On Tuesday, May 20, the Penobscot Bay YMCA hosted its Annual Meeting, a heartfelt evening that brought together staff, board members, donors, and volunteers to reflect on a year of powerful impact and celebrate those who help bring the Y’s mission to life.

“This event is always a special moment for our Y family to come together—to reflect, recognize, and celebrate all we’ve accomplished together,” said CEO Whitney Files.

In 2024, the Y advanced key strategic goals, including launching free food pantries, increasing financial assistance by 18%, and providing critical community health promotion in our local schools. The Y also served 30 infants in the new Lily Pond Infant Center, launched public Pre-K in Rockland, welcomed more than 5,000 members, and supported over 11,000 people across Knox County and Lincolnville to improve their health and wellness.

The evening honored standout employees and volunteers with annual awards. Day Arnold received the Healthy Living Award for her dynamic work as a SNAP Nutrition Educator. Teacher Jayme Ward was honored with the Youth Development Award for her extraordinary care and leadership at the Lily Pond Infant Center. The Social Responsibility Award went to board member Maureen Gordon, a passionate advocate for youth programs and the Y. Assistant Teacher Hattie Watmough was recognized with the Rising Star Award for her natural talent and dedication as a new employee in the preschool program, while the 2024 Employee of the Year Award was presented to Benjie Blake, Director of Sports, Camping and After School, whose leadership across multiple programs serves more than 650 children each year.

Milestone service awards were also given, including a remarkable 20-year recognition for Yoga Instructor Denyse Robinson, 15 year recognition for Trainer and Coach John Falato and Child Care Teacher Danielle Pendelton, 10 year recognition for Aquatics Staff Larrain Slaymaker and Joan Phaup, and 5 year recognition for Child Care Teacher Meredith Laliberte and After School Staff Jeanne Flanders.

As the Y looks to the future, it is focused on expanding access, strengthening programs, and investing in spaces that meet the evolving needs of our community. “We are continually inspired by our supporters and our staff,” said Files. “Thanks to our partners and donors, we are not only enhancing lives today — we are building a stronger, healthier Midcoast for generations to come.”

The Penobscot Bay YMCA is a charitable, mission-driven organization committed to strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The Y provides financial assistance to ensure all are welcome, and proudly serves 11,000 individuals annually throughout the Midcoast.