YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta had a productive day at Primrose Schools National Headquarters, where 45 volunteers assembled 178 classroom kits in under an hour for our Early Learning Readiness program. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Primrose team and CEO Jo Kirchner for their unwavering dedication and support, which contribute significantly to enhancing the educational experiences of early learners in our community.

On Saturday, September 28, KABOOM! partnered with the Harlem Globetrotters at the Eastlake Family YMCA to highlight the importance of play as part of the CDC Foundation’s National Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities. The event, which was open to all children and included students from M.A. Jones (a YMCA of Metro Atlanta 21st Century Afterschool site at the Arthur M. Blank Family Youth YMCA), focused on promoting good nutrition as a foundation for building strong, healthy, and thriving communities. The event featured remarks from key leaders, including KABOOM! CEO Lysa Ratliff, Lauren Koontz, President & CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Meryl Harrell, Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Dr. Karen Hacker, Director of the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, and Congresswoman Nikema Williams. Attendees were also treated to a special performance by Harlem Globetrotters athletes Alex "Moose" Weekes and Cherelle "Torch" George, who not only showcased their basketball skills but also engaged with the children by teaching them some of their signature tricks. The event emphasized the connection between nutrition, play, and overall community wellness.

VOLUNTEER TO READ! 📚 In-Person Readers Needed! Share the gift of a book with our pre-K students. Read a book of your choice for a 4–5-year old audience to celebrate #GeorgiaPreKWeek. 🎒 In-person readers at 8 sites. Monday, October 7 and Wednesday, October 9. 8:30 AM–2:00 PM. 30-minute time slots. Sign up at: https://lnkd.in/guPi9m-B

In the 13th annual Coaches Clinic hosted by the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Academy and presented by the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, over 200 local basketball coaches gathered at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex. Led by Hawks Head Coach Quin Snyder and the assistant coaching staff, the event aimed to provide valuable insights and best practices to local coaches, equipping them with advanced tools and methods to enhance their coaching skills and elevate youth basketball in Georgia. Snyder emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge, stating that providing coaches with effective techniques leads to improved instruction and a stronger passion for basketball among Atlanta’s youth. Kristin McEwen, chief experience officer of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaboration between the YMCA and the Hawks as a powerful force in developing leadership and inspiring the next generation of athletes. The clinic serves as a key educational opportunity for local coaches to strengthen the coaching community and foster growth in sports. Read more on our blog ymcaatlanta.org/blog.

On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s President & CEO, Lauren Koontz, participated in a significant roundtable discussion and signing ceremony at Atlanta City Hall. The event, hosted by the U.S.Department Labor, focused on advancing workforce development through the Atlanta Good Jobs Alliance. Leaders from across metro Atlanta, including U.S. Acting Secretary Julie Su, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, and representatives from organizations like Goodwill of North Georgia, City of Refuge, Inc., and the Gateway Center, gathered to publicly commit to the Department of Labor’s Good Jobs Principles. During the roundtable, Lauren highlighted the essential role the Y plays in supporting working families. As the largest provider of Head Start in Georgia, she emphasized how these programs not only support children’s development but also provide a pathway to stable employment for parents. The signing ceremony symbolized a shared commitment to addressing workforce needs in Atlanta and ensuring that all community members, especially underserved populations, have access to good jobs and economic opportunities.

Today on (Y) Connect, we share an inspiring and heartfelt story highlighting the transformative power of community, fitness, and perseverance. Louisa Merchant, a long-time YMCA member, and Cindy Augustin, a cherished group exercise instructor who has been instrumental in Louisa’s fitness journey, join us for a meaningful conversation. Louisa recently wrote a letter to YMCA leaders, reflecting on the past few months and how the Y has helped her regain physical strength and find renewed hope. We’re excited to have them share their stories and discuss the profound impact the YMCA has had on their lives. Listen to today’s episode here: ymcaatlanta.org/podcast

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta's 7th Annual Days of Service, held on September 13-14, was a remarkable success, thanks to the invaluable contributions of our dedicated volunteers and supportive partners. Over the course of these two impactful days, up to 200 volunteers came together to engage in a variety of meaningful activities including food sorting, meal distribution, and neighborhood revitalization. Their collective efforts resulted in an impressive 508 service hours logged across 12 distinct projects. Special recognition is due to our corporate partners: Gas South, Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, Chick-fil-A Restaurants, Kaiser Permanente, Thought Logic Consulting, and Truist. Additionally, the YMCA staff contributed significantly with 53 volunteers. The collaboration and enthusiasm demonstrated by all involved were truly inspiring and played a crucial role in strengthening and enhancing our community. We extend our deepest gratitude to each participant for their dedication and hard work. #YMCADaysOfService 📸: Kat Goduco  

In the News: As part of the YMCA’s Annual Days of Service on September 13-14, volunteers gathered to support families in need at The Villages at Carver Family YMCA. Since the onset of the pandemic, this YMCA has continuously provided free food to the community, distributing meals car by car and bag by bag. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gFEUWQ3N

In July, The Cigna Healthcare Group launched the Safe Swimming with Sickle Cell pilot program at Camp Crescent Moon in Metro Atlanta, partnering with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. Designed for children with sickle cell disease (SCD), the initiative provided swim lessons to 80 campers, focusing on SCD-specific challenges and promoting safe swimming practices. Led by Ivy Bryant from Cigna’s Evernorth Health Services, the program aimed to enhance physical and emotional well-being through inclusive and educational swim instruction, supported by a custom swim guide for kids and caregivers. Learn more about the Safe Swimming with Sickle Cell program at https://lnkd.in/gie2mhWe.

Get ready for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta's 7th Annual Days of Service starting tomorrow, September 13 & 14! 🌟 Join us in meal packing, food drives, community clean-ups, and more. Let’s come together to support our neighbors and build a stronger community! 🙌 Sign up to volunteer today at https://lnkd.in/gDVbgANs. 💪