The YMCA of Central Massachusetts and the Montachusett Regional YMCA have combined to offer four branches serving about 60 communities in the central and northern Worcester County region. Raymond Quinlan, board chair of the YMCA of Central Mass, and John Doyle past board president of the Montachusett Regional Y, say the merger went into effect Sept. 30 and capped more than a year’s worth of planning.
According to a press release, the process started in October 2010, when a task force was charged with exploring and evaluating the sharing of resources, services and management.
“We are thrilled and excited to move ahead as one united entity,” says Kathryn Zingg Hunter, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Mass and CEO of the new association. “Because of the collaborative relationship that already existed and the potential to provide greater impact in both service areas, it made sense for our organizations to join together to more effectively address critical community needs.”
The new arrangement calls for the Montachusett Regional YMCA Fitchburg facility to become the fourth branch in the association, joining the Central Community and Greendale family branches in Worcester and the Boroughs family branch in Westborough. Jeffrey Stephens will serve as the chair of the Montachusett Community Branch Board of Governors and will have a seat on the Board of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, along with new Directors John Doyle, Elisha Erb and Ross Dik. David Connell, regional executive director, will manage the day-to-day operations of the new Montachusett Community Branch and will also continue to provide leadership at the Central Community Branch.
“The Montachussett Regional Y is very pleased with this outcome and we look forward to advancing the Y’s cause in the communities we serve, as well as throughout Central Massachusetts,” says Doyle.
The YMCA of Central Massachusetts’ headquarters will remain at 766 Main St. in Worcester. In the coming months, the combined association will announce further benefits of this unique partnership.
Source: worcestermag.com
