Marco and Naples YMCAs Merge

A “marriage of talents and ideas” has resulted in the Marco Y and Greater Naples YMCA becoming a single, unified association.

Renamed the YMCA of Collier County, the two branches will continue to serve dozens of after-school, teen programs, summer camp and youth sports sites throughout the county.

Members can enjoy both facilities.

At the helm of the merger is Cindy Love-Abounader, who has served as the Marco CEO for two decades.

 “The marriage will allow us to fulfill our promise of serving more people, improving their health and strengthening our communities,” said Love-Abounader.

In a release, the move was hailed as “improving efficiency, creating a broader reach and better serving the communities within Collier County.”

 The combined not-for-profit organization has an estimated operating revenue of $8 million, about 30,000 members and program participants, and more than 200 staff members. The service area includes all of Collier County.

Love paid tribute to the Boards of Directors and staff who she said worked diligently to “bring together all aspects of these two entities.”

Additions and improvements to the facilities are already in the cards, and will include new cardio and strength equipment, renovated locker rooms, Early Learning renovations, upgrades to the pool, new equipment, and supplies for programs as well as building improvements and possibly new pickleball courts.

Ashley Lupo, a long-serving Marco Board member and chair, is Board Chair for the new association. 

“We are thrilled about the potential these combined organizations have to make an even bigger impact all over Collier County,” Lupo says. 

YMCAs nationally and internationally are examining ways to have the most powerful and far-reaching impact, states the release.

Many smaller Ys around the country are being brought into larger, established associations to better serve the greater community and utilize resources. There have been 79 YMCA mergers since 2000, yet the Y is serving more people today than ever. 

The YMCA provides programs supporting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, including youth and adult sports and arts programs, youth and teen programs, summer camp, aquatics, family fitness programs and active older adult programs. 

One in three of YMCA members and program participants access the Y with the help of financial assistance.