The YMCA of the Chesapeake (YOC) and the Chesapeake Forum announced the evolution of their partnership. At its Winter Preview Party, Chesapeake Forum leadership shared the dissolution of its 501c3 status and impending merger with the YOC. Executive Director, Lynn Randle, will stay on to manage day-to-day operations.
Chesapeake Forum is an intellectual cooperative of lifelong learning, with courses planned, run, and led by dedicated volunteer faculty. The YOC has proudly hosted Chesapeake Forum’s lifelong learning classes and workshops since the winter of 2022.
“This partnership has been a huge benefit to our community for several years and has served as a way for seniors to stay engaged, continue learning and develop relationships,” said Robbie Gill, YOC CEO. “Bringing the YOC and Chesapeake Forum together as one is a no-brainer for the Y and is another way we can continue to serve Talbot County and help our seniors continue to strengthen their quality of life by improving their mind, body and soul.”
“Formalizing the relationship between the YMCA of the Chesapeake and Chesapeake Forum makes perfect sense,” said Lynn Randle, Executive Director of Chesapeake Forum. “Lifelong Learning closes the loop between exercising the body and the brain, and this merger provides the opportunity for the Forum and the YMCA to work together to meet the growing needs of seniors in our communities.”
The only branch of the YMCA of the Chesapeake mentioned in this article is Talbot County. Is this partnership between the Chesapeake forum and all YOC branches or just Talbot County? Also, since the Chesapeake Forum is no longer a non- profit how will they be funded?