Young Mens Christian Association Blue Ridge Assembly

“An executive committee is comprised of the chair, vice chair, treasurer, secretary, past-chair, and the heads of five board subcomittees. The executive committee meets monthly to review cash flow and financial position. They keep up to date on staff retention and group cancellations. The executive committee reports to other board members as necessary.”

“The return was prepared by an independent accountant with assistance and oversight by management. Upon completion and review by the finance and executive committees of the board, the return was provided to all voting board members prior to its submission to the irs.”

“The organization uses a disciplined approach for bidding professional services, insurance contracts, capital projects, etc. At the point of engagement, any potential conflict of interest is identified and declared. The conflicted party is disallowed from the decision-making process. Conflict of information forms are signed and collected annually for all voting board members.”

“Compensation for the ceo is reviewed annually by the performance review and compensation committee of the board. Comparability data is provided by the ymca of the united states salary pointing and range. The organization utilizes written employment contracts. For the current ceo, the organization created a job profile aligned to yusa pay scales.”

“The process described in line 15a above also applies to other officers and key personnel of the organization.”

“The organization's conflict of interest policies are incorporated into its personnel policy which is distributed to all employees. Financial statements are submitted to the ymca of the usa and are made available through their website. As with the 990, the financial statements are kept in the main office of bra and are available for review upon receipt of a written request to the organization's administrative office.”

“To enable staff and guests, especially the young, to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body. Ymca blue ridge assembly seeks to fulfill this purpose by: 1) serving ymca and other non-profit training events and conferences of a religious, educational or community service nature. 2) serving staff by providing leadership training in a work experience with a christian atmosphere. 3) providing programs which develop self-esteem and self confidence, build lasting relationships, encourage interpersonal understanding of individual differences and increase civic engagement. 4) services are offered at affordable fees with financial assistance available for those who cannot afford the full fee.”

“The organization has all volunteer members on the board of directors. Other volunteer roles include assisting in the gift shop, craft room, maintenance department, and/or dining room.”

“Ymca blue ridge prepares the next generation of leaders through tailored leadership programming that keeps them engaged and actively learning through understanding and application. They may draw on the skills learned at ymca blue ridge - teamwork, interpersonal communication, critical thinking and social awareness - in any context throughout life, and will find these skills essential to building a solid foundation of good character and self-concept. Our teaching model creates confident kids today that will become contributing, engaged adults tomorrow. At ymca blue ridge, we are surrounded by a uniquely beautiful natural landscape which informs and inspires our mission. We are able to utilize the world immediately around us as a platform for adventure, self- discovery, and hands-on learning. Whether traversing a challenge course, hiking in the woods, exploring a creek ecosystem, or conquering an outdoor teambuilding exercise, our program participants are encouraged to face new challenges in a positive, energizing environment. They are able to learn about themselves and their peers, navigate their strengths and weaknesses; and develop confidence and trust in themselves and others. Ymca blue ridge staff are equipped and proud to see every interaction with a young person as an opportunity for learning, development, mentorship and life-long impact. The belief that today's youth are tomorrow's leaders is at the core of everything we do, and as such we are committed and aware of our role in their formative years.”

“Ymca blue ridge supports healthy living by offering opportunities for guests to refresh and renew in spirit, mind and body. We are a sanctuary: a place where the refuge of nature meets the reality of experiences that many may not otherwise have access to or the ability to enjoy. Visitors of all ages find ymca blue ridge a place of rest from the stress and pressure of everyday life. Our campus's beauty provides inspiration for all to reflect on the wonder of creation and their place within it, helping us authentically foster spiritual growth for all. Our facilities, programming and tailored staff-led activities also provide intellectual growth for all ages. Intentional spaces where community, fellowship and discussion may be fostered are readily available, and indoor activities including our heritage arts studio invite guests to explore their creativity. Our adventure, challenge, ropes, and other outdoor courses promote personal determination, teamwork, and problem solving. The impact, influence and importance of a healthy lifestyle are a part of the daily operations at ymca blue ridge, from well-balanced meal options to an abundance of recreational opportunities. The natural environment, well-maintained hiking trails, and outdoor activities like disc golf, volleyball and more encourage groups and families to get outside and engage with the natural world and with each other, infusing physical play, curiosity and learning.”

“Ymca blue ridge's neighbors span the southeast united states. We have the unique opportunity to impact more than 30,000 lives per year: they are our community. To them, we offer a safe place where healthy discussion and both mutual and dissenting viewpoints can be shared and addressed. At ymca blue ridge, we live out our values of hospitality and inclusion. To ensure that all are able to experience what we offer each year, we rely on generous donations to our annual campaign. We value our doors being open to everyone, regardless of financial standing. Our service-learning program is another unique ymca blue ridge initiative which inspires a spirit of service in young adults by engaging them in hands-on service projects in the community. We partner with local organizations and equip young people with the skills and tools necessary to serve those in western north carolina, instilling the value of service leadership within them so they can continue to serve in their communities back home. Our cause is to provide a safe environment for people to connect, learn, grow and thrive. We believe that the value of our work is most noble, honorable and impactful if we can measure it by how it improves the lives of others. This belief informs the way we serve our guests, teach youth, cultivate relationships and inspire life-long learning in all.”

“To enable staff and guests, especially youth, to achieve their full potential in spirit, mind and body. Ymca blue ridge assembly seeks to fulfill this purpose by: 1) serving ymca and other non-profit organizations, training events and conferences of a religious, educational or community service nature. 2) serving staff by providing leadership training in a work experience with a christian atmosphere. 3) providing programs which develop self-esteem and self confidence, build lasting relationships, encourage understanding of cultural and individual differences and increase civic engagement. 4) services are offered at affordable fees with financial assistance available for those who cannot afford the full fee. The organization has all volunteer members on the board of directors. Other volunteer roles include assisting in the gift shop, craft room, maintenance department, and/or dining room. In 2019, ymca blue ridge assembly provided financial assistance and subsidized services for teens, adults and families who might not otherwise have been able to participate. Listed below are some of those programs and services: - ymca blue ridge assembly served over 600 groups consisting of 33,000 kids, families members, and adults. - 141,121 in scholarships and grants were awarded to public school and ymca youth conferences providing financial assistance to 20,714 youth. - 19,705 in grants was awarded to 515 family members participating in intergenerational program activities. - 54,000 provided the opportunity for personal development through an integrated program of work, study, recreation and worship in a christian atmosphere for 200 american and international students and volunteers. - 18,000 underwrote a weekend respite for 67 cancer survivors and spouses as they participated in blue ridge's livestrong program. - international staff from china, colombia, jamaica, japan, russia, spain, thailand, turkey, khazakhstan, puerto rico, slovakia, ukraine, dominican republic, croatia, kyrgyestan, and lithuania brought global diversity to the assembly. Ymca blue ridge assembly strengthens the community by: - giving teens the opportunity to reach their maximum self-potential through leadership development. - teaching service-based leadership and offering hands-on learning experiences to teens and church groups. - providing unique opportunities for children, teens, families, churches, businesses and other groups to develop self-worth, communication and team- building through experiential education programs. - offering family programs that improve communication and strengthen the intergenerational bonds. - collaborate with human service organizations in an effort to enhance their training, retreat and leadership development needs. - developing staff initiative and job skills through internships, training programs and supervised work experiences. - creating new partnerships with local non-profits through the participation of service-minded groups. - developing global perspectives through the intercultural mix of our collegiate staff. - promoting healthy lifestyles for people of all ages though outdoor and indoor sports. - encouraging engagement opportunities with the local community through outdoor activities and heritage arts.”