Two YMCAs weigh re-branding options

Nine-month pact allows chapters to evaluate services

The Jefferson City Area YMCA and the YMCA of Callaway County Boards of Directors announced Friday their intent to enter into a nine-month management agreement.

The agreement, effective March 24, allows both associations to evaluate whether to proceed with re-branding their respective YMCAs into a new Mid-Missouri YMCA.

"This is a unique opportunity for both of our organizations," Ryan Boland, board chairman of the YMCA of Callaway County, stated in a press release. "Each is financially strong, with solid programming, excellent staff and a commitment to our communities."

A trend across the United States is YMCAs joining together to gain better efficiencies, maximize resources and develop programs that have positive impacts for their service areas. The Jefferson City and Callaway County YMCAs have been discussing such opportunities since August 2013.

The nine-month management agreement provides a process for the YMCAs to work cooperatively to evaluate ways to better serve additional Central Missouri residents. The goal is to continue to fulfill the YMCA mission of supporting youth development, healthy living and responding to social needs of the area.

The agreement allows an opportunity to evaluate current levels of service to the area and an opportunity to implement best practice strategies used by each association.

"Both associations have entered into this agreement with a goal of determining how the YMCA can best serve our communities," Doug Whitehead, chairman of the Jefferson City Area YMCA, stated in a press release.

Boland is also sports editor of the Fulton Sun.