August 8, 2025
Dear Members of our NECC Community,
In my short time at the helm of NECC, I quickly learned what a special place this is. While the building serves as a gathering place to conduct various programs, it is really the members, participants and staff that forge the underpinnings of a supportive multi-generational community that welcomes all. As the Executive Director, my main responsibility is to evaluate and strengthen the financial position of NECC. The board and I believe that being transparent and engaging with our community is vital to enhance the operations and serve our community well into the future. As part of that effort, I want to make you aware of upcoming changes.
New Membership Fees, Effective Sept. 1, 2025
Six years ago, NECC was thriving. The organization had built up robust financial reserves and when the pandemic hit, we were in a strong position to weather the storm. We adapted programming, took advantage of federal relief funding, and utilized our reserves to cover the capital and operational costs. During this challenging time, we chose not to raise membership dues, utilized reserves and prioritized accessibility. However, with this year’s budget also projecting a loss and the consumer price index soaring by over 21% since our last dues increase in March 2020, it’s evident that a regularly scheduled annual adjustment is now necessary.
Last year, we decided to implement a 12% increase in membership dues in an effort to close the gap. While recognizing the need to raise fees, we also took into careful consideration the uncertain economic times that we’re living through and decided on a relatively smaller increase of 4.5% on average. This adjustment will enable us to maintain our operational hours, improve cleanliness, and continue offering our scheduled classes.
New monthly fees for each membership category can be found in the table to the right and schedule to take effect September 1, 2025.
While this increase will help some, it will not cover the entire deficit. This decision is part of a broader effort to secure NECC’s long-term financial stability that includes growing membership, expanding hours (see announcement below), reevaluating our participation in medical insurance-based membership programs, restructuring our financial support program, and streamlining our operations.
New Weekend Hours & Expanded Member Benefits at NECC!
One of the biggest desires that our members have expressed has been to reopen on weekends as we had in times past. We’re excited to share that starting the weekend of September 5th we will be expanding our Saturday hours and opening on Sundays. The new hours of operation for both days will be from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Program details for weekend hours are coming soon – stay tuned for updates. We are also increasing the number of guest passes members are given every year from 5 passes to 12 so that you can introduce your friends and family to all things NECC!
NECC was born from a collective effort to preserve a beloved institution, and we remain committed to upholding that legacy. Effective stewardship of our resources is essential to ensure NECC remains a community asset for many years to come, and we appreciate your understanding as we undertake these necessary changes.
We deeply appreciate your membership and the connections you have with our staff, other members and the community at large. Our NECC community is unique and resilient. While recovery is ongoing and will take more time, our history has shown that we can overcome challenges together, and we are confident that we can do it again.
Yours in service,
Justin Pabalate
Executive Director
Northeast Community Center
P.S. You are welcome to renew your membership for next year at your current rate before our updated rates go into effect on September 1, 2025.