Five-year strategic progress A clearer way to see goodness moving forward.
The Beacon in the Desert charts the Valley of the Sun YMCA’s vision to illuminate the path toward a healthier, more connected Arizona.
Our Vision for Impact is to be a beacon of wellness and hope, ensuring everyone can access the Y and reach their full potential in a vibrant, well-connected center for community well-being. Driven by our Guiding Principle—that membership means more than self-care; it’s a promise to grow, give back, and help your community thrive—this plan sets the direction for lasting impact.
Rooted in three pillars—Be Well. Do Good. Lead Change.—each part of the plan outlines key initiatives anchored by North Stars, the measurable goals that guide our progress. Together, they form a roadmap to strengthen individuals, families, and communities for generations to come.
“The YMCA’s Beacon in the Desert is like the North Star. It doesn’t drag people forward, it orients them. It provides clarity in complexity. People can look to it, calibrate, and move forward with confidence.”
Health, belonging, and community well-being Be Well.
Become a Center for Community Well-Being
NorthStar
Establish and implement a certification pathway for branches to earn recognition as Centers for Community Well-Being.2026 Outcome
Approve branch accreditation plan2030 Goal
100% branches accredited as Centers for Community Well-BeingCurrent
Committees creating accreditation pathwayStatus
On Schedule / In ProgressNorthStar
Build a new YMCA in the heart of downtown, creating a vibrant hub for health, youth development, and community connection2026 Outcome
Gain board approval on downtown YMCA direction2030 Goal
Open new downtown YMCACurrent
Studying multiple pathwaysStatus
On Schedule / In ProgressNavigate to Impact
NorthStar
Ensure all children, families, and adults are navigated to transformative programs and services.2026 Outcome
Navigation pathway designed and piloted2030 Goal
100% of branches with NavigatorCurrent
1 Navigator recruitedStatus
On Schedule / In ProgressNorthStar
Expand YMCA programs and services to underserved communities, ensuring access to health, youth development, and family support opportunities.2026 Outcome
Define and benchmark current service areas2030 Goal
Expanded servicesCurrent
Studying and definingStatus
DefiningDrowning Prevention
NorthStar
Eliminate drownings in the state of Arizona by providing lifesaving swim lessons, community and caregiver education, and awareness on all factors of prevention.2026 Outcome
Reduce drownings by 10% from 20252030 Goal
Childhood drownings eliminatedCurrent
0 childhood drowningsQ1 2026
Status
On Schedule / In ProgressFundraising, access, and legacy-building Do Good.
Access for All
NorthStar
Raise $11 million through the Annual Campaign to ensure that no one is ever turned away due to their inability to pay.2026 Outcome
$2.05 million raised2030 Goal
Raise $11 millionCurrent
$2.23 million raised to dateStatus
Ahead of PaceChampioning Our Legacy
NorthStar
Elevate impactful, deeply rooted programs that gain recognition locally, regionally, nationally, and globally.2026 Outcome
Define recognition standards; achieve 202030 Goal
150 recognitions including globalCurrent
Aligning communications with Beacon PlanStatus
On Schedule / In ProgressNorthStar
Ensure the Y's lasting impact by growing the Endowment Fund to $20 million and completing a comprehensive campaign to sustain our ability to transform lives for generations to come.2026 Outcome
Approve comprehensive campaign; raise $10 million2030 Goal
Raise $57.7 millionCurrent
$3.7 million committed to dateStatus
On Schedule / In ProgressWorkforce, activation, and volunteer impact Lead Change.
Workforce Development
NorthStar
Advance staff development by investing in training, mentorship, and career growth opportunities.2026 Outcome
Front line and universal training established2030 Goal
Recognized as leading social service employerCurrent
Defining and benchmarkingStatus
DefiningNorthStar
Empower the next generation through meaningful first-job experiences, where young people build a foundation for a thriving career.2026 Outcome
Job One program established: 100+ placements2030 Goal
1,000 placements annuallyCurrent
Establishing Job One pathwaysStatus
On Schedule / In ProgressActivate Our Community
NorthStar
Inspire one million personal activations that build community, foster generosity, and create lasting impact.2026 Outcome
Define activations and tracking mechanisms; 50,000 activations2030 Goal
1 million activationsCurrent
Defining and establishing trackingStatus
DefiningNorthStar
Strengthen volunteer work by equipping leaders with the tools, training, and engagement needed to advance the Y's mission and expand community impact.2026 Outcome
Define pathways and strategy2030 Goal
Increase volunteer satisfaction and impactCurrent
Benchmarking current volunteerismStatus
DefiningBelonging, growth, and everyday community Membership.
