

THE POWER OF CONNECTION


2025 Annual Report

YMCA of Greater Kansas City




CONNECTION STARTS HERE
Our community is strongest when we are connected - to the people and the support that help us reach our fullest potential. And the Y is the place where those connections happen. Last year, 97,231 people of all ages connected through the Y for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Children in swim lessons overcame fear to learn life-saving skills, with their instructors and classmates cheering them on.
People facing cancer regained physical and emotional strength, with the support of Y trainers and the bond of fellow survivors.
Teens crossed the digital divide to learn tech skills from video editing to 3-D printing, all under the caring support of mentors who believe in their future.
And so much more.
Thank you for making these connections possible. Because of your support, thousands of people of all ages in our community found meaningful connection, opportunity and belonging at the Y.
As we look ahead your continued support helps ensure the Y remains a true center of community - a trusted gathering space where generations connect and thrive.
Together, we are building a stronger, more connected future for all. The Y. Where Kansas City Connects.

Mark Hulet



Dr. Andrea Hendricks President and CEO Chief Volunteer Officer

You Make Connection Possible
At the Y, Kansas City connects across generations to create opportunity, build belonging and inspire hope. See how your support makes an impact.
Watch our impact video.
THANK YOU
To view our 2025 donors, please visit KansasCityYMCA.org/DonorRecognition.
Board of Directors
Dr. Andrea Hendricks Chief Volunteer Officer | Authentico
Dr. Michelle Robin
Immediate Past Chief Volunteer Officer | Your Wellness Connection
Mark Moberly
Chief Volunteer Officer Elect | Sunflower Development Group
Susan Schaefer Secretary | JE Dunn Construction
Jeremy Gaskill Assistant Secretary | Geisinger Health
Ryan Humphrey Treasurer | BOK Financial
Pam Bean University Health
Allen Blair Retired
The generous support of Y donors and volunteers like you connects neighbors to opportunity, families to support and every generation to a place they belong.
Learn more about how you can get involved at KansasCityYMCA.org/GetInvolved.
India Boulton
Mark Garrett Garney Construction
Theresa Garza
Andy Gigstad Ernst & Young LLP
Corey Hampton CERRIS
Gealita Greenhill BlueScope Buildings North America
Grant Harrison VanTrust Real Estate, LLC
Lisa Hawker Lockton Companies
Brian Johanning Superior Bowen
Foundation Board of Directors
Allen Blair
President | Retired
Gary Remley
Secretary/Treasurer | Assured Partners, Inc.
Liz Anne McElhaney Payne De Soto - USD 232 Education Foundation
Madeline Romious AT&T Missouri
Tyler Kirby Kansas City Chiefs
Liz Lewis UMB Bank
Julie Pierce Henderson Engineers
Brandi Riggs McCownGordon
Shauna Schwart Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Doug Spear AdventHealth
Gayle Sweitzer The University of Kansas Health System
Nale Uhl Union Station
In Memory of Greg Westbrook
We especially remember dedicated volunteer and supporter Greg Westbrook, who served 12 years on the YMCA of Greater Kansas City Board of Directors and two years on the Foundation Board before his passing on July 22, 2025. A champion for inclusion, he brought a generous philanthropic spirit to the YMCA Challenger program and provided heartfelt fundraising event leadership for more than a decade.
WHERE CONNECTION GROWS
Belonging for All: Finding Community at the Y
After facing significant personal tragedies, JuVonda Whitney found more than a place to work out at the Y—she found a community that wrapped her in care, provided opportunities and helped her rediscover her purpose.
“Walking into the Y felt like finding a second family,” JuVonda said. “It gave me the tools to rebuild my life, and now I want to inspire others to do the same.”
Now a group fitness instructor, JuVonda is inspiring others to believe in what’s possible. Discover how JuVonda connected and why she stayed at the Y.

Eliminating Drowning: Teaching Life-Saving Skills

Inclusion for All Abilities: Opportunity Without Limits
Following his son Andrew’s traumatic brain injury at age 6, Ed Hubbard found the YMCA Challenger program—a way for Andrew to keep playing baseball, his favorite sport. Challenger gives kids of all abilities the chance to participate, with volunteer buddies supporting them on the field.
“The growth that Challenger kids, Challenger families or the volunteers themselves achieve because of their participation in this program is unlike anything else I have ever been a part of,” Ed said.
It’s been 20 years since that first game, and Andrew still plays Challenger sports, and Ed continues to volunteer. See how Challenger changes lives in their story.
When Gerald was growing up, he didn’t swim and didn’t want to. His story started with fear, with his parents telling him to stay away from the water because they weren’t able to help him if he got into trouble.
As an adult, everything changed. A doctor recommended water exercise to improve his health. So Gerald faced his fear and attended Water Fitness classes at the YMCA. And he set new goals.
“I would look over into the lap lane,” Gerald said of his early days in Water Fitness classes. “I’m like, I want to do that. I need to get there.”
Today, he’s teaching others life-saving swim skills and giving the gift of confidence.

Ed volunteering with YMCA Challenger
Juvonda (center) leading a class
Watch JuVonda’s video
Watch Geralds’s video
Watch Ed’s video
Gerald teaching a swim lesson
Overcoming Chronic Disease: Health That Changes Lives
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s 13 years ago, Margaret made a decision: stay active, stay strong and keep going. She researched the disease and learned how exercise can be the key to coping. Since then, movement has been her medicine.
“I move all the time, and I really credit it with my slow progression of the disease…and I’m grateful for that,” Margaret said.
A variety of activities keep Margaret active, from Pedaling for Parkinson’s cycle classes at Platte County Community Center South in Parkville, to Parkinson’s support groups at the Y, and even a ballet class in partnership with Kansas City Ballet, bringing joy, creativity and new ways to move to our Parkinson’s community.


Education for All: Building Strong Futures
Brecken, a student in Lee’s Summit, once struggled with outbursts, defiance and regulating emotions—making school feel overwhelming. With support from YMCA Behavioral Specialist Sydney Smith, everything began to change. Through trust and guidance, he gained confidence and found a sense of belonging.
“When I started working with Sydney, I think I got my emotions calmed down and I got to enjoy being in class, instead of leaving the class all of the time and not being able to do anything,” Brecken said.
For Brecken’s mom Brittany, seeing school staff and the Y Club before and after school team come together made all the difference. Discover how the right support can change a child’s future.
Preventing Hunger: Nourishing Families
Today, 1 in 7 people in our region face food insecurity. For children, it’s 1 in 6.
Thanks to a partnership with Harvesters and the support of volunteers, the Y provides food pantries across the metro to help fill the gap.
As Chief Resource Officer for Harvesters, Elizabeth Keever sees the growing need. Rising food prices, housing challenges and transportation costs mean families are struggling more than ever.
“Together, we’re not just feeding families—we’re nourishing dignity and community,” Elizabeth said.
Volunteers, donors and community partners are making sure no neighbor is turned away.

Watch Margaret’s video
Watch Elizabeth’s video
Watch Brecken’s video
Margaret (third from right) after a Parkinson’s exercise class
Elizabeth Keever, Chief Resource Officer for Harvesters, with Mark Hulet, YMCA President and CEO, and Jim Hawkins, Providence YMCA food pantry volunteer
Brecken and YMCA Behavior Specialist Sydney
CONNECTION BY THE NUMBERS













FINANCIALS
PUBLIC SUPPORT
EARNED REVENUE
13,697,632 20,351,057 785,760 34,834,449
PROGRAM EXPENSES
ALLOCATED EXPENSES
Supporting Services to Programs Financial Costs
Change in Net Assets Total Allocated Expenses & Net Asset Changes 6,777,254 700,035 1,882,227 9,359,516
Program Services & Allocated Expenses

Our Mission
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