Bedford Center YMCA reports shrinking deficit, rising program use and expanded partnerships

Jacqueline Sotelo, executive director of the Bedford Center YMCA, updated the council on operations and finances, saying the branch reduced its operating deficit by more than $200,000 from 2024 to 2025 and increased program revenue across swim lessons, day camp and other services.

"Over 2025, we reduced our operating deficit by over $200,000 in just one year," Sotelo said, highlighting increases in program revenue that included a $31,000 year-over-year rise in swim-lesson revenue and growth in day-camp and rental income. She told council the Y provided more than $240,000 in scholarships and discounts to residents while raising about $90,000 through its annual campaign.

Sotelo presented usage metrics: 55,746 group-exercise visits last year, 39,261 eGym users, 856 swim lessons and 23,290 water-park scans so far this summer (through July 20). She said membership units stood at about 3,916 year-to-date, representing roughly 16,000 people coming in and out of the facility, and that retention rates held at about 66%.

Council members asked operational questions—about janitorial contracts, marketing goals and equipment leases—and Sotelo and interim association CFO Wade Griffin said the branch is operating leaner, has moved some software and overhead allocations, and is working with a shared-services association office to contain costs. The YMCA said it will return to council with a more real-time update on 2026 actuals later in the year.