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YMCA tells Sumner council membership, scholarships and community programs have grown
Summary
At an Aug. 25 study session, the YMCA updated Sumner City Council on membership growth, scholarships and local programs tied to the city—s services agreements; staff said the 2019 agreement has been met and the YMCA is focusing on outreach and adaptive programming.
Sumner —5 —5 City officials heard an update Aug. 25 from the YMCA about rising membership, financial-assistance use and programs aimed at vulnerable residents.
"Our membership has grown substantially over the last couple of years," Jenna Layman, executive director of the YMCA serving Sumner, told the council during the study session. She said membership dips in summer are typical but overall usage has increased and the organization is working to reconnect members when school resumes.
Layman told council members the YMCA provided about $39,000 in scholarship assistance in the most recent month and has averaged closer to $45,000 month-to-month. She said discounts typically range from 10% to 50% and the organization sometimes offers deeper reductions when circumstances warrant.
The YMCA also reported program and service numbers that city officials cited as evidence of community impact. Layman said the organization ended 2024 with 243 three-month vouchers provided to low-income families through school-district referral, and the YMCA—s shower program is available to community members with photo ID between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. on select days. She described summer camp, arts programs and a recent dance recital hosted at Bonney Lake High School Performing Arts Center that featured 463 dancers across three shows.
Council members asked about gaps in services and outreach. Layman said the YMCA is part of a national cohort reviewing scholarship marketing and access and is beginning to pilot adaptive programming for people with sensory needs. The YMCA also highlighted partnerships with East Pierce Fire & Rescue and the school district—s family center to target assistance.
City Administrator Jason Wilson and council members praised the partnership during the meeting, noting the YMCA—s role in youth employment and neighborhood activities. No formal action was taken; the presentation concluded and the council moved to the next agenda item.
