The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is truly grateful to MacKenzie Scott for donating a transformational gift of ten million dollars ($10,000,000.00) to support our YMCA’s efforts to be a vital partner in developing thriving communities that help Metropolitan Detroit children and families.
The YMCA was one of 384 organizations, which included 43 YMCA associations from across the nation, chosen to receive these incredibly generous contributions. The MacKenzie Scott gift is the single largest individual contribution in the history of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit which has served Metropolitan Detroit for 168 years.
The YMCA is committed to Family and Community, Child and Youth Development, and Health and Wellness. Presently, the YMCA serves over 41,000 children and families annually, including 18,000 children and 11,000 seniors ages 55+. “This gift will assist us with expanding and deepening our work, which includes addressing the health disparities in our community,” said Helene Weir, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. Weir added, “The COVID-19 Pandemic presented the greatest challenge our YMCAs have had to face in my lifetime, while also presenting the YMCA with incredible opportunities to meet extraordinary community needs.” In the heart of the pandemic, in 2020, the YMCA served over 200,000 meals and provided essential services to over 8,000 children.
Michael McInerney, Board Chair of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit said, “We look forward to engaging in thoughtful discussions and planning with key community stakeholders and partners to determine how best to use this gift as part of our Revitalize 170 Strategic Vision.” McInerney added, ”The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit will celebrate 170 years of service in 2022 and, as a longstanding community service organization, the YMCA recognizes meaningful change must be made thoughtfully, and in partnership with community support.”
The YMCA believes:
- Health and wellness should be accessible to all.
- Everyone should have an opportunity to contribute to improving their community.
- Healthy communities are safe, inclusive, and welcoming.
- Youth deserve positive experiences to support them in realizing their potential.
This gift will help the YMCA develop and implement initiatives to realize its vision rooted in the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, inclusion, respect, and responsibility.
Both Weir and McInerney look forward to sharing the YMCA’s plan once it has been created in concert with and inclusive of key community partners, business leaders, civic leaders, and our ultimate beneficiaries, the children and families served.
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