YMCA of Southwest Florida and Manatee County Family YMCA will officially merge on January 1, 2022. On October 28th, both associations’ Board of Directors voted unanimously to move forward with a full merger after entering into a management agreement this past spring.
“YMCA of Southwest Florida is thrilled to welcome Manatee County into our association. While Manatee County Family YMCA has been part of YMCA of Southwest Florida since we entered the management agreement, it is a win for the community to shift from a partnership to uniting as one association,” said Dave Dignam, Chief Volunteer Officer, YMCA of Southwest Florida. “We went into the management agreement knowing the impact the Ys would have on our communities by sharing resources and services and it has proven to be a truly efficient and effective model. And now, our communities need us more than ever and this merger will only strengthen the Y and our communities.”
Manatee County Family YMCA Chief Volunteer Officer, Lisa Devito, agrees. “Manatee County Family YMCA is very excited to announce the merger with YMCA of Southwest Florida will be official January 1st, 2022. We are so grateful for this seamless process and the many hands that helped get us here. We are thankful to be able to continue serving our Manatee County community with the great mission and programs the YMCA provides. We are looking forward to all the great things we will accomplish under the leadership of Gene Jones. Every community deserves a YMCA and we are proud to be able to continue to serve ours.”
“I could not be happier of the decision made by both associations’ Board of Directors to merge YMCA of Southwest Florida and Manatee County Family YMCA,” said Gene T. Jones, President and CEO. “Each day, the commitment of each Board of Directors is shown through their service and actions and their decisions to come together as one organization is truly a testament to their dedication. I look forward to a bright future and advancing the Y’s mission throughout all the communities we serve.”
This news comes eight months after YMCA of Southwest Florida and Manatee County Family YMCA entered a management agreement.
YMCA of Southwest Florida serves the counties of Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry and Glades through programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Everyone in the communities served by YMCA of Southwest Florida has access to its programs through the YMCA Scholarship Fund. Regardless of their inability to pay, financial assistance is available due to community partners and donors' support.
For more information on YMCA of Southwest Florida, community members are encouraged to contact Jamie Browning, Vice President of Development, YMCA of Southwest Florida at (941) 492-9622 or [email protected].