YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg

Strategic Plan 2025 & Beyond

Everything we do at the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is centered around our community. We have created a roadmap to guide us in a direction that is forward-looking, sustainable, flexible and allows us to meet our community’s needs. Our plan includes three goals, each with three strategies, focused on delivering our best to those whom we serve. Within each of these goals, we will strive to be good stewards of our resources, practicing operational discipline to ensure financial sustainability and organizational soundness.

 

Learn about our Strategic Advantages. 

 

Keep scrolling to learn how we're working towards achieving these goals, or click on a specific goal to jump to that section.

Last updated February 2025

 

 
Strategic Plan Goal

GOAL 1: Be your Employer of Choice

Strategic Plan Goal
GOAL 1: Be your Employer of Choice

Strategy 1

Invest time and resources to recruit and retain top talent while developing the next generation of leaders.
Recruiting and Retaining Talent: Thoughts from Carla Struckhoff, Director of Human Resources

Recruiting and Retaining Talent: Thoughts from Carla Struckhoff, Director of Human Resources

Director of Human Resources Carla Struckhoff beams with pride when she speaks of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg as a distinguished employer. Both full- and part-time staff at the YMCA receive great benefits, which play a substantial role in the acquisition of new staff as well as retention. Some of these include a 12% retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off, discounted preschool fees, free before-and-afterschool childcare, free YMCA membership and more. TEACH scholarship opportunities are available to Youth Development staff as well. Part-time staff even receive dental and life insurance benefits—perks virtually unheard of in the world of part-time employment. Read More »

Cultivating Talent to Advance Youth Development in our Community

Cultivating Talent to Advance Youth Development in our Community

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg strives to build and execute services, programs and opportunities that better the lives of our local youth. From our YMCA Preschool Academies and Before-and-Afterschool programs to our Summer Camps and Summer Bridge programs, our Y helps provide the foundation to grow our children into our leaders of tomorrow. Read More »

Now Hiring for Full-Time and Part-Time Preschool Teachers and Assistants

Now Hiring for Full-Time and Part-Time Preschool Teachers and Assistants

We are currently hiring teachers and teacher assistants at our YMCA Preschool Academies. Join our team of fun and energetic individuals providing a safe and educational environment for our students. This is an excellent opportunity to become a part of a mission-driven organization that offers training, development, growth potential, health and retirement benefits. Ideal candidates will have a positive attitude, creative personality and excellent classroom management skills. Watch Video »

Speer YMCA Preschool Academy's Ms. Robinson recognized as A+ Teacher

Speer YMCA Preschool Academy's Ms. Robinson recognized as A+ Teacher

With 32 years in the classroom, Irish Robinson has mastered the art of using creativity and energy to keep her preschoolers engaged. Known for her tireless work ethic, this veteran educator is pursuing her master's degree in early childhood education. Learn why this Speer YMCA Preschool Academy teacher was recognized as a Bay News 9 A+ Teacher, and how her passion for education helps students prepare for the next big step. Read More or Watch Video »

Two staff members receive Praesidium Guardian™ Certification

Two staff members receive Praesidium Guardian™ Certification

Kierstin Wimberly, Director, Bardmoor YMCA Preschool Academy, and Octavia Youngblood, District Director, School-Age Programs, have become certified experts who have demonstrated the ability to implement practices that lead to a safer environment by developing and maintaining abuse prevention skills. Our Guardians are dedicated to educating staff and the larger community on how to recognize and prevent child abuse. Learn more »

Strategy 2

Create meaningful recognition that reinforces employees’ impact on the organization and the community we serve.
Employee Satisfaction and Appreciation Through the STAR Award Recognition Program

Employee Satisfaction and Appreciation Through the STAR Award Recognition Program

The STAR Award Recognition Program is a unique tactic by which the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg supports employee satisfaction and retention. Providing recognition for surpassing job expectations or achieving special accomplishments, STAR Awards can be submitted by any YMCA staff member and can nominate any YMCA staff member, regardless of rank, position or department. These special awards are designed to honor exceptional contribution to the Y’s efforts, as well as encourage and motivate staff to reach their truest full potential. Read More »

Celebrating Staff Milestones

Celebrating Staff Milestones

We believe hard work should be recognized and we thank all of our loyal staff. That's why, we recognize and celebrate staff who reach milestones within their work experience with us. When staff reach employment milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years with us or more, we celebrate! We know that when our staff is happy, they are productive, positive and provide top service to our members, campers and program participants.

YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg 6th Annual Celebration of Impact

Celebration of Impact

YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg recently celebrated its 6th annual Celebration of Impact to recognize employees and volunteers who went above and beyond in 2023 to bring the Y's mission to life. Y staff, along with volunteers and Board Members, gathered to reflect on the outcomes of their collective efforts, including serving more than 20,000 members, thousands of youth and families across southern Pinellas County through Y programs and serve. Read More»

Staff members recognized for excellence

Staff members recognized for excellence

Alice Perez, Grant Compliance Director, and Kieran Gabel received statewide recognition through the YMCA Professional Network at its annual gathering. Alice received the Rising Star Award, given to outstanding individuals who show exceptional promise during their first three years of employment. She was recognized for her dedication, commitment, and skill in her role and promise as a future leader. Kieran, Community Health Director, received the Cause-Driven Leader of the Year award. She has inspired and mobilized Members, volunteers, staff, and the community to push toward a healthier future. Her passion and dedication to community health have truly made a lasting impact.

Strategy 3

Foster an organizational culture that promotes trust, wellbeing, safety, diversity and inclusion – a culture that employees are proud to endorse.
Dedicated Web Page Aims to Prevent Child Abuse Through Awareness

YMCA Child Abuse Prevention Web Page

During the nationwide Five Days of Action, we launched a web page dedicated to abuse prevention that outlines how we, together, can keep children safe. As the nation's largest school-age childcare provider, our most important work includes ensuring their safety and well-being — it is foundational to everything we do at the Y to help them learn, grow and thrive. View Web Page »

Our Y's participate in We Wear Rainbow Day

We Wear Rainbow

YMCAs across the nation celebrated "We Wear Rainbow Day" and our staff joined in showing their support! At the Y, Pride Month is an opportunity to live up to our mission of providing a safe, welcoming community for all. See it on Facebook»

Y Staff Represent Association at St. Pete Pride Event

Y Staff Represent Association at St. Pete Pride Event

Staff took time to celebrate St. Pete Pride and the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg with a booth at the Youth and Family Day event. At YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, we are dedicated to fostering a culture that promotes the goals of accepting, respecting and valuing differences among all members, staff, volunteers and guests, and creates a welcoming environment to ensure the YMCA experience is inclusive and open to all. See it on Facebook »

 
Strategic Plan Goal

GOAL 2: Be your Organization of Choice

Strategic Plan Goal
GOAL 2: Be your Organization of Choice

Strategy 1

Promote and provide a YMCA experience that is unlike any other - one that is known for excellent service, meaningful relationships and valued benefits.
Membership Testimonial Video

Membership Testimonial Video

In this video, YMCA Members explain how the Y helped them thrive through 2021, and what the Y means to them. Watch »

A YMCA is close to you no matter where you are

A YMCA is close to you no matter where you are

When Speer YMCA opened in December 2023, residents of north St. Petersburg, as well as current members, gained access to all the same great programs and services provided at the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA and the Bardmoor YMCA - and more! The community was ready for this facility - in its first four months of operation, it reached its annual goal for membership, serving more than 3,000 new Members. Now, between the three YMCA Wellness Centers, members in southern Pinellas County will never be more than 15 minutes away from a YMCA and the resources offered. Read More »

Bardmoor YMCA Preschool Academy Earns National Accreditation

Bardmoor YMCA Preschool Academy Earns National Accreditation

Bardmoor YMCA Preschool Academy celebrated a significant milestone in May 2024, having been awarded accreditation by the National Accreditation Commission for Early Care and Education Programs. The commission accredits over 1,300 programs across 35 states and beyond, and is a respected body in early childhood education.  Read More or Watch Video »

Strategy 2

Deliver high-quality, affordable programs that meet the community’s evolving needs.
Summer Camp Video

Summer Camp Video

During Summer Camp at the YMCA, children have the opportunity to make friends, have fun, get active and build confidence through a variety of options. In 2024, the number of campers participating in our summer specialty camps grew for the fourth year in a row! See our campers in action! Watch Video»

YMCA adds esports at Speer YMCA

 YMCA adds esports at Speer YMCA

In response to the ever-growing reliance on technology, this innovative initiative aims to provide the community with a space for responsible gaming, skill development and multi-generational engagement. Read More »

Strategy 3

Build collaborative relationships with organizations and businesses to actively contribute in solving community challenges.
Childs Park Hosts Prodigy Cultural Arts Program

 Childs Park Hosts Prodigy Cultural Arts Program

Every day, over 16 million youth in America leave school and go home to an empty house. Those who are most vulnerable are often at risk of delinquent behavior and lack the encouragement, social shaping and life skills essential to becoming healthy, productive adults. The Prodigy Cultural Arts Program is a research proven, diversion, intervention and prevention program that provides a safe arena where youth learn effective communication, problem solving and conflict resolution skills through visual and performing cultural arts. Read More »

YMCA commits to significant expansion in Early Childhood Education

YMCA commits to significant expansion in Early Childhood Education

The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg is expanding early childhood education services at area YMCA Preschool Academies to meet the growing demand for safe and accredited childcare. The plans for expansion, which include additional rooms for toddlers and infants, reflect the organization's dedication to nurturing young minds in our community. Read More »

Partnership comes to fruition with the opening of Speer YMCA/Mangrove Bay Middle School campus

Partnership comes to fruition with the opening of Speer YMCA/Mangrove Bay Middle School campus

After years of planning and collaboration, YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg opened Speer YMCA, and Pinellas County School District opened Mangrove Bay Middle School, culminating in a shared campus that serves the needs of the community, and supports middle school students and their families.

 
Strategic Plan Goal

GOAL 3: Be your Charity of Choice

Strategic Plan Goal
GOAL 3: Be your Charity of Choice

Strategy 1

Champion the development of philanthropic and partnership resources to help the YMCA address unmet needs of the greater St. Petersburg community and deliver maximum community benefit.
Thank You video from our Summer Campers

Summer Camp Video

Our campers and camp counselors have put together a special thank-you video to express their gratitude. Watch »

Send a Kid to Camp Donor Luncheon

Send a Kid to Camp Donor Luncheon

During our Send A Kid to Camp luncheon, summer campers and donors shared favorite camp memories over lunch. A huge thank you to the supporters who helped send kids to camp this summer, as well as the campers who kept everyone entertained! See it on Facebook»

Strategy 2

Be the best financial steward of donor contributions and establish a robust financial position to help the Y’s mission thrive.
4-star Rating from Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator Rating

We've received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, which means we're accountable, transparent, and financially healthy! See the Announcement »

Strategy 3

Create purposeful and impactful volunteer opportunities that drive advocacy, relationships, participation and philanthropic growth.
Powerful Programs Lead to Powerful Opportunities

Powerful Programs Lead to Powerful Opportunities

The Y offers many Community Health Programs that are focused on providing evidence-based support to individuals with specific health needs, including cancer recovery, diabetes prevention, Parkinson's, arthritis and joint issues, blood pressure monitoring and weight loss. Sometimes, the impact of these programs goes beyond participation and turns into meaningful ways to pay it forward. Read More »

The YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening individuals and communities across the country.

Every day, we help people connect to their purpose, potential and each other. Working locally, we focus on supporting young people, improving health and well–being and inspiring action in and across communities. Learn more about how you can get involved, donate and advocate in your community.

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