Recession strikes YMCA hard in Northern Nevada

RENO -- A sharp drop in donations because of the recession has pushed the YMCA to the brink of bankruptcy in the Reno area.

Mark Lieske, president-CEO of the YMCA of the Sierra, said donations have decreased by 70 percent since 2006 while demand climbed 20 percent for its subsidized child care and other services at 14 school-based sites.

He said the YMCA also is "staring Chapter 11 bankruptcy dead in the face" because its other revenue stream, membership at its family recreation centers in Sparks and Cold Springs, faces challenges as well.

The organization has slashed staff by up to 25 percent and is struggling to pay its remaining 90 employees, he said.

"It's a brutal economy out there," Lieske said. "We haven't been able to cover all our checks."

Tim Rowe, YMCA board chairman, appealed to the public for donations.

"I'm not sure how much longer our creditors will allow us to function in the red," he said.