YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta

Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 3rd. Support your community through the work of the Y by making a gift – on Giving Tuesday or today! ymcaatlanta.org/give

On November 8, we had the pleasure of hosting nine incredible volunteers from EY for their company-wide EY Connect Day at Wade Family Walker YMCA. Their efforts helped us package and distribute meals to nearly 200 families, going above and beyond to stay late and ensure no one was left behind. Their dedication and teamwork inspire us, and we’re grateful to be part of meaningful partnerships that impact our community. A special thank you to Daniel from EY for making this collaboration possible. We look forward to the next opportunity to work together! #EYConnectDay #CommunityService

Welcome back to the Y Connect Podcast, today we are discussing a powerful story of community partnership between the Carl E. Sanders at Buckhead Family YMCA and the The Boyce L. Ansley School, an afterschool enrichment program designed to support students facing challenging life circumstances, including homelessness, economic hardship, or unforeseen setbacks. Joining us are three key figures in this initiative: Jared Guyer, Executive Director of the Buckhead Y; Ray James, Head of School at Boyce Ansley; and Rachael Barron, a Y board member and CEO of Effective Students, to share insights on the program's structure, its impact on students and families, and the importance of community support. This episode underscores the transformative power of collaboration and the need for ongoing community engagement and advocacy. Join today’s enriching conversation and to learn more about how you can support this life-changing initiative. Watch the full episode here: ymcaatlanta.org/podcast

The After School Enrichment (ASE) program at the Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA has been a cornerstone of our community for nearly 20 years. Created by our community, for our community, this program embodies the mission and values of the Y. Fully funded to eliminate cost barriers, the ASE program ensures that children receive enriching after-school care. Each evening, students enjoy a full meal before being safely transported home via our dedicated bus service. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of incredible volunteers, the ASE program continues to uplift families on Atlanta’s Upper Westside. Recently, through the introduction facilitated by Rachael Barron, we connected with J. Ray James to explore further collaboration opportunities. We are thrilled to announce that the ASE program has now expanded to The Boyce L. Ansley School. Together, the Carl E. Sanders Y and the Ansley School are providing free after-school programming to 80 children every day. This incredible achievement is made possible by generous donors, devoted volunteers, and hardworking staff who bring this vision to life each day. This partnership is a testament to the collective spirit of Atlanta—reminding us that this city is truly a group project. Together, we are better, stronger, and making a difference. Thank you for being part of the magic!

In the News: The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is bringing Head Start programs to Richmond County, set to serve up to 800 children across five locations in 2024. This expansion is part of the YMCA's commitment to helping families set young children on a path to success. Each year, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta provides Head Start programs for over 2,200 kids across Georgia. Learn more at www.wrdw.com.

In the News: At 91, Ralph Szweda, a Korean War-era Air Force veteran, stays active at the Forsyth County YMCA, where he joins other veterans in regular exercise, including boxing. Reflecting on Veterans Day, Szweda shared concerns about the public’s awareness of historical conflicts like the Korean and Vietnam Wars, emphasizing the need for historical understanding. After his service in Japan, Szweda dedicated his life to education, which he credits—along with exercise and a healthy diet—for his longevity. Read more at https://lnkd.in/g9FqvStW.

It has been a *banner year* for the Carl E. Sanders Y! With a high performing staff leadership team and energetic board, we are looking for our next Associate Executive leader to work alongside of me. The Sanders Y is located off of Moore’s Mill Rd in Buckhead and primarily serves Buckhead, Smyrna, Sandy Springs, the Upper West Side of Atlanta, and In Town areas. With such a large and diverse service area, we need a leader that can help to drive programs and services to meet the unique needs of each of these communities, both in and outside of the Y walls. Please share with your networks and reach out with any questions!

On Friday, November 8, TeamSmile partnered with the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta United FC, Atlanta Falcons, and other sponsors to provide free dental care to underserved children in Atlanta. Hosted at the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA, the event featured local dentists, professional athletes, mascots, a DJ, and face painters, creating a memorable experience for all. Children received essential dental services, from cleanings to extractions, thanks to nearly $700,000 in onsite dental equipment and supplies provided by TeamSmile, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting dental health.

In the News: From the classroom to the boardroom, Martha Haythorn is making waves in Georgia's advocacy scene. At 24, this passionate Decatur Family YMCA staff member has been appointed by Governor Brian Kemp to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. Martha is committed to transforming her council seat into a powerful platform to improve lives for people with disabilities across the state. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/grRe846p

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta is proud to present the 2024 Atlanta Hawks Coaches Clinic, featuring insights from the Atlanta Hawks coaching staff. This year’s clinic covered key strategies like pick-and-roll reads and defensive absolutes and included a dynamic Q&A with Head Coach Quin Snyder. Check out the official video for highlights and tips from the pros: https://lnkd.in/gvbhfCWe