YMCA task force outlines recommendations for expanded urban programs, financial stability

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Organizers with the YMCA of Greater Rochester Thursday announced a new plan to better serve urban communities around Rochester.

A series of seven recommendations were laid out during a news conference, with a focus on expanding offerings at existing Y’s and potentially creating a new full-service facility within city limits, among other goals. The full outline can be found here.

Coordinators say the recommendations were born out of a task force that was formed following the closing of the fitness center at the downtown Carlson MetroCenter in March. The decision was made due to financial reasons. Since the closing, the task force met to discuss and assess local YMCA services and the needs within the community. This includes financial stability through existing grants and other donations.

Finding a potential partner to reopen the fitness center is among the recommendations.

Dr. Daniele Lyman-Torres, who currently serves as the city’s Commissioner of Recreation and Human Services, will take on the newly-created role of Senior Vice President of Urban Services with the YMCA.

"By building up that urban core, we really can build up the whole region. because in most large cities, the urban core is where the region comes together," Lyman-Torres said "Even for Y’s, and making this system, the ecosystem in the urban environment, robust with the Y’s presence, is just as important as it is in our suburban towns and communities."

Staffing issues have also hit the organization, which was forced to cut some of its preschool programs in August.

The task force has a timeline of about 4-6 years for the YMCA to address some of these recommendations.