Greg Coop, CEO of the Moultrie Y, kneeling, KC Criss and Hannah Huante try out a new instructional computer at the Moultrie YMCA.

The Moultrie YMCA has been designated one of the country’s top 12 Ys based on its success in involving the community and fulfilling its mission.

The 12 organizations selected through the evaluation process are located across the country and include small-, large- and medium-sized cities, said Greg Coop, CEO of the Moultrie Y.

In December the Y will host officials who will spend two days examining operations here to determine whether specific practices can be used elsewhere.

The selection of the top 12 was based on a study conducted by SEER Analytics in Tampa, Fla. Only locations that had studies conducted in 2008, 2009 or 2010 were part of the selection process.

Those studies were conducted in Moultrie in 2006 and 2009.

It showed that 72 percent rated the Moultrie operation as excellent in 2009, up slightly from 70 percent three years earlier. The national YMCA average was 41 percent in 2008.

SEER Analytics selected 600 local members, some of whom were contacted for the survey.

“Overall 99 percent of those surveyed rated us as excellent or good,” Coop said. “We were in the top two or three nationally out of all of those who had SEER data.”

In 2009, survey respondents gave the Moultrie Y excellent marks on value for the money (61 percent), schedule convenience (50 percent), has enough equipment (50 percent), equipment maintenance (57 percent), and overall cleanliness (66 percent).

In the area of communication the company quizzed members about their knowledge of Y activities and practices.

Seventy-five percent in Moultrie knew that the Y provides financial assistance for members who cannot afford to pay full price, 68 percent that it offers no-cost programs for youth and families, 97 percent knew of involvement in promoting healthy habits. Ninety-eight percent said the Y is a good place for the family, and 82 percent developed friendships with other members.

When national Y officials visit next month, they will interview staff, volunteers, board members and members, Coop said. He estimated that the Y touches about 10,000 community members in a year through members’ visits, after-school programs and other activities. The Y has 152 employees, most of whom are part-time, and has an annual operating budget of $3 million.

“What they’re looking for is something that all of us do on a regular basis that sets us aside or makes us more efficient at those things, being more community-minded and mission-oriented,” Coop said.

The Y’s embrace of a community health program, Healthy Colquitt Coalition, also played a role in being selected among the top 12.

“It all goes back to being community-minded,” Cop said.