CEO Corner
Helen L. Breña is the CEO of the Cumberland County YMCA. She has worked for the YMCA movement for almost 20 years and has served in this role with us since 2006. Her canine buddy Sam is a familiar face at the Greater Portland branch.
CEO Corner
January 2011
There is a lot of excitement about our new logo and rebranding initiative. It’s fun, colorful, and exciting. It’s also change, and although change is difficult at times, it has to be remembered that while we are changing in some ways, our core is not.
You’ll see changes in the logo itself. It’s colorful, it’s softer, and it’s more modern looking. It’s representative of our diversity and inclusiveness.
You’ll see this on our signs, our letterhead, our business cards, our staff apparel – you’ll see it everywhere you saw our old logo.
We now call ourselves “The Y”, not because we’re different but because that’s what everyone was calling us anyway.
You will also see some change in how we talk about ourselves. Nationally we have created “One Voice” to be better able to explain what we do and the impact we have on our communities. Our voice is determined, nurturing, genuine, hopeful, and welcoming.
We now have three areas of focus that categorize everything we do. They are:
Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen
Healthy Living: Improving the nation’s health and well-being
Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors
You’ll see this change in how we categorize our programs in our program guide at the back of this newsletter. You’ll also see this if you sign up for a program on-line. (Note: please check the program category name in the guide to find your program on-line).
That’s all the changes and here’s what is not changing…
Our Mission – we remain committed to building strong kids, individuals, families, and communities through programs and services that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, regardless of ability to pay.
Our Values – Our core values remain caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We may not have the colors associated with each value anymore, but we still live by these values, Christian values, and the basic values of every religion.
Our Heritage – The Y was founded in London, England in 1844. The Portland YMCA was founded in1853. We have a long and colorful heritage, one that has seen the Y evolve over the years to meet the needs of its community. We continue to honor that heritage.
Our Community – We are still here for all -- we are inclusive and welcoming.
Our Programs – While we categorize them differently, what we offer is the same, and we will continue to expand and evolve our programs to meet the needs of our community, just as we have done for the past 157 years.
In summary - when you walk into your Y, you will see new colors, new words describing us, but you will also see familiar faces and programs and you will experience that familiar feeling that you belong here!
