A Message from the Board Chair and President & CEO
Every day, across our communities, the Y makes an impression—through the people we serve, the leaders we develop, and the connections we strengthen.
Over the past year, the YMCA of Greater Hartford has demonstrated how it continues to evolve after nearly 175 years of service. That evolution is intentional. It builds upon a strong foundation shaped by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, members, and donors, while responding directly to the emerging needs of the communities we serve. For generations, the Y has approached each challenge with a simple and enduring question: How can we help?
What stands out most this year is not only progress, but also momentum. Across our Association, there is renewed energy and a shared belief in what is possible. With strengthened leadership, an engaged Board of Directors, and a bolstered team, we are not simply maintaining our impact—we are accelerating it. We are investing in early childhood education, launching thoughtful master planning across our branches and camps, and reimagining how our facilities serve evolving neighborhoods, including downtown Hartford. Where others might see uncertainty, we see opportunity.
The Y also remains steadfast in stepping up where there is a gap. Whether supporting seniors facing isolation, helping families navigate financial challenges, expanding access to camp, or ensuring that cost is never an obstacle to membership, our commitment is clear. If we are not the sole provider, we are the partner, the convener, or the catalyst. We find a way.
At its core, however, the Y remains what it has always been: a community. It is a place where people build their health, form lasting friendships, and discover a deeper sense of belonging and purpose. The impressions made within our walls are lasting—individuals arrive seeking one thing and leave having found much more: confidence, connection, even a renewed sense of identity. At the Y, people do more than participate. They belong. They develop their own community.
It is often said that eight out of ten people have a YMCA story. That statistic is inspiring—and an invitation. The Y should not be something experienced only in childhood and left behind. It should be a lifelong partner in health, connection, and purpose.
The impressions captured in these pages reflect more than moments. They represent a legacy—one we are proud to carry forward and even more excited to build upon.
In closing, we ask ourselves, “If not the Y, then who?”
With gratitude,
Jim Martin, Board Chair
Jim O'Rourke, President & CEO