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Howard Schultz marks 10th anniversary with North Suburban YMCA

At its Annual Meeting, the North Suburban YMCA's leadership team typically reviews the past year's accomplishments and challenges. At the 2016 meeting, scheduled for October 20 at 6:00pm, they will take a longer view as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of Howard Schultz as President/CEO and guiding force of the Northbrook-based Y.

When Schultz took the reins at the NSYMCA, the decades-old institution was in danger of closing, faced with crippling debt, plummeting membership, deteriorating infrastructure and the potential revocation of its charter from Y USA. Schultz and the Y's Board of Directors launched a last-ditch "Save the Y" campaign, building on the Y's deep roots and vital role in the community. By 2008, fundraising enabled the Y to discharge its $2.3M debt and demonstrate its viability to YMCA of the USA. In the following years, capital campaigns funded major renovations that improved every element of the aging building, creating a modern, welcoming environment that is program friendly, more energy efficient, and ADA accessible, to create a facility equal to the quality of the services provided by the Y. The dramatic facelift, and resulting increases in membership, inspired the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce to honor the Y as its Small Business of the Year for 2013.

Under Schultz's leadership, the Y has also expanded its services to cover underserved segments of the community. These programs include classes and activities for children and young adults with special needs; education, fitness, and social programs for older adults; and comprehensive afterschool care and day camp options. Partnerships with community organizations throughout the Y's 15 North Shore communities supplement the services provided by the Y's professional staff, and have made the Y a true community center that has helped enhance the work of other non-profit, civic, and interfaith agencies, helping them reach more people through shared resources and cooperative efforts.

Major events like those sponsored by the Northbrook Community Relations Commission, including the Celebration of Cultures Faire, Black History Month, and the Taste of Asia observances have continued to grow and draw huge crowds over the past number of years, as have so many of Y's own programs, such as the Spooktacular Halloween Party, under Schultz's philosophy of opening the Y up as a community resource in an effort to be an "accessible neighborhood for all".

The Y keeps its services affordable for all in the community through its Strong Kids Financial Assistance Fund, funded in large part by the annual Ken and Alta Thiel Strong Kids Fundraising Dinner, initiated by Schultz in 2007, that has now raised over $2.2M to support the one out of five individuals coming to the Y who are in need of assistance to participate in Y services.

"Howard's dynamic style and tireless efforts have been integral to the NSYMCA's success over the past 10 years," said Michael Redstone, who is about to begin his second term as the Chairman of the Y's the Board of Directors. "We look forward to the coming years as the NSYMCA continues in its role as a center of our local community with Howard at the helm."

The community is invited to attend the October 20, 2016 Annual Meeting from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, which will begin with a reception in the lobby of the NSYMCA, 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook. In addition to celebrating Schultz's milestone, the Y will also recognize staff members Joni Goldstein, Sharon Feldser, and Megan Tyner with longevity awards for their many years of service. The meeting will also introduce newly-elected board members and provide a preview of plans for the coming year, including capital improvements and exciting new programs. For more information and to RSVP, call Kelly Clippinger at 847 272 7250 or email kclippinger@nsymca.org

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA serves 15 northern suburbs of Chicago, and for over 48 years has provided programs and services that address youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility every day. Working together for good is who we are: An association of people united in a common effort to help individuals become healthier, more connected, and confident. There is no other nonprofit quite like the Y: We have the national and local presence and partnerships to not just promise, but deliver, positive change, making sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. For more information, visit nsymca.org.

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