After another disappointing year for the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA, it looks like staff cutbacks are imminent.
The Kamloops Y found that it spent more money than it earned for the second straight year. Because of this, the organization will be issuing a 10% Operational Course Correction.
"Our organization is currently involved in the process of implementing some changes to our program and service bundle as a result of Operational Fiscal Pressures," wrote the Y in a release. "These pressures have been created by a combination of factors, including increased operating costs across the association, a reduction or flattening of revenue streams, reduced positive cash flow, changes in Government Policy, increased complexity of new technology and complex compliance and risk requirements."
The Y plans to implement cost reductions, focusing on a 10% net cost on their total operating budget, increase revenue generation with more activities, and have some organizational reconstruction.
"A program refocus will take place at our John Tod location, where we will change to a Community Centre model, focused on programs that serve people in group programs. Hours at John Tod will be reduced initially to Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30 and will be expanded as new services and demand increases. All group activity will be focused on Children, Young Families, Youth, Adults and Seniors. Our CCRR and EYC programs will remain at John Tod."
The Y's Battle Street location will be closing one hour earlier between Monday and Friday. Battle Street staffing will be adjusted to fit a restructured staff team.
"In our Anti Violence Programing our PEACE Program will see a reduction in staff and services to children, this program will move to our Women’s Shelter by year end. Our Women’s Shelter staffing schedules are adjusted to fit the current funding model."
All of these activities and changes are designed to produce a cost savings of $450,000 on an annual basis. These changes are designed to retain as many services as possible, to provide alternative locations for programs that many citizens enjoy and rely on, to minimize the impact on members, program participants, staff and volunteers and to keep the Y vibrant in our community.
"Currently one if four members at our Battle Street Y accesses the Y by direct subsidy by the Y, and one in three at our John Tod location. The investment the Y makes to reduce barriers in order that people can be healthy, participate in activities that are important to their families and to help them reach their potential is something that is core to our purpose. We plan to continue this for decades to come."
The changes will not impact the Y's charitable activities, most notably the "Y Dream Home."
"Our organization is like any other organization, when things are not working as you need them to, change must be implemented. This change is a normal activity for many charities and not for profits and it is a common factor in many Y’s across north America. We will be entering our next fiscal year (September – August) with a leaner more efficient staff structure and focused on providing the best service possible."
Residents looking for more information can email Kamloops Y CEO, Colin Reid. To donate and help out the Y, click here.
