COVID-19 has created challenges in what seems like every area of our lives, and the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, one of the largest nonprofits in Chester County, is not immune. The organization is managing devastating financial impacts from COVID-19, including an anticipated $19 million loss in revenue by the end of 2020.

However, the YGBW has no intention of swaying from its mission to strengthen all in the community.

“We are here to do good and for good,” said Denise Day, YGBW President and CEO. “Our community needs the Y now more than ever, and nothing will keep us from that, but we also need support.”

To that end, YGBW has announced a new fundraising campaign, “Here For Good.”

Community Impact

When Pennsylvania was initially shut down in March due to the pandemic, YGBW sprang into action to support the community by:

• organizing blood drives at YMCA branches to help with the nationwide shortage
• collecting and distributing food to more than 500 local families weekly
• offering a virtual wellness adventure challenge program for families
• running daily live group exercise classes taught virtually by YGBW instructors
• hosting virtual story time for kids, as well as providing family fun projects
• arranging friendly phone calls, virtual coffee hours, and additional outreach to seniors and those struggling with isolation

As YGBW realized that the initial two-week temporary closure would go on much longer, it began pulling every lever to ensure the organization’s viability. While continuing its efforts to support the community, it halted any spending that was not absolutely necessary, secured and economized its eight YMCA branches, implemented pay cuts for C-suite, and undertook painful staff layoffs.

“Many people, including us, were devastated by the layoffs of staff,” said Day, indicating that the YGBW had to had to reduce its part-time staff by 63 percent and full-time staff by 31 percent. “We are here to serve the community and our staff is part of that community. Had we not undertaken these layoffs, however, YGBW would not have been able to continue covering its operating expenses and would have been forced to close its doors permanently. It was incredibly heartbreaking, but we did not and still do not have the financial resources to pay all staff that we had prior to the pandemic.”

The organization provided support to as many of its laid-off employees as possible through its employee assistance fund, which was also opened to the community for donations. YGBW staff members have contributed to this fund for many years to support employees with unexpected expenses.

No Federal Funding

YGBW was not eligible for funding through the CARES Act or Paycheck Protection Program, due to having more than 500 employees (many of whom were part-time) prior to COVID.

“Many people assume we received this funding, but that’s not the case,” said Day. “We have been weathering this storm by controlling expenses and managing our funds as effectively as we can.”

As a nonprofit, the majority of YGBW’s funds for reinvestment come from membership and program fees. With its doors closed due to the shutdown, YGBW couldn’t charge these fees, though some members continued paying their dues or made a donation.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of our members,” said Day. “This enabled us to retain a small number of YGBW staff members during the shutdown who not only continued the community initiatives we began at the start of COVID, but who also began planning for how we would safely reopen our branches and offer summer camp and childcare when permitted to do so.”

Enrollment Down More Than 60 Percent

Since being permitted to reopen in June, more than 1,000 children have attended YGBW’s summer camp and childcare each week. However, Day said that enrollment is down more than 60 percent from previous years, and the organization has had the added expense of costly safety precautions.

“The safety of all who enter our branches has always been our highest priority, but this has certainly taken on even greater importance with COVID-19,” said Nic Legere, Executive Director of Safety and Risk Management for YGBW. “We are taking every precaution we can to create the safest experience possible — there is no compromising. We’ve purchased needed PPE, supplies, and new equipment such as electrostatic sprayers for thorough disinfection; retrained staff in the latest CDC protocols; moved equipment and furniture to allow for social distancing; created needed safety signage; and more.”

Devastating Financial Losses

Even with all the right precautions in place, YGBW is still projecting a $19 million loss in revenue this year. At the start of this, YGBW was a $45 million organization, but it expects to be at least 43 percent smaller by the end of this year at just $25 million. Membership dues, which account for the largest part of YGBW’s income, have dropped by 50 percent, and the organization’s membership base has declined by more than 20 percent since the start of the pandemic in March.

In spite of these extreme changes, YGBW continues serving the community. Most recently, it has worked in partnership with parents and school districts to determine how it could best support families during the upcoming school year. With so many schools offering virtual learning, YGBW quickly mobilized and is opening learning centers for students.

“More people than ever need the Y and all it offers,” said Day. “We have always provided financial assistance to ensure no one is turned away from the Y due to an inability to pay, and we have every intention of continuing to do as much as we can, especially now with unemployment at an all-time high of 10 percent in Chester County. However, with our income so significantly impacted, we worry about families going without needed childcare, preschool and enrichment activities such as swim lessons and youth sports, seniors facing isolation without the opportunity the Y provides for socialization and friendships, adults without access to needed health and wellness resources at YGBW, talented employees without jobs, and much more.”

YGBW needs the support of the community now more than ever and has launched a new fundraising campaign, Here For Good. Whether it be through a donation, starting or reactivating a YGBW membership, signing up for YGBW programs such as swimming lessons, youth sports, childcare, or preschool, or enrolling in YGBW learning centers, Day says YGBW is most grateful for the support, as it makes it possible for the organization to continue its mission of strengthening the community.

“YGBW is here for good and together,” she said. “We are stronger than COVID, but we need our community’s help.”

Click here to learn more or make a donation.

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