The YMCA, a youth social housing and homeless charity in Milton Keynes, has recently welcomed the appointment of a new Chair.
It was announced on Friday (29/1) that Julia Upton MBE, who has supported the charity for years, will become the next Chair.
The charity says that Julia has demonstrated a "considerable commitment" to Milton Keynes and the local non-profit sector. This dedication was acknowledged in 2016 when Julia was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to the community of Milton Keynes, and in June 2020 was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.
A spokesperson for the YMCA Milton Keynes said: "The Charity is going through an exciting stage of transition and we are delighted that Julia will lead the Board as we commence the next chapter in our story.
"In April we will launch our new three-year strategy, providing a road map as to how we will strengthen and diversify the support we provide to young people in Milton Keynes. Providing safe housing is a vital step, but it is only the first in terms of helping our residents to thrive. We offer much more, including employment and mental wellbeing support, and are eager to expand our service offering in the coming months and years."
Speaking about the future, Julia added: “The challenges our young people face today have been magnified by the pandemic. Homelessness, unemployment and increasing violent crime are just some of the issues that our young people are having to deal with. YMCA Milton Keynes is here to equip our residents with the practical and emotional support they need to ensure they have the opportunities they deserve to belong, contribute, and thrive. With a dedicated Board and staff team, I know the next three years will be transformational for YMCA Milton Keynes and feel privileged to Chair the charity going forward.”
Last year, YMCA Milton Keynes opened its new state-of-the-art campus which MKFM helped raise funds for.
The charity says that the new site's development and the opening was "no small task", and this effort was overseen by Cheryl Montgomery, the outgoing Chair.
Looking back, Cheryl commented: “YMCA Milton Keynes has developed enormously in recent years. The growth of the charity is testament to its commitment to support vulnerable young people in Milton Keynes, offering hope and the tools needed to go on to a brighter and more positive future. I will continue to support the charity as a Trustee and feel reassured that with Julia’s experience the charity will continue to go from strength to strength.”
