Boston Nonprofits and Charities

This is an organization that has disenfranchised members by destroying the oldest YMCA in the country, disrespecting an important historic building in YMCA history, selling assets to Northeastern University, which was started at the Y. They erected a 20 plus story student dorm in its place, reduced facilities and activities for members. Employees with long employment tenure were fired and or moved to locations surrounding Boston with impossible commutes to motivate them to resign. Employees looking for help in difficult situations with management reported the working environment as toxic, especially for women. Firings and terminations have resulted in employment lawsuits that in most cases were settled out of court with confidential details about disputes. Members filed lawsuits against the management and organization were actions were directed by member-attorneys. The Y collects large sums of money from federal grants and payments for housing and child care, details in financial statements. The after-school child care does not have effective programs involving exercise and education but rather simply babysits them in classrooms to maximize revenue and minimize costs. Housing residents are often individuals who are dangerous to members, especially children. In the dispute with members during the destruction period, it is clear historic records of votes by members on governance were missing from the official archives which would have provided better governance, giving members greater control of the organization rather than absolute powers to the management and board. The extent of the misdeeds of the organization are too numerous be listed here. For these misdeeds, Kevin Washington and director Connors were given positions of CEO of the YMCA of the USA and director respectively. Many members clearly remember these issues. It is the opinion of many loyal and dedicated members, including generous philanthropic donors who offered large sums of money to compromise on the management of the organization and its evolution, this is not an organization that deserves any philanthropic support.

United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley is probably one of the worst non-profits you can give to in the area. I can't speak for national United Way, but this one is horrible. They spend a good chunk of their dollars on fancy parties and fundraisers for the wealthy and the employees rarely interact with the community. I used to give to this United Way until I realized how much of my money is wasted paying for their CEO's $300,000+ pay and a middle man that does not physically accomplish any work themselves. They seem to spend most of their time trying to make donors feel good instead of helping the community. They are definitely just a fundraising organization. <br> <br>Support an organization that actually does something! I will never give them another cent.

I've volunteered for this organization for seven years now and the elder I was matched with is now in her 90s. I have enjoyed spending time with her and being a companion she has come to trust. She has little family nearby and no children, so I know she gets lonely. I see her once weekly, and we walk to get tea, to pick up an avocado or yogurt from the market. We go to free concerts at the local music schools where it's fine to leave at intermission if she's too tired to stay for the whole thing. Some weeks, I spend an hour, some weeks 3 hours, but we both have a good time. These days, my match has chosen to save dessert from her assisted living facility to share with me when I arrive. When I'm away on vacation we trade post cards, and hers is usually awaiting me in my mailbox on my return to tell me about something she has thought to tell me of a past memory or a brief occurrence I have missed while away. This organization has made me feel truly valued as a friend to someone else, and I know I make a difference. I hope more elders can find matches, and more young people slow down to talk to an elder they may soon call friend.

Wonderful changes have taken place at Union over the past 4 months. not only has the appearance cleaned up, but the staff are much more attentive. I've talked with Brendan Mckee, the new operational manager (and an Amherst grad), and he has high hopes for the gym. A big man, with a big heart - he is trying to get the old Boston Union to the community center of Boston once again. When we last talked he said that he had just set up the non-profit Metro Lacross for some gym time. looks like BYMCU is coming on up!