BRIDGEWATER - Lunenburg County's YMCA is spreading the word that the organization is more than fitness and child care.

 Attention to partnerships, program and facility development, and communications are some of the steps in the organization's multi-year strategic plan, which was discussed at a recent town council meeting.

 "We want people to be aware of what we're doing so they can see where they can help and they can see the positive impact we're having in the community," said Melissa Mansfield, board member and volunteer with the Lunenburg County YMCA.

 She and board chairman Todd Slauenwhite were on hand to discuss areas covered by the organization's 2011-13 planning blueprint.

 More efforts will be made to raise public awareness about its cause-driven charitable work, in addition to increasing its membership and donor base, Ms Mansfield indicated.

 The local Y, located off High Street next to the community college, boasts a number of formal and informal alliances with other agencies and organizations. It seeks to broaden that base by signing on at least one new partnership per year. It's about being seen as a community leader, Ms Mansfield explained.

 Expanding activities is a large part of the YMCA's plans, especially in the fields of infant and child care, after-school series and seniors' and youth programming.

 The Friday night youth zone is an example of a set-up that's working wonders. Ms Mansfield said the program has developed to encompass an average of 50 kids per night from 15 since it started a couple of years ago. "We've grown quite a bit and it provides a large service for a lot of people," she told council.

 Deputy Mayor David Walker, mentioning the value of the local YMCA, commended the organization for communicating its plans.

 To learn more about the organization, log on to http://www.ymcalunenburgcounty.org on the internet.

posted on 07/19/11