About Us

Dear Members and Friends,

As we unite together, as the truly beloved ‘Y’ that we are, we look back on 2025 with genuine authenticity, collegial admiration, and wholesome accomplishment. 2025 was the beginning of a new chapter for the Northwest CT YMCA; a chapter that began with a renewed sense of purpose and placement within our community, and an enhanced commitment to our mission, vision, and organizational strategy.

Creating a team that is rooted in mutual care, mutual trust, and mutual respect is paramount in any successful organization; regardless of its size, scope, or profit status. This team must work as one cohesive unit, breaking down their own antiquated silos, in exchange for greater opportunities to lean on each other for sustainable support and critical knowledge. The formula for this success isn’t that easy to create or depict, but rather a constant effort to ensure that each branch, program, and unit works tirelessly to become the force multipliers that they are. That is the formula that helped navigate 2025, and one that will guide us well into the future.

When a team has been given the necessary strength, trust, and runaway to achieve greatness, it is a profound realization when the fruits of that offering come to bear. 2025 was the beginning of a new era. While our purpose within our community remained firm, our team began working diligently to identify areas that needed even greater attention, updating, revisioning, and even some rebranding. These actions were the result of a lengthy process which created a new strategic plan for the organization. A plan that will now act as the building blocks and road map for the next 3-5 years. When our minds and hearts came together, with our board members, management partners, and team members alike, a strategy was developed that in the end will place a brighter light on our many unique offerings and capabilities, the modernized development of our team as a whole, the sustainment and transformation of our facilities, and our financial viability for the future.

2025 had a common theme throughout the year. With each hour that passed by, with each day that came and went, with each month that turned by on the calendar, there was a common denominator that stayed true throughout; the support from our community and our donors. The support that we have had is simply remarkable. Whether that support came from a young member, a young family, a retiree, or a local organization, each offering made a monumental impact. In a time when financial support from our state and federal partners remains largely unpredictable, it is heartwarming and comforting to know that our local community and our members continue to view us as the “The Place.” No matter what you may need, no matter what age you may be, no matter what services you may be searching for, we are proud to be the social services hub of northwest Connecticut. A title and a purpose that we will never be taken for granted.

Here is to an even bigger and better 2026. A year that we will navigate together; as the team that we are, and as the family that we are. Our reach can be limitless, so long as we all remain united in our mission.

Brian M. Ohler                                                      Bob Teittinen

President & CEO                                                   Chairman, Board of Directors