YMCA of Metro North extended holiday break meant to support self-care for staff after busy summer season

The extra day off on Sunday, Sept. 4 is also being added to provide an opportunity the YMCA to prepares its facilities for Fall classes.

PEABODY – The YMCA of Metro North today announced it will close for an additional day over the Labor Day Holiday weekend to allow self-care for staff and to prepare its pools and gyms for the Fall season.

President and CEO Kathleen Walsh said that her staff have been working in overdrive all summer with full rosters in its summer camps and will welcome the extra break.

“Collectively, our branches are open 880 hours each week and during the summer you add an additional 1,200 children in our full-time day camps. It makes for a really fun, but busy summer. This is an opportunity for my staff to recharge and relax as we get ready for back to school and the beginning of our Fall programs,” says Walsh.

The YMCA of Metro North facilities which are located in Lynn, Melrose, Peabody, Saugus, and Stoneham will be closed on Sunday, September 4 and Monday, September 5 and will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday, September 6 which is the start of its Fall programs and class sessions.

“Hiring new people is a challenge for every employer right now, so we want to keep our employees happy and engaged,” says Paul Mantell, Vice President of Human Resources at the YMCA of Metro North. “Our association has been looking for innovative ways to build in more benefits and flexibility for employees including time-off, flex schedules, benefits, perks, sabbatical time, and professional development funds. You name it, we are trying it and it’s been working.”

The YMCA of Metro North employs nearly 800 staff members with 200 seasonal camp counselors and lifeguards.

“Our work can be stressful and exhausting at times. Having fun in a safe environment doesn’t just happen, my staff work really hard at it. I’m glad to give everyone and well-deserved extra day to keep them motivated,” says Walsh.

About the YMCA of Metro North
The YMCA of Metro North is a leading Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization providing health, fitness, and youth development programs to the nearly 60,000 community members it serves annually. The association awards more than $1,200,000 in financial assistance to members to attend Y Academy early learning and after school programs, summer camps, and evidence-based health programs. The association instructs 5,000 swimmers and 200 lifeguards in swim safety every year. Learn more:  www.ymcametronorth.org