YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford Reports Strong First Quarter Results for 2025, Building Momentum Toward Strategic Goals
11-06-2025
YMCA Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford has released its Q1 2025 results under its Annual Operating Plan, showing early and promising progress toward the goals outlined in its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan.
Grounded in the organization’s “YES” priorities – Young People, Employees, and Seniors – the results reflect significant year-over-year growth in community engagement and early indicators of impact.
In the first quarter of 2025, the YMCA served 52,215 community members, which represents an increase from 51,094 in the same period last year. This positive momentum puts the YMCA ahead of its 2024 pace, reaffirming the organization’s ability to respond to community needs with inclusive, accessible programming.
“Our first quarter data clearly shows that more people are turning to the YMCA for connection, support and well-being,” said Manny Figueiredo, President & CEO. “Data is informing decisions and deepening our impact by helping us adapt where it matters most, whether that’s supporting young people, recognizing our committed staff or strengthening seniors’ sense of belonging.”
Young People: Building Resilience Through Relationships
With 31,337 young people served so far in 2025, including 5,282 from priority communities, the YMCA is more than halfway to its annual target of 61,191. Programs including YMCA Beyond the Bell™, youth employment and life-skills training, aquatic safety, and leadership development at YMCA Wanakita are aligned with a Theory of Action that helps us understand how these experiences build resilience in young people through healthy minds and habits.
Employees: Fostering a Culture of Recognition
In Q1, efforts included an employee milestone celebration and finalizing an updated compensation strategy. The YMCA WorkWell Employee Experience survey, which is a tool that measures organizational health and staff engagement, continues to guide this work. For 2025, we are targeting a Recognition Score of 72 (up from 69 in 2024) and an Overall Health Score of 80 (up from 77), both approaching the “Healthy” benchmark. Employees are the YMCA’s source of sustainable energy, and their engagement, recognition, and sense of value are essential to driving our mission forward.
Seniors: Advancing Active Aging
YMCA programs for seniors reached 4,115 people in Q1, outpacing last year’s Q1 mark of 3,980 and putting the organization well on its way to surpass the 2025 target of 7,096. Programs like Aquafit Classes, Balance+, GERAS Dance and others are designed to promote well-being and social connection. According to the YMCA WorkWell Member Experience Survey, our 2024 Connection Score was 87, with a 2025 target of 89. Our Celebration Score was 74, with a goal to reach 77 this year, putting us on track to achieve “Healthy” status and further deepen seniors’ sense of belonging.
Looking Ahead
These results represent a first look at our progress this year; a journey grounded in data, community engagement, and a commitment to equity. As the YMCA continues to implement its Annual Operating Plan, it will share progress and learning each quarter.
A full update is available in the Q1 2025 Annual Operating Plan Results Report.
The YMCA also invites the community to view its 2024 Impact Report to see the foundation laid last year that is driving this year’s outcomes.
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