The YMCA of Central Massachusetts is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility.
To kick-start physical activity and learning now and throughout the summer, the YMCA of Central Massachusetts is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a FREE community event for kids and families. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, features activities such as music, games, and arts and crafts to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine at home. Learn More
We are excited and proud to share that David Connell, our Y’s President and CEO, has been selected as Worcester Business Journal’s Large Nonprofit Leader of the Year!
Worcester Business Journal
By Tracee M. Herbaugh
March 4, 2024
A passion for community service and a sound background in finance have helped David Connell succeed as leader of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. He took the job just one year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a turning point shaping his vision and commitment to the people the Y serves.
The last 12 months have been strong for the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. Under Connell’s leadership, membership has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, even with the challenge of finding enough workers to employ in this growing organization.
“Not only have we rebounded with our former members, we’ve seen people using the facilities more than they ever did,” Connell said.
The Y has increased the number of youth programming options and has employed 151 teens in their first jobs.
The Y has launched its Worcester Community Capital Campaign, and over the past year has raised $6 million to complete a series of projects at the Central Community and Greendale Family Branches, which is an organizational record. This is on top of the nonprofit raising $1.3 million in annual funds.
These accomplishments are built on a framework Connell laid during the COVID-19 pandemic. The YMCA of Central Massachusetts has delivered 1.7 million meals to families since the pandemic started and was among the first to provide emergency childcare for first responders.
“We tend to forget the pandemic happened, but there was no blueprint for how to handle it,” said Jack Foley, a YMCA of Central Massachusetts board member. “David’s work put us in a good position to move forward.”
Connell has always been a dedicated advocate for community empowerment and social progress. Originally hailing from Barbados, Connell immigrated to Massachusetts during his teenage years and has since become an integral part of the local community.
He started his career at the Bank of New England, working in customer service, leading teams, and networking with nonprofits.
“It was through this process, and going to school at the same time, that I was able to move from banking to community development,” Connell said. “I was focused on how to build relationships and develop teams so that they can reach their highest potential.”
Connell has long been a YMCA volunteer, mentoring teens at the YMCA of Greater Boston. His volunteer work led to various positions on the Y’s board and eventually leadership roles with YMCA of Central Massachusetts, such as vice president and chief of human resources. In 2019, he was tapped to lead the organization as CEO, becoming the first person of color to take the job.
At the helm of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, Connell oversees a vast network of more than 1,000 employees spread across six locations and 14 program sites. Under his leadership, the organization has grown initiatives such as the Minority Achievers Program, aimed at providing college readiness support to underserved high school students.
Celebrating its 25th year, the Minority Achievers Program has seen more than 500 students from Central Massachusetts equipped with the tools and resources to pursue higher education.
“We are committed to empowering people to move to the next level,” Connell said.
Connell’s vision and emphasis on partnerships have been instrumental in ensuring the program’s longevity and impact. Within the last year, Connell and team have partnered with international YMCA locations in Haiti and Sri Lanka to help get these new facilities up and running.
Reflecting on his leadership style, Foley praised Connell for his inclusivity, professionalism, and commitment to staff development. His ability to navigate challenges while staying true to the YMCA’s mission has earned him the respect and admiration of board members, volunteers, and community partners alike, Foley said.
“He completely supports the mission of the YMCA to develop youth, healthy living, and social responsibility,” Foley said. “He believes in professional development, delegating responsibilities, and helping people grow with the organization.”
Read the original story on wbjournal.com
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (“Blue Cross”) will provide more than $350,000 to 30 not-for-profit organizations working to support people in need this winter across Massachusetts.
The not-for-profits include regional food banks, shelters, YMCAs and other groups that can deliver services to their community members directly and quickly. The unrestricted grants may be used for groceries, winter clothing, hygiene and household items, heating assistance, and other services.
“We know many people are facing tough financial decisions that can impact their health and safety,” said Jeff Bellows, vice president of corporate citizenship and public affairs at Blue Cross. “These organizations understand the neighborhood-specific needs of their communities, and we’re proud to support their important work.”
“At this moment, more individuals and families desperately need our services, while our costs are climbing higher,” said Ronald Waddell, executive director and co-founder of Legendary Legacies in Worcester. “This funding from Blue Cross is not only financial aid for our organization, but also a catalyst for us to gear up, provide targeted assistance to more people, and take a significant step forward in our mission to make a real difference in our community.”
Read the full press release here
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.org) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston.
Happy 104 Anniversary to the United Way of Central Massachusetts! Together with the YMCA of Central Massachusetts we make a difference in our community – every day! From advocacy at the State House, the Annual Day of Caring, and supporting new arrivals – to volunteer recognition, food security, and workforce development – we PARTNER and create IMPACT. Thank you, United Way!!!
One of our Mission Partners, the North Central Massachusetts Faith-Based Community Coalition (NCMFBCC), has recently updated their website. The NCMFBCC is a group dedicated to helping those in need, and helping those who cannot help themselves. They are more than just a collective or group of people trying to help the community, they are like a family that helps each other out and extends a helping hand to anyone that needs it. It is their goal to be able to help as many people as they can by providing them with warm meals, positive energy, and serve it all together with a big smile! The NCMFBCC hope to be the sun shining down on anyone’s darkest hour to light up their day.
Check out their updated website HERE
