Name of Attorney: Christine Roch

Name of Firm: Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Client Served: YM-YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood

Accomplishment: Assisted YM-YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood (the Y) in connection with a loan for a proposed capital project.

With more than 3,000 community members using its resources annually and its programs growing exponentially, the Y required a major overhaul and expansion of its current facility. Christine Roch, Managing Associate at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, negotiated a Funding Agreement for a $775,000 loan from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The capital funded new program space that will allow the Y to reach out to and serve more youth and adults through new and additional recreational programming.

Established in 1917 and offering programs such as after-school program homework help, family literacy, teen community service, and senior cultural arts, the Y has earned a solid reputation among the many ethnic and socioeconomic groups who live in the community as a place where they can come together and participate in activities in an environment that is both welcoming and non-judgmental.

According to Michael Fermaglich, the Y's Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Roch was extremely thorough in managing the entire process, clearly outlining everything for the Y. She reviewed the restrictive covenants that would be placed against the property, and reviewed the architect's contract, as well as the construction contract.

Ms. Roch also won respect from staff at the EDC. Many of their proforma documents had not been updated in years and included provisions that were no longer useful. Ms. Roch saw room for change, and as a result of her efforts, EDC revised a number of their documents and what was requested from funding recipients.