Message From Our CEO

 

It is my honor to serve as the 5th CEO of the Athens YMCA - a Y that has been dedicated to its community since 1857. For more than a century and a half, we've remained a constant in Athens and the surrounding counties, always committeed to strengthening the spirit, mind, and body of every person who walks through our doors. 

Our building, now over 55 years old, has been the backdrop for countless stories of growth, friendship, and transformation. Today, it is bustling with activity from early morning until late levening - filled with children, families, professionals, active seniors, and community partners. But the needs of our community have outgrown the space designed over five decades ago.

We are blessed with land and a 90,000 square-foot-facility, but this building is showing its age. Our Y is not simply bricks and mortar - it is a feeling of belonging, of safety, and of community. But we must care for the bricks and mortar to keep that feeling alive. The building is the tool that allows our mission to thrive, and it must be renewed so the Athens YMCA remains alive and relevant for generations to come. The babies being born today may one day need this Y as their second home, just as so many have before them. They are the heart of this project. We are committed to making sure the Athens Y is here for everyone who needs it. 

That's why we have launched the Building Community Campaign.

This $9.3 million effort will be carried out in three phases, beginning now with Phase One. Together, these improvements will not only preserve the Athens YMCA's legacy but also position us to serve generations to come. 

I invite you to envision the future with us. The following pages outline how your YMCA will continue to be a place of belonging, wellness, and community impact. 

With gratitude,

Shae Wilson, CEO Athens YMCA