The Merrimack Valley YMCA honored volunteers of the year, installed new board members and celebrated their proudest moments of 2017-2018 at their Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 17, 2019. In her opening remarks, Deborah Hope, Chair of the Board of Directors told attendees that the Merrimack Valley YMCA worked harder than ever this year to meet increasing community needs. With the delivery of  more than $4 million in subsidized services and access to children, adults and families in the Merrimack Valley last year, the Y continues to be one of the most effective and enduring nonprofit organizations in our community.

The organization served more members and program participants last year than in any in its history, which would not have been possible without a substantial partnership of strong boards, tireless volunteers, dedicated staff and a generous community.

Several of those volunteers were honored in the meeting as Volunteers of the Year including: Donna Aldrich of the Andover/North Andover Branch Board of Managers, William Ingraham of the Methuen Branch Board of Managers, Maureen Yadgood of the Lawrence Branch Board of Managers, Diane Huntress of the Camping Services Branch Board of Managers, and Ronn Faigen of the Merrimack Valley YMCA Board of Directors.

During the meeting, Merrimack Valley YMCA friends and supporters heard firsthand how the YMCA makes an impact in our community by providing financial assistance and access to programs that help children, adults and families reach their fullest potential.

Merrimack College student Devin Clemons described the Y as a place where children and adults can experience joy. Presentation of Mary Academy student Abbie Reyes explained how participating in the many programs the Y offers helped her meet people and open up. And Attorney Socrates De La Cruz talked with passion about how the Y is working with other agencies to create the future collaborators and leaders of the future.

New board members were also inducted at the meeting. Karen Andreas joins the Board of Trustees, Charles Nasser will serve on the Board of Directors, the Andover/North Andover Branch Board of Managers will include Carman Estabrooks, Wayne Pasanen, and Scott Simpson, the Camping Services Board Branch welcomes David Nader and Greg Paninski, and Julie Brady and Natalie Portela join the Methuen Branch Board of Managers.

The meeting also served as the launch of the Merrimack Valley YMCA Annual Campaign, which raises funds to ensure anyone can access the programs and services of the Y, regardless of their ability to pay. To learn more about the programs and services we offered in 2018, check out our Annual Report.