ROCHESTER − When the staff of the YMCA of Strafford County announced they were closing in September, moving the childcare services to Somersworth but discontinuing all adult classes, some of the people who have been coming for years, felt betrayed.
Barrington resident Mary Doty is working to find a place where she and her displaced friends can come together and not lose the sense of community she said they have formed through their long association with classes at the Rochester location.
"On June 20, the Granite State YMCA announced that the Rochester location would close effective September 30," Doty said. "There are 79 families that use the childcare services at The Early Learning Center and more than 700 members who use the wellness and group exercise programs. The community impact is significant. The official member communication didn’t explain the reason behind this decision. I'm hoping we get answers so we can understand why, and possibly help us to find a solution for the community."
Doty said she has been doing some research since being told the decision to close was a fiscal one.
"We've heard that, but per ProPublica, the Form 990 for 2023 states Granite YMCA had a net income of $469,685," said Doty. "Where is the money?"
Doty said there is a core group of members who’ve been meeting on Mondays to try to create a solution to keep their community intact and continue their health journeys through exercise.
"We have spoken to some area organizations, and while most of them are sympathetic to our situation, none have the class structure we need, at least none we've found so far."
"Everyone was supportive, no one can believe the Y is closing," she said. "Those studios/gyms have open times in the mornings, which would help the elderly population but doesn’t help the working folks who participate after 5 p.m."
Last month, the Granite State YMCA decided to merge the Early Learning Center located in Rochester with the YMCA Somersworth Learning Center. At that time, they assured parents there was a spot for them in Somersworth if they chose to stick with the YMCA programs.
For adult wellness members, however, the only option is to find another place to come together for health and community.
Lorrie Piper, vice president of marketing and communications for the Granite YMCA offices in Manchester, said they are aware people are expressing concerns.
"As you know, the Granite YMCA will not occupy the facility at the YMCA of Strafford County location as of October 1," said Piper.
Piper said before the decision to make the transition and close the Rochester location was made, the Granite YMCA investigated the landscape to determine if their wellness members would have viable options to continue their health and wellness journeys.
"We found that there are options including but not limited to The Works, Sanford YMCA, Planet Fitness, Athletic Instinct, Deep Roots Cross Fit, and the Rochester Recreation Department," she said. "We've been sharing this information with our members. Since the announcement, Ben Higgins, a Rochester native and owner of Athletic Instinct, has been in conversations and has visited the Rochester Y to observe senior fitness classes with the hope that he may have space to offer classes to our current members. While no decision has been made, there is enthusiasm to bring continuity to the impacted Y membership."
Piper said they hope members will find options in the Tri-City area that will meet their individual needs.
"We remain committed to open and honest communication around wellness initiatives and offerings available locally," Piper said. "We have waived all charges for September for our impacted members should they choose to finish out the month with us, and we intend to continue to offer our support."
Doty said what is important to them is to keep the community together. She said she hopes it is possible.
"The community at the Strafford YMCA is close-knit and strong," said Doty. "The senior citizens who participate in group exercise programs, folks with disabilities and the younger population who exercise after work are at a loss. It is not unusual to have 20 members in a group exercise class and there are many opportunities to take a class. On Mondays alone there are ten classes on the schedule. There are very few similar offerings for group exercise in Strafford County."
Doty said the problem looms largest for those aged 50 and older.
"Many gyms have a lot of equipment but offer no classes," she said. "Our fear is that for many seniors the closure of the Y will mean an end to their fitness journey and the loss of social connection which will be detrimental to their physical and emotional health. For some this is their social life and the only opportunity to get out and interact with others."
"Why didn't the Granite Y reach out to Rochester Rec?" asked Doty. "The C in YMCA stands for Community and yet it appears this decision was made with blatant disregard for the Rochester community. The Rochester Recreation Department does a great job for the community and offers group exercise classes. But not enough for us all."
Lauren Krans, director of the Rochester Recreation department, confirmed that some of the patrons of the YMCA classes have reached out to them. She said they want to help, but noted they were taken completely by surprise.
"We had no idea, received no notice from anyone at the YMCA," Krans said.
While it is true that the city budgets for the year have been finalized, Krans said there may be some ways they can help.
"My message is that we need to take a pause," she said. "I told my staff to look at our most popular classes such as the Senior Power Hour, Zumba and Cardio Drumming with an eye to increasing them. People love these classes. Then we can take a close look and see what we can do going forward. We can look at the need, at what classes we might be able to add and when we can do that."
Doty said there are over 700 people losing their classes.
There is a petition, signed by many current members, seeking community help. It says, in part: "If anyone is willing to assist in addressing this dilemma, or who might have ideas worth pursuing, please send an email to helpymca2024@gmail.com."
Soon-to-be-displaced YMCA wellness members shared personal stories about what losing the programs means to them.
"I started taking the classes just about two years ago," said Cathy Greenlaw. "At that time, I was a recent widow and trying to find my way after 50 years of marriage. I hadn’t taken any classes for years and I was pretty nervous about it being older and not in great shape. I found a very warm and welcoming community of like-minded people. I joined through the Silver Sneakers program and have been taking Fit for Life, Silver Sneakers and chair yoga. These classes target older people and focus on balance, strength and stability. I can’t say enough about the instructors, and staff."
Employees of the childcare programs were told their jobs could move with the children. Not so for others.
Candice Smith, a welcome center associate for the Y, will lose her job at the end of September.
"My story with the Y is simple," said Smith. "It's about the people, the community. It is overwhelmingly positive and supportive. I have had the privilege of meeting them all at the welcome desk, children, adults, and seniors. This place brought people together and now we are facing the closure. I am concerned for our seniors, and for families to the north, in Milton, Strafford, Waterboro, Wakefield, families that have limited resources and that relied on us. For many of them the new location is not feasible There is nothing to offer these families. Sept. 30 will be a very sad day."
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: With closure of YMCA in Rochester, hundreds of members can't find wellness alternatives
Local News
