Tom Den Boer

Dr. Tom Den Boer steps into his new position after posting a solid record of success with the Y's South Miami-Dade operation, setting up new programs, opening new offices and stimulating growth throughout his area of responsibility. His charity golf tournament last Fall with Prudential Insurance aboard as the title sponsor was considered an unqualified success.

"We've had a model of success with the help of board members, community leaders and staff," Den Boer said. "So, we want to take that model and spread it across the board to create some synergy between the branches in the southernmost part of this district."

As Greater Miami YMCA District South Director, Den Boer will oversee a much larger area, one that stretches from Kendall Drive on the North to Key Largo on the South; and from Krome Avenue on the West to Biscayne Bay on the East. He will continue as executive director of the South Miami-Dade branch.

"With de-centralization, you get spread out and you lose some continuity and synergy opportunities," Den Boer said. "So, with a district director in the North, one in the Central and another in the South, we hope to all be on the same page and synergize our talents between staff, programming and possible resources."

The South Miami-Dade YMCA includes a facility in Homestead, an office in the Children's Home Society building in Perrine, a storefront office in the Pinecrest area and an office serving the West Kendall area on 137 Avenue and 56 Street. An office is under consideration for the Country Walk area

At the same time, Den Boer said he is studying the feasibility of locating a YMCA office or facility in Marathon and plans to continue the existing program in Key Largo, which services the upper Keys.

"The whole idea is that within a 15 or 20-minute drive, a person is able to enroll in or be a part of a YMCA, whether it be a storefront operation, or an actual facility," Den Boer explained.

For more information about the YMCA, please call 305-254-0310.