The Courage to Refocus to Take Control of Our Destiny

The YMCAs of Québec is at a turning point. For over 170 years, we have evolved with the needs of our communities, providing inclusive spaces that offer opportunities. Today, like many non-profit organizations, we are facing a major challenge: to meet growing needs with limited resources.

Our business model, which relies on independent revenues, service agreements, government subsidies, philanthropic support, and mission-specific investments, is currently weakened by an unexpected and significant shortfall. This situation stems from rapid changes in several sectors—such as temporary housing, language learning, day camps, and physical activity—and is putting increased pressure on our infrastructure and teams.

We have therefore conducted a thorough analysis of our services to refocus our resources where our impact is most sustainable, while ensuring our financial viability. This has been a courageous and difficult exercise, as it involves closing the International Language School, discontinuing our day camps, cutting certain fitness activities, and gradually phasing out certain community programs. After these changes, 76% of our current clientele will be able to keep benefitting from our support and services. Our teams continue to carry out these various initiatives with passion and dedication. To all of you: a heartfelt thank-you!

These decisions do not mean we are giving up, but rather strategically refocusing our efforts. They do not reflect our disengagement, but rather our desire to reinforce our foundations so we can better serve our communities. We will continue to invest in structuring programs such as Back on Track by the YMCA, TeenZones, Pathways to Education, exclusion prevention initiatives, and temporary housing services.

This sudden loss of revenue has forced us to move our deadlines up and has required immediate action. We are now entering a phase of stabilization. Today, it is this stability that we need to clarify our vision for tomorrow and rethink things, all on a solid foundation.

Refocusing is a difficult step but it also offers the opportunity to build a YMCA with a clearer mission, allowing it to continue being a place of belonging where everyone can let their potential shine.

Pascale Audette, President and CEO, the YMCAs of Québec