As the sun dipped below the horizon and twinkling lights illuminated the South Shore YMCA Family Farm in Hanover, our Summer Social 2025 unfolded as a heartfelt celebration of community, legacy, and the promise of a vibrant future.
Guests gathered among blooming gardens and thriving vegetable beds, surrounded by the natural beauty that now defines the Family Farm. It was a setting that reflected the Y’s evolution and its deepening impact on the South Shore community. The evening was not only a celebration but also a moment of reflection and forward-looking vision.
The Family Farm itself stood as a powerful symbol of transformation. Originally built in 2017, it has recently been revitalized thanks to the vision of CEO Paul Gorman and hard work of Farm Coordinator Kate Smith, along with generous grant funding, donations, and the collaboration of volunteers of all ages—without whom the Family Farm wouldn’t exist. Paul Gorman reflected on its journey: “When we built this farm, we had a vision of a place where the community could connect, build, learn, and grow together. Tonight is a perfect example.”
Executive Board Chair Mike Mullin warmly welcomed special guests and dedicated Y supporters—including State Representative Joan Meschino, State Senator John Keenan, members of the South Shore YMCA Executive Board, generous donors, passionate volunteers, and devoted staff.
CEO Paul Gorman, who will retire in 2026 after 16 years of transformative leadership, spoke with gratitude and clarity about the journey that brought the Y to this moment. “We may have a vision, and we try to share that with everyone,” he said. “What you’ve seen is intentional planning.” Paul recounted the strategic efforts that have shaped the Y’s growth and financial stability.
Paul Gorman’s leadership has been defined by a deep commitment to reinvesting in the community—and today, the South Shore YMCA is stronger than ever. “We don’t squirrel away. We’re not building an endowment,” Paul emphasized. “We reinvest everything that you give back into the community.” That approach has fueled record growth: more members and campers than ever before, and six years without a membership fee increase. Financial assistance now supports middle-income families, and strategic investments have elevated childcare salaries, expanded youth-at-risk programs, and delivered major capital improvements—from the Outdoor Aquatic Center to the Nature Center and Hale Family YMCA expansion.
“This will be our best year ever,” Paul affirmed, “the most people we’ve ever served and the most solid bottom line.”
President Trevor Williams then shared the strategic vision that will guide the South Shore YMCA into its next chapter. Building on the foundation laid by Paul Gorman, Trevor emphasized a future shaped by community input and a commitment to growth, resilience, and impact. He outlined five key pillars that will drive the Y’s direction: expanding youth and family programs to meet evolving needs, strengthening partnerships in medical wellness to become a trusted resource in community health, enhancing member experiences to deepen engagement, investing in staff development to build a strong and supported team, and improving infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability. These priorities reflect a bold and inclusive roadmap for the years ahead—one rooted in the Y’s mission and inspired by the people it serves.
The evening’s farm-to-table dinner, creatively prepared by The Chef’s Table, a longtime partner of the Y, was a culinary celebration of local flavors and shared purpose. As guests mingled under the stars, the atmosphere was one of unity and optimism. The Summer Social wasn’t just a party—it was a living representation of the Y’s mission in motion.
As the night came to a close, Paul reflected on the Y’s unique position. “We’re one of the largest Ys in the country, but we’re not in a huge urban center. We go deeper than most Ys across the country. We know our folks.” That depth of connection, built over decades, is what will carry the South Shore YMCA forward.
The Summer Social marked the end of a season, but more importantly, it heralded the beginning of a new era—one defined by thoughtful leadership, community-driven impact, and a shared vision for a stronger, healthier South Shore.
