Frank's Letter | 2022 Annual Report

Dear Y Family and Friends,

As we reflect on the past year, we are so grateful for the ways in which our community has shown up for each other. It has been another year of remarkable progress and growth at the YMCA of Greater Seattle, and we are so proud to share our successes with you all.

Through the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and donors, we have made great strides toward Vision 2025. Our vision aims to strengthen our impact and help youth and families thrive. Together we are creating a world where young people have safe and stable housing with programs through the Y Social Impact Center, where all parents have access to quality, affordable child care through our Early Education and Before and After-School Enrichment programs, and where every child has equitable access to opportunities to reach their full potential. Your support has helped the programs and initiatives to support the holistic health and wellness of our community and expanded our reach to serve more people in need.

One of the most exciting developments of the past year has been the growth of our camp properties. With the acquisition of YMCA Mineral Lake Camp and the  Beebe and Curtis properties, we have expanded our capacity to provide transformative experiences for young people and families. These properties offer opportunities for outdoor exploration, personal growth, and community building, and we are thrilled to be able to offer them to our community.

As we look toward the future, we are eager to continue building on these successes and expanding our impact. We remain committed to advancing equity and justice for all, becoming an antiracist organization, and living our Y mission and values every day, all of which fuel our work. We are dedicated to creating communities where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential. We believe that with your support, we can achieve this goal.

Our impact in community has never been achieved alone. We invite you to join us as we continue to pursue a world where every child has equitable access to opportunities to foster their gifts and interests toward a brighter future. With your continued support, we can make this vision a reality and ensure that everyone at every age receives the resources needed to live productive, healthy, empowered, and happy lives.

It’s my distinct pleasure to serve as the Board Chair for this great organization. As my time as Chair winds down, I ask that you welcome and fully support the next board chair, Alison Prince, with your time, talent, and treasure, as you’ve so willingly supported me over the last three years. Thank you for being a part of our journey toward a better, brighter future. We cannot do it without you.

Sincerely,

Frank X. Shaw, Board Chair, YMCA of Greater Seattle