Gro Dev

We are truly Thankful. Thankful for the grace bestowed on us, most notably in the form of those with whom we get to share in this lived experience, and with whom we advance these initiatives of social impact. We're incredibly thankful for the vibrant communities we have the privilege and opportunity to serve. Whether through partnerships or collaborations. And we are thankful for the constant reminder of why we do what we do, with the power of ‘the built environment for social impact’ always at the heart. Here’s to health (including community health), hope and the power of human connection. Together, we’re growing stronger, achieving more, and making a lasting impact. From our family to yours, wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and fulfilling Thanksgiving. #Thanksgiving #NonProfits #SocialImpact #Gratitude #Gro #GroDev?

Largest Gathering of NNE Y Alliance ‘Doers’ Mashes-Up with Some Great Thought Leaders in Portland The NNE Conference tackled the critical topics that keep the 180-year-old YMCA thriving. From human-centered leadership and policy advocacy to mental health care, data-driven fundraising, and inclusive (LGBTQIA2S+) programming, the event highlighted innovative ways to strengthen community impact. Gro was honored to join the panel, “Assessing and Strengthening Your YMCA,” alongside YMCA leaders. Together, we explored best practices for analyzing Y operations, enhancing fundraising strategies, and driving capital development—all aimed at boosting capacity, efficiency, and impact for Ys of all sizes. As a firm dedicated to helping YMCAs maximize their real estate and facilities, we value these immersive opportunities to deepen our understanding of how Ys function as essential community hubs. The conference showcased the unique strengths and creativity of Ys across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, reinforcing why local Ys are so vital to the communities they serve. For Gro, this conference was a powerful stop in a season filled with inspiring YMCA Alliance gatherings nationwide. #Leadership #YMCA #CommunityImpact #InclusiveProgramming #StrategicPlanning #RealEstateForCommunities #YMCAStrength #Gro #GroDev

Ushering New Capital Funding to Bear on Community Impact?Projects The NY Fed’s ‘Making Missing Markets’ Mash-Up We’re just coming off another extremely stimulating and productive gathering at the NY Fed last week, where several of us had the opportunity to join 250 others - the determined, some dreamers, but all doers - as we continue to work-out concepts and framework for getting more sources of capital funding paired directly to community impact projects. The New York Federal Reserve Bank’s “Making Missing Markets” event brought together the right (otherwise-siloed!) forces from finance institutions, non-profits, impact investors, government, philanthropy and foundations, community development, and academia – all dedicated to creating and improving capital markets to deliver investments to under-resourced communities - community health, early childhood education, workforce readiness, climate resilience, housing, and household financial resilience. The aims: 1) Connect new sources of capital to community development projects and initiatives, 2) Enhance the reach of existing funding sources, and 3) Establish connections between buyers and sellers who were not previously linked. Straight forward and totally achievable! Grateful to Otho Kerr and David Erickson for the invitation to join such a thought-provoking and productive day. Huge appreciation as well to the entire, dedicated Community Development team at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York — loving this pool of humans, the broad array of orgs and institutions, the focus and intention, and ‘yes’ the impact and outcomes! #SocialImpact #ImpactInvesting #CommunityDevelopment #StrongCommunities #YMCA #Gro #GroDev

Making New YMCAs with New Markets Tax Credits Treasury Doubles 2025 Allocation to $10B! New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs) have become a bona fide funding source for non-profits to expand their reach and impact in underserved communities. With the upcoming round doubled to $10 billion in credits, the potential for impact has never been greater! ? Over 100 YMCA projects across the country have leveraged NMTCs to transform their facilities and program offerings. Recent success stories include the Park South Family Y in Dallas ($17 million credit allocation for a new 41,000 SF facility), Glow YMCA in Batavia, NY ($19.5 million credit allocation for a new 78,000 SF facility to co-locate the YMCA with a FQHC), Birmingham YMCA in Alabama ($11.5 million credit allocation for facility renovation with added space for an FQHC and infrastructure for affordable housing), and the Family YMCA of Marion and Polk Counties in Salem, OR ($23 million credit allocation for a new 51,000 SF facility). ? We are especially proud of our partnership with the Ottawa YMCA in Illinois, which secured a $20 million credit allocation from Central States Development Partners, Inc. (a national CDE) to finance a 65,000 SF healthy living campus. Replacing the 1950s-era facility, this $26 million project was developed in collaboration with OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center. Thanks to U.S. Bank’s participation as the tax credit investor, this project generated 100 construction jobs and 53 full-time positions. ? "This is a huge milestone for the Y as we continue our goal to positively impact as many people as possible in the communities we serve," says Joe Capece, Executive Director of the Ottawa YMCA.? ? Here at Gro, we are proud to have led the efforts around conceptual design, but the big shout outs are owed to Doug Rasmussen of Steadfast City Economic & Community Partners for securing the NMTCs and ACB - American City Bureau, Inc. for spearheading a successful fundraising campaign. ? This is the power of NMTCs in action, fueling transformation and expanding opportunity for all! While there are no guarantees due to the highly competitive nature of the program, we encourage all Y capital projects - whether in pre development or under construction - to check their site’s eligibility on the CDFI Fund’s mapper.? For support and questions about your project’s viability and the process of securing credits, please contact Daniel Forrester from our team. ? #CommunityImpact #NonProfits #YMCA #NMTC #NMTCCoalition #CDFIFund #Partnerships #Innovation #Gro #GroDev?

YMCAs and Military Families A Partnership in Health and Well-Being On Veterans Day, we honor those who serve, but YMCAs go beyond words of thanks. Through no-cost memberships and respite child care, providing vital services to eligible active-duty military and their families. Since the DOD Military Outreach Initiative launched in 2008, YMCAs have issued over 140,000 memberships (93,000 for military families at Ys and 47,000 through commercial fitness centers) and offered child care to more than 172,000 military children. Over 1,800 Ys participate in this impactful program. This initiative is about meeting evolving community needs, ensuring that military families have access to wellness resources that strengthen their bodies, minds, and spirits. We also want to honor the Armed Services YMCA.? An association of the Y dedicated to serving junior-enlisted military service members and their families - representing six branches of the armed services.? Their mission is to strengthen our military families. Gro proudly salutes our active military, veterans, their families, and the Ys who serve them every day. For more info visit asymca.org #MilitarySupport #VeteransDay #YMCA #CommunityWellness #Gro #GroDev

A Massive Transformation: Boise Y’s Bold New Era Begins Congratulations Treasure Valley Family YMCA on your new Boise Downtown YMCA branch! This groundbreaking is a powerful testament to your commitment to growing and evolving alongside Boise. This impressive 109,000-square-foot space, set just across from the Y’s home of over 50 years, is designed to enrich the community with an array of essential resources: a teaching kitchen, mindfulness studio, child development center, expanded locker rooms, and even co-working spaces. As YMCA CEO David Duro shared with KIVI-TV Boise News, "This new center provides critical services, including expanded childcare and programs in mental, physical, and financial health." A big shoutout to David Duro, Kathryn Hunter, the project architect Cushing Terrell and the construction management company Andersen-McAlvain JV, LLC. What a shining example of how YMCAs continue to adapt and meet the needs of the communities they serve! #CommunityImpact #YMCA #YMCADesign #Boise #YouthDevelopment #SocialResponsibility #Gro #GroDev https://lnkd.in/e77bENXi

YMCAs...Keeping Halloween Safe AND Fun For Families Trunks, Treats, and Total Peace of Mind Across the U.S., YMCAs are more than fitness centers—they’re community hubs. This Halloween, many are hosting Trunk-or-Treat events, where families gather in decorated parking lots to enjoy a safe, fun night. Parents, kids, and neighbors come together to celebrate in a secure space without the traffic concerns of traditional trick-or-treating. Started in the '90s, Trunk-or-Treat has grown into a beloved tradition. With cars decked out for the occasion, kids can wander among superheroes, princesses, and ghosts to collect treats without worrying about busy streets. The YMCA makes it easy for families to celebrate together while putting safety first. Beyond Halloween, YMCAs serve communities year-round.? It is why it’s our mission to help Ys leverage their real estate to align with community needs, empowering them to evolve facilities, increase memberships, and stay financially sustainable. For an organization with 180 years of impact, it's a powerful way to expand and continue serving the communities who count on them. #TrunkOrTreat?#YMCA #CommunityBuilding #HalloweenSafety #FamilyFun #BuildingStrongerCommunities #Gro #GroDev

The Power Of Play Reimagined Replacing And Modernizing Playgrounds with Landscape Structures. A Supplier Partner in Action. Our appreciation for playgrounds has skyrocketed in recent years—and for good reason. Play is more than just fun for kids; it’s exercise, social learning, community building, and a much-needed break from screens. Playground design has evolved to meet these needs, and through our Gro Procurement Program (Gro Pro) which partners with YMCAs, our collaboration with leading playground supplier Landscape Structures has evolved as well. They understand how to create environments that engage all children, from the athletically inclined to those who may feel intimidated or disinterested in play. Their designs are inclusive, ensuring that children with disabilities are fully part of the play experience, and in some cases, even fostering intergenerational interaction. Landscape Structures embraces open-ended play and creativity, while incorporating just the right amount of risk to stimulate challenge—of course, with all safety standards met. At Gro, we design spaces for play both inside and outside YMCA facilities. Our mission is to create places where people want to be. It’s not just about designing exercise or interactive spaces; it’s about fostering environments that truly bring communities together. And while it may be all about play, we take that mission very seriously. For more information about the Gro Procurement Program (Gro Pro), and to start benefiting from the program's offerings, please direct message Gro’s Kathleen Womack. #PlaygroundDesign #CommunityBuilding #LandscapeStructures #InclusivePlay #YMCA #Gro #GroDev

Mental Health at YMCAs World Mental Health Day reminds us that community-based services – often provided by and at YMCAs – matter. It’s not a coincidence that World Mental Health Day fell just as Hurricane Milton reached the shores of Florida. Imagine the toll on families, on children, and on seniors in these areas. It’s fair to say the Ys in these communities are hard at work now and will be for some time to come. When we look back at Superstorm Sandy in 2012. In the months and years that followed, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County provided a range of services to help survivors. Which included delivering free counseling services for people suffering post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. They also provided housing to volunteer and mission groups who traveled to the area to bring relief services - a shining example of sophisticated, elevated and impactful YMCA mental and behavioral health programs. As we position Ys for their best shots at climate resilience, and community hubs for support during extreme weather events, the work and role of Ys over these last three weeks - on full display - cannot be understated. The YMCA of Western North Carolina providing thousands of showers to the community, in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Community mental health services are increasingly delivered through a Y.? YMCAs across North America, some in tandem with community health partners, are in the productive and meaningful space of mental health – from youth to seniors. During this difficult time, and in the days and months that follow, we are reminded that the Ys are much more than buildings. They help people recover from devastating experiences, physically and emotionally. Back to the Greater Monmouth Y and their shining example, we’re sharing here a link to this Y’s program and services vertical in mental and behavioral health for inspiration and some recognition: https://lnkd.in/e43Byu9Q #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #HurricaneRelief #SupportEachOther #YMCA #Community #Gro #GroDev

The Values Of Indigenous Peoples In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we want to shed light on the work of Y7CF with the indigenous youth of the Cheyenne River and Standing Rock reservations. Indigenous Peoples’ Day speaks to the conflict inherent in how we recognize and honor our native communities. Through our work with the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires, based in Dupree, South Dakota, we see great progress and pride in how this Y is truly part of these communities, by serving, and honoring their history. The mission there is similar to all YMCAs. They develop and strengthen the next generation, helping them to fulfill their highest individual and collective potential – spiritually, mentally, and physically. They do so with childcare, after school, field trip and camp programs. At its core, this is a YMCA achieving its values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. But the Seven Council Fires Y also teaches Lakota values. Those are Wawokiye, Woksape, Ohitika, and Wa o'hola – meaning generosity, wisdom, bravery, and respect. This fusion of values in practice is remarkable, as we turn our attention to what indigenous people have achieved, and the values they hold. #IndigenousPeoplesDay #CelebrateIndigenousCultures #AmplifyIndigenousVoices #YMCA #Y7CF #Gro #GroDev