Hometown: The beautiful Mount Washington Valley of North Conway, NH
Currently resides: Swanzey, NH
Age: 35
Today our spotlight shines on Angela Lynch. Angela is the Membership Director at the Keene Family YMCA, having joined the team in July of 2023. In her recent interview, Angela shared insights into her role, her personal life, and her vision for the YMCA.
Life & Passions
Angela cherishes spending time with her six-year-old daughter, Brielle, affectionately called the “little nugget of love and chaos.”
Hiking, kayaking, and enjoying the great outdoors, especially near water, are favorite pastimes. Family time is also important, with regular trips up north to watch their niece and nephews play baseball and softball. Recently, Brielle has taken up t-ball.
“I don’t know if she’s going to love it when it gets seriously structured. We’ll see how it goes,” Angela said as she reflected on her young daughter’s personality.
“She’s not the most structured kiddo.” She said with a smile.
Angela also has an artistic side. “I paint often and like getting the kiddos in my life creating art or silly crafts,” she shared.
Hopefully someday she’ll bring some of her artwork to the Y!
The Role of the Membership Director
As the Membership Director, Angela’s primary goal is to ensure members are happy while adhering to procedures and policies. A significant part of her role involves managing the Membership for All (financial assistance) program, a task she finds particularly rewarding. “Easing access feels right,” she said, highlighting her passion for making the YMCA accessible to everyone.
She points out that at the Keene Family YMCA, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming community for all. Our robust financial assistance program ensures that everyone can access our facilities and programs, regardless of their financial situation.
Collaborating with organizations to ease access and constantly improving member engagement plans are key aspects of her job. She emphasizes the importance of training desk staff, enhancing their skills in customer service. Strengthening the financial assistance program is a major focus, aiming to make full use of available funds to support more members of the community.
A New Perspective on Membership
Becoming the Membership Director has broadened her view on the YMCA’s diverse community. “Before I was stuck in an office and didn’t exactly see who was coming through the door,” she said. She now witnesses firsthand the wide range of people who benefit from the YMCA. This role has also illuminated areas for improvement and opportunities to strengthen the community.
Goals for the Membership Department
One of her primary goals is to create comprehensive standard operating procedures, noting that having clear, accessible guides for staff and volunteers is crucial. This initiative aims to ensure continuity and efficiency, enabling staff to perform their roles effectively even without direct supervision.
Another focus is on improving desk staff skills and allowing them to devote time to proactive learning rather than merely surviving daily tasks. By filling knowledge gaps and organizing information better, the Membership Director hopes to enhance member engagement activities and overall service quality.
Accessibility and Community
When asked what she wants everyone to know about the Keene Family YMCA, she responded immediately with “We are accessible.”
She again emphasized the financial assistance available to those who need it, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to being part of the YMCA community. “We want you here,” she asserted, underscoring the YMCA’s commitment to inclusivity.
She also highlighted the importance of safety, both in terms of creating a welcoming environment and ensuring physical safety for all members.
“You give us [personal] information because our system checks,” Angela explained. “We’re doing what we can to keep it safe.”
Everyone who enters the building is required to check in at the front desk, and to provide basic information so that they can be added to the Y’s database. This helps maintain a secure space for families and children.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Angela would like the Y to establish a teen center. “That age range is so overlooked because they act so independent, they look adult-ish, and people expect them to behave as adults,” she said. “But they’re still children and they need safe, positive, substance-free spaces to exist.”
She strongly believes a dedicated space for teens would round out the YMCA’s offerings, catering to every age group in the community.
Join Us at the Keene Family YMCA
At the Keene Family YMCA, we are committed to making our facilities and programs accessible to all. Our financial assistance program is a cornerstone of this commitment, ensuring that everyone, regardless of financial status, can be part of our vibrant community. Whether you’re looking to stay active, connect with others, or find a safe space for your family, the Keene Family YMCA welcomes you.