Last week’s program featured fellow Rotarian Paul Conley, Executive Director of the Plant City Family YMCA.  Paul opened his presentation with an illustrative story about how the YMCA changes people’s lives in real and meaningful ways.  However, like almost every other business, operations were severely affected in March 2020 when it had to close for 10 weeks.  Despite the 40% reduction in revenue last year, the YMCA remained solvent, and is now experiencing a tremendous rebound in activity and programs.

Paul spoke of the three pillars of the YMCA:

Youth Development includes sports, camps, and swim lessons.  Perhaps more than ever, kids need social interaction and outdoor activities.  Paul was happy to report that he sees kids exercising and playing together is a healthy, safe environment.

Safety Around Water, the Y’s swim program, is a week-long program that is completely free to participants.  This tremendous program is particularly important in Florida due to the number of swimming pools and lakes.  

Healthy Living focuses on the overall health of the community.  This includes access to fitness equipment, group exercise, and personal coaching/training.

Social Responsibility ensures that every family has the opportunity to join the YMCA.  Families with lower incomes have the ability to join the Y at lower rates, which are subsidized by the support from the community.  Paul reported that this year was the best fundraising year in over a decade, and is ensuring that the YMCA remains accessible to everyone.

A marquee fundraising event is the Strong Leader program and dinner, which is scheduled for August.  This year’s recipient of the Strong Leader award is fellow Rotarian Jodi Stevens.  Paul also acknowledged the Rotary Club of Plant City for their ongoing financial support of the YMCA.

Paul spoke of the future of the Plant City YMCA.  He reported that the Y is more efficient than before, and will likely have a balanced budget this year.  He is focused on staff development, and noted that the YMCA is one of the largest first-time employers for many young adults.  He strives to provide a training ground for these first-time employees so that they are better employees for future employers.

Despite about a third of the YMCAs around the country that had to close last year, the Plant City YMCA has a bright future, and Paul looks forward to continuing to serve the Plant City community.