Strategic Plan 2013-2018

YMCA of WhittleseaHealthier, happier, connected communities

For more than 25 years, the YMCA of Whittlesea has been dedicated to strengthening people and the community. Today we are building on our experience, reinvesting in our people and programs, and researching and launching new initiatives to strengthen our impact in the community in which we work and live.Over the last year we have embarked on a strategic planning process to chart our course for the next five years. We are committed to working with and for the community and have sought input from the community, partners, youth, our members, program participants and staff and volunteers. Together we will continue to go from strength to strength to engage and develop our community – and share the YMCA’s vision. Here is what we heard;

This input was invaluable and helped us to create a new, five year strategic plan with a vision to be at the forefront of positive change and directly impacting and strengthening the community. We are truly inspired and excited about the next 5 years and aim to connect more people and increase the health and happiness of those people who come into contact with the YMCA. It is an ambitious, yet realistic plan that focuses on;

• Thoseinneed;minoritygroups,thedisadvantagedandthoseimpactedbydisability.• Growingourcharitystatus;beingabletoprovideassistancetothosewhorequirefinancialsupport.• Developingourcommunity;providingopportunitiesforpeople–toconnect,tovolunteer,tobuildmeaningful relationships and to be supported.• Extendingourreach;workingwithpartnerstoextendourreach.Creatingnewplacesforpeople,placesofall shapes and sizes that offer somewhere for people to connect.

Guiding Principles

• Memberandcommunityinvolvement• Collaborationandpartnerships• Diversityandinclusion• Philanthropicsupport• Accountabilityandstewardship• Volunteerismandprofessionalism

Program Principles

• Alignmentwithmission,visionandvalues• Commitmenttoqualityandexcellence• DeepenYMCAconnection• Inclusiveandaccessible• Relevantandsignificanceinimpactandscope• Capacitytooperateandsustain

The Community We All WantWe build strong people, strong families and strong communities. Imagine a community that is supported and nurtured to reach its full potential. By giving people the opportunities and support they need to be ‘strong’ - resilient, and self-sufficient, we can help them succeed throughout their lives. Together we can create a foundation for a happier, healthier, more vibrant future for every individual in our community.

The YMCA We NeedSince 1853 the YMCA has come together to help strengthen communities. In the Whittlesea community the Y has provided programs and services since 1986.We need to continue to extend our services to respond to Whittlesea’s changing and growing demographic, itsdiversityandtheuniqueneedsofthiscommunity.Finally, we need to ensure that all community members are included and that everyone has the same opportunities to succeed – now and in the future.

Training &Development

Philanthropy& Fundraising

DisabilityServices

Youth Development

Health &Wellbeing

Social Responsibility

Children &Family

Services

Staff &Volunteer

Development

Sport,Recreation &

Aquatics

Scopeof

Services

Our FocusThe scope of our services that will support our strategic plan will focus on;

Our CommitmentWe are committed to strengthening the foundations of our community; ensuring access for everyone; nurturing the potential of children, teens and young adults; building strong families; promoting diversity and healthy living; fostering social responsibility; and supporting those in need.

Strategic Plan 2013 - 2018Our new strategic plan focuses on four key strategic directions. From these directions come a set of strategies that will guideourworkforthenextfiveyears.Weinviteyoutojoinusoverthenextfiveyearsasweworktogethertobuildahappier, healthier and more connected Whittlesea community.

DevelopCommunity

Extend our Reach

Build our Philanthropic & Financial Capacity

Strengthen ourImpact

Develop CommunityServing and strengthening the community is the fundamental reason that the YMCA exists. We will be proactive in engaging the community and advocate for the health and happiness of Whittlesea residents so that every individual and family has the tools and knowledge they need to live a healthier lifestyle and contribute positively to the community in which they live and work.

Priorities

• Proactively engage people who are disadvantaged or disengaged• Create opportunities for meaningful volunteerism• Deliver key community signature events each year focused on the health and wellbeing of Whittlesea residents• Actively work with the community to create programs and services they want and need

• Develop our children through programs and services that build confidence, esteem and provide security – a place where they feel they belong• Educateourcommunityonthebenefitsofbeinghealthyinmind,body and spirit• Continue to source grants, funds and partners to increase the provision of new programs and services

• Increase the number of places and spaces for people to connect utilising existing local infrastructure• Work with our partners to expand our work and provide more opportunities for people to participate• Help people to reach their potential

Strategies

Provide opportunities for people to become more engaged with their communities

Provide programs and services that strengthen the community

Provide places and spaces for people to connect

Priorities

• Provide families with support services in times of crisis, transition and adjustment• Assist individuals and families that are experiencing financial hardship to access programs and services• Expandourrangeofprogramsandservicesforpeoplethatare disadvantaged or with a disability

• Provide programs specifically designed to remove barriers to participation• Work with and for minority groups to increase opportunities, enhance our range of programs and better enhance their experience (e.g.youth, Koori, disability, newly arrived populations)

• Provide a range of educational and health programs• Target programs to specific group needs (e.g. disability groups, parents, older adults, cultural groups etc.)

• Focus on training and learning development for staff, including a leadership development program for key senior staff• Build recruitment and induction systems to employ and retain the best staff and volunteers possible• Support, develop and recognise our staff and volunteers

Strengthen our ImpactWe are committed to strengthening our community by providing a range of programs that are affordable and accessible. Our programs and services will support physical, mental and spiritual strength and helppeopleachieveabetterqualityoflife.Thesewill be supported by professional and skilled staff and volunteers.

Strategies

Provide programs and services to thoserequiringadditionalsupport

Provide diverse opportunities for people of all ages and from all backgrounds to participate in YMCA programs and services

Be proactive in our approach to creating new and innovative program opportunities

Build staff and volunteer capacity

Extend our ReachWe will evolve to meet the changing and growing needs of our community. By expanding the YMCA in the Whittlesea community, developing new partnerships, creating new opportunities and further growth, we’ll extend our reach to even more people.

Priorities

• Foster strong relationships with like minded stakeholders from government, corporate, local and not for profit sectors• Be a partner of choice• Recogniseandacknowledgeourpartners• Considerpartnershipsandjointventureopportunities

• Consider new services located with or near our partners, other health providers and in emerging communities• Researchintorespiteandagedcareaccommodation• Work with Council and other groups to develop new and relevant programs

• Researchthepotentialofcommunityhealthandwellnesshubs• Develop facilities in emerging and growing communities• Explorepartnershipopportunitiesfornewfacilitydevelopment

Strategies

Build new partnerships that strengthen the work that we do

Invest time and energy into looking for new opportunities

Provide places and spaces for people to connect

Priorities

• Develop and implement a strong and viable fundraising strategy• Build a profile of those groups or individuals most in need of financial or other support• Givebacktothecommunitythroughthegenerosityofpublicandprivate donors

• Be committed to Board growth and development• Exceedlicenserequirementsbyensuringrobustlegal,regulatoryand compliance standards• Establishandmeetannualgoals• Network and link with local and state organisations

• Achieve growth in assets• Build additional revenue streams to ensure financial independence and security

• Develop and implement a philanthropic brand strategy• Implement a member / participant marketing and communications strategy• Develop and implement an external marketing and communications strategy

Strategies

Build philanthropic capacity and provide support for those in need

Ensurestrongandeffectivegovernance

Build financial capacity and sustainability

Develop a strong brand which reinforces our charitable position and the role we play in strengthening community

Build our Philanthropic & Financial CapacityWe will focus on cementing our future in the City of Whittlesea through a foundation of effective governance, financial management and building a strong and unwavering capacity to provide philanthropic assistance to those in need.

Changes across the Whittlesea YMCA

What will be different by 2018….

Deeper awareness of the YMCA’s work: we are known and valued for our contribution to building and supporting our community. We will be known as a charitable organisation, for the impact we make and our brand is valued. The key community management organisation in Whittlesea is the YMCA.

Improved access to YMCA programs: we not only serve the general community but provide accessible programs and services to those most in need. We are a place where all people are welcome and our programs are relevant.

Influence and growth: we work with a range of partners to make a positive impact on the community. We are drivers of innovation and growth within the community.

Leadership: our governance model is represented by voluntary members of the community. We serve the community by representing the community.

The community is engaged: members of the community are regularly engaged in YMCA activities through participation, volunteerism or philanthropic support.

New places and spaces: we have created new places and spaces for the community to interact, connect and participate.

AcknowledgmentsThank you to the individuals and community partners who generously shared their insights and contributed to the development of our Strategic Plan.Our special thanks to our Association Board of Directors.

MissionThe YMCAs of Australia work together from a base of Christian values to provide opportunities for all people to grow in body, mind and spirit.

VisionYMCA Whittlesea is committed to connecting and engaging communities through the provision of programs and services that promote active and engaged lifestyles, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or beliefs. We proudly develop partnerships within our community that share our vision for creating a healthier, happier and more connected community.

Values• Wevaluethewholeperson,consistingofbody,mindandspiriteachofwhichisofequalimportance.• Wevaluethedignityandintrinsicworthofallpeopleregardlessofage,gender,ethnicity,belieforotherdifference.• Wevaluethediversityofpeople,communitiesandnations.• Wevalueequalityofopportunityandjusticeforallpeople.• Wevaluehealthycommunitiesbasedonrelationshipsbetweenpeoplewhicharecharacterisedbylove, understanding and mutual respect.• Wevalueacceptanceofpersonalresponsibility.

YMCA Whittlesea33 Morang Drive, Mill Park 3082

P (03) 9404 4811 F (03) 9436 8517whittlesea@ymca.org.au

www.whittlesea.ymca.org.au