MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee announced Tuesday, January 13th that it will close the South Shore YMCA in Cudahy, effective January 31, 2015.
All programming and center hours will continue as normally scheduled until that time, according to a press release.
As announced in June 2014, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee has been implementing a comprehensive restructuring plan designed to address its operating challenges, repay as much debt as possible and re-position the Milwaukee YMCA for the future. That plan called for the organization to establish a Milwaukee YMCA comprised of centers within (or very close to) the City of Milwaukee and sell off the majority of its owned real estate assets, including the South Shore YMCA, in order to pay down debt.
Since that time, the Milwaukee YMCA’s leadership sought a new operator for the South Shore Y, but no buyers have come forward with an offer.
“This was a very difficult decision, and one we didn't come to without exploring all other options,” said Julie Tolan, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. “We are sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on our many loyal South Shore members and employees, and we pledge to work tirelessly over the next few weeks to ensure a smooth transition for all involved.”
Current South Shore YMCA members have the option to transition to a different Milwaukee YMCA center by January 31. Employees who cannot be retained at other centers will be offered severance.
A hearing to approve the Milwaukee YMCA’s complete restructuring plan has been scheduled for January 30. If the reorganization plan is approved by the Court, the Milwaukee YMCA will emerge from Chapter 11 smaller, debt free and better positioned to carry out its vision of a stronger, healthier Milwaukee where families of all incomes and backgrounds truly thrive.
For more information about the Milwaukee YMCA’s restructuring plan, please visit www.ymcamke.org/restructuring.