My Nonprofit Reviews

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.

The board of this organization is not representing the interests of members. The board is currently engaged in the sale of a substantial part of its assets to Northeastern University. This sale process has not involved members of the branch and in fact over 1000 active and concerned members have signed a petition to volunteer their efforts to find alternatives to the sale. The petition also calls for the board to cease and desist from selling assets. The board and staff have rebuffed all attempts by members who are willing to contribute funds, time, and effort to enhancing the physical and economic condition of the organization in order to ensure the organization can achieve its total balanced mission. The sale will substantially impair the long-term economic sustainability of the facility.
The board is self perpetuating and has no checks and balances as to governance. The members, whose funds are being spent unwisely, have no ability to effect changes in the board. The board has elements of self interest with respect to local politicians and real estate professionals who do business with the City of Boston. The sale process has been heavy handed with respect to political interests.
The use of proposed sale proceeds has not been disclosed. Our organization is composed of real estate professionals, architects, finance professionals, and many community members. Having participated fully in the process we are convinced the amount of sale proceeds announced to be used for a replacement facility will be impossible to build e.g. $10 million for a 100,000 square foot facility. The proposed plans and costs are not known yet building demolition and sale is proposed prior to the board knowing if the funds will accomplish the future plans of the organization. Members have unanimously voiced the opinion that the proposed facility will substantially degrade the available facilities and can not serve the needs of the entire community.
The board has committed to programs that are a substantial economic detriment to the financial and qualitative health of the organization.
www.savethebostony.com

We regret having to use this forum to express this frustration however as highly professional members and substantial donors ourselves we feel it is necessary to question this board. We would be please to share further details and we may be contacted via the above website.

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