Facilities and Programs Ceased Operations on Monday

JACKSON, TENNESSEE —The YMCA of Jackson and West Tennessee announced on Thursday that it has ceased all operations, including its facilities in Jackson, Brownsville, and Trenton, and programs offered outside of its facilities, as of Monday, Oct. 5. The YMCA of Jackson and West Tennessee intends to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and dissolve as an organization.
“This is a very difficult time for everyone associated with the YMCA of Jackson and West Tennessee,” said Katie Pace, Chair of the YMCA’s Board of Directors. “Like so many other businesses, charities, and organizations in our area, our YMCA was severely affected during the economic down turn. Declines in membership and donations over the past several years coupled with the addition of increasing maintenance expense for aging facilities have proven too difficult to overcome. In recent years, the board made a number of bold decisions that we expected would strengthen the YMCA, but despite our best efforts, we are not able to generate the financial resources necessary to sustain our operations.”

The YMCA of Jackson and West Tennessee has operated at a financial deficit for several years. Over the past 24 months, the YMCA has reduced staff and streamlined operations in an effort to cut operating expenses, all while maintaining its programs and services for the community. Unfortunately, the YMCA has reached the point where further reductions would prevent operations from continuing.

“Our YMCA has had the privilege of serving the children, families and communities of West Tennessee for 158 years,” Pace said. “We are grateful for the support we have received from our members, participants, volunteers and donors. We deeply regret that closing down will affect so many wonderful people. We also regret not being able to provide more notice. Our board worked until the last possible hour to find a solution to this situation.”