichever establishment they chose. At the same time, each YMCA franchise is financially independent, meaning that all of the money they take in is put into the business’ operations. Every individual franchise is incorporated within the recognizable YMCA brand, making it easier to target marketing towards communities. Each branch operates as a part of an association in a certain location. Wallingford’s association comprises two locations: the east side branch on South Elm Street and the west side branch on North Turnpike Road. The two associations largely share the same executive leadership. The goal of the split YMCA in Wallingford is to make its services more accessible to families in all parts of the town.
Initially convened in Wallingford’s Town Hall in 1944, the YMCA was a community center where people could play games, enjoy activities, and socialize with peers. According to YMCA Marketing and Outreach Director, Ms. Cassandra Allen, “The YMCA was created to fill a need in Wallingford for youth programs.” Although operating under the acronym “YMCA,” which stands for “Young Men’s Christian Association,” members of both sexes and non-Christian faiths were allowed to participate in activities, including theater groups, and a bowling league.
In 1953, the organization moved into its current building and expanded to include other activities. In the 1960s, a basketball court and lockers were constructed, and then around 1970, a pool was added and the branch subsequently offered swimming lessons. These features have become hallmarks of the establishment. The local YMCA is also the largest childcare provider in Wallingford with two daycare centers, in addition to before and after school programs available at every Wallingford elementary school. One of these childcare facilities is located in the southeast part of Choate’s upper campus. Math teacher, Ms. Kristen Chin recounted her experience with Choate’s YMCA sect: “I will be forever grateful to the Learning Community, not only for what my kids have learned there, but for the relationships it allowed them – and me – to build with people in the wider Wallingford community.”
One of the YMCA’s main programs, called “Upper Bound” is completely free and provides students in fourth through 12th grade with an adviser during their formative years. Participants have the opportunity to build self esteem, confidence, and social skills through YMCA activities alongside their adult mentors. “It’s designed to help students grow and develop in a constructive environment with positive role models,” said Ms. Allen. The YMCA programs are accessible and useful for children of all ages, as well. “The staff who work there do very impactfully help the young kids have a smoother transition to other programs run by the YMCA in town. For instance, my son, Cody, began Kindergarten this year at Moses Y. Beach, and because of his time at the daycare knew some of the staff members at the before and after school program he attends that is run by the YMCA,” said Ms. Chin.
To maintain their operations, the YMCA has 30 full-time employees and about 150 part-time employees. Most full-time employees work in administration, while those who work part-time tend to be athletic instructors and facilitators of daycare and school programs. YMCA is funded primarily through membership dues, which work on a sliding scale — in which members pay what is reasonable based on their income — and fundraising events, such as the recent Fishbein/YMCA 5k Run. Sofia Munoz ’23, who ran in the race said, “The YMCA was extremely organized with how the race was structured and made signing up and picking up race materials very easy. It’s awesome that they can give Wallingford residents the opportunity to participate in the race in such an easy and fun way.”
There are plenty of opportunities for Choate students to get involved in volunteering at the YMCA. For example, those who are interested in history can work in the archives at the YMCA. Other roles include setting up events and helping out with administrative work at the office. Whether it be through volunteering or participating in events, “our goal is to help bring Wallingford together,” said Ms. Allen.
