Welcome to East Herts YMCA
Story Three
Board Trustee
In 1991, I attended a public meeting aimed at raising awareness of the plight of homeless young people in East Herts. Support for the development of a YMCA led to the emergence of a small group of volunteers committed to making it happen.
There followed a period of four years during which this small group, of which I was part, gained the support of the district council, examined more than a dozen possible sites and explored funding opportunities. Much practical help and encouragement was received from the Metropolitan Region of the YMCA and from the Association's architects. After a number of false starts, a site was secured adjoining a new Waitrose food store, planning applications submitted and eventually approved and a start made on site. The new building was completed and opened to residents in 1996.
As a new board member, what followed was a very steep learning curve. Within a year, the new association found itself in a financial crisis and again was grateful for support from the Metropolitan Region. Subsequent years have not been without their anxious moments but the commitment of the board, their strong belief in the ethos of the YMCA and the important role played by 4 Northgate End in the lives of so many young people provided the impetus to continue.
More recently, a realisation that standing still is not an option, a feeling of greater confidence and an awareness of impending changes to the town and its surroundings has led the board to look beyond the present 27 bed hostel to the development of a range of services to young people in housing and other needs.
In July 2005, I was honoured to receive a long service award from the Metropolitan Region. However in meeting other recipients, I was struck by how relatively "young" the East Herts YMCA is compared to other associations and to the range of opportunities available to expand our services. I firmly believe that the Association is well placed to build the foundation of the next phase of its development, to fulfil its mission and to touch the lives of even more young people in the growing community of the M11 corridor.