YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South

?? Happy International Women’s Day! ?? Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and impact of the incredible women in our YMCA community and beyond. From leading in fitness to inspiring through service, women are shaping the future every day. Tag a woman who inspires you and join us in recognizing the power of women everywhere! ??? #YWomenLead #InternationalWomensDay #EmpowerHer #YMCAMemphisMidSouth

?? Get a Sneak Peek of Elevate: Teen Adventure Camp! ?? Join us March 17-20, and be the first to experience our all-new adventure camp for ages 10-14! ?? Explore your city & beyond ?? Team challenges & outdoor excursions ?? Leadership & career exploration ?? Creative projects & small group activities ?? Meals & snacks included This is your chance to test out the adventure before summer! Don’t miss it—spots are limited! Register Now: https://lnkd.in/eejgSjUZ

Honoring Cato Johnson: A Legacy of Service & Leadership This Black History Month, we celebrate Cato Johnson—an unwavering leader, community advocate, and champion for health care and education in Memphis. Growing up in South Memphis, Johnson witnessed firsthand the impact of limited health care access, inspiring a lifetime of service. With nearly 40 years at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, where he serves as Chief of Staff and SVP of Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs, he has dedicated his career to ensuring that quality care reaches all communities. Beyond health care, Johnson has shaped the future of education and leadership as the founding chair of the University of Memphis Board of Trustees and through his work with the TennCare Medical Care Advisory Committee. His vision for equity extends to every corner of our city, from legislative halls to the heart of our neighborhoods. In 2023, the Georgette & Cato Johnson YMCA opened in Whitehaven, named in honor of Cato and his wife, Georgette, for their commitment to strengthening the community. This center provides vital resources, including safe recreational spaces, mental health support, and childcare services, reflecting their shared dedication to uplifting families and neighborhoods. Cato Johnson’s impact is immeasurable, but his humility remains steadfast: "My accomplishments are not just me—it is all the people who have put their time and skills behind me." Join us in celebrating Cato Johnson, a leader whose legacy continues to uplift and inspire generations!

HONOR. REFLECT. CELEBRATE. As we continue to highlight our Black leaders that have made a positive impact on our Association, today we highlight Joe Simon. Joe joined the Y team in 2019 as a Senior Membership Director and certified CrossFit trainer at our Fogelman branch. In 2021, he was promoted to Center Director, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Fogelman team through a $1.5 million renovation while maintaining an engaged and active board throughout the challenges of COVID-19. Under his leadership, Fogelman has achieved an impressive 27% year-over-year growth in membership. A steadfast and dynamic leader, Joe embodies the Y’s commitment to healthy living. He is not only a model of fitness but also a dedicated advocate for the downtown community. His passion is evident through his involvement with the South Main Association, a nonprofit committed to preserving the historic value of the South Main district. Joe has served in various leadership roles, from Secretary to his current position as President of the Board of Directors! Additionally, he spearheads our annual partnership with the St. Jude Kids Race, ensuring a safe and fun after-party for participants every December. Known for his unwavering support, Joe is always willing to volunteer at events and assist his fellow Center Directors. Fun Facts: Joe was the owner & Chief Instructor of Taekwondo Academy Bartlett, he is a 5th Degree Black Belt and two time World International Taekwondo Champion in the United Taekwondo Alliance! We are grateful for Joe’s continued passion, leadership and dedication to our YMCA and the downtown community! Please join us in celebrating Joe and his outstanding contributions! Stay tuned as we share more highlights throughout the month of February. #YForAll

On February 1st, we celebrated the grand reopening of the Bartlett YMCA with an unforgettable community carnival! Families came together to enjoy games, activities, and a dino-mite performance by Magic Mr. Nick —creating memories that will last a lifetime. This event was more than just a day of fun—it was a celebration of the Bartlett YMCA’s next chapter as a place where connections are built, partnerships thrive, and lives are impacted for generations to come. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and made this day so special! ?? We look forward to continuing to serve the Bartlett community. See you at the Y! #BartlettYMCA #CommunityImpact #GrandReopening #YForAll #YMCAMemphisMidsouth

HONOR. REFLECT. CELEBRATE. As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we are honored to recognize the unwavering commitment and service of JT and Forestene London, who have been integral to the YMCA for over 50 years. JT London’s journey with the YMCA began on the Davis YMCA Board, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the branch’s mission. Over the years, he held numerous leadership positions, including Chairman of the Board. His passion for community development was evident in his advocacy for fundraising, special projects, and his instrumental efforts in securing funds for the Kemmons Wilson Child Care facilities at the Davis Y. JT also played a key role in the campaign that led to the installation of an Olympic-size swimming pool, expanding access to aquatic programs for the community. Forestene London joined the YMCA in 2001 as the Executive Director of the Head Start program at the Abe Scharff YMCA, overseeing essential programs such as summer camp, before- and after-school care, and youth sports. In 2010, she brought her leadership to the Cordova YMCA, where she continues to serve as a dedicated board member and volunteer, championing initiatives that support children and families. Reflecting on their extensive experience with the Y, JT and Forestene share: "Fifty-two years with the YMCA and all it continues to offer in health and wellness have made our lives truly fulfilling. We hope that YMCAs everywhere continue to serve their communities with the same dedication. The most important thing the YMCA does is provide services that benefit the entire family. The Cordova YMCA, like many others, offers a safe place for families to swim, exercise, and connect with people from all backgrounds. It provides child care for members, summer camp for low-income families, before- and after-school programs, special swim classes, and food distribution for those in need." We extend our deepest gratitude to JT and Forestene London for their decades of leadership, generosity, and service to the YMCA and the broader community. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight incredible individuals throughout February. #YForAll

?? BIGGER. BETTER. MORE FUN! ?? YMCA Summer Camp is leveling up in 2025! ?? More camps, more adventures, and more unforgettable memories for your kids. Be the FIRST to know about discounts, registration dates, and exclusive updates—subscribe to our email list today! ?? ?? Subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/gA2z7U_u #YMCASummerCamp #MoreCampsMoreFun #AdventureAwaits

As we continue to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, today we are highlighting & recognizing one of our talented executives, Cleo Griffin. Cleo has had an expansive and diverse career both in and outside the Y. He currently serves as our Executive Vice President, Chief Advocacy Officer. Cleo began his Y career at the YMCA of Middle Tennessee, where he served for almost 10 years. He first joined the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South as our Corporate Relationship Director before returning in 2024 as our VP of Workplace Development, where he has since been promoted to his role as our Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer. Cleo has held various roles in both the private and public sectors, including the City of Memphis, and he brings this experience, valuable relationships & countless partnerships to his current role. A thoughtful communicator and strategic leader with a positive attitude, Cleo is universally admired. He has an incredible ability to connect with people which has led to the creation of successful relationships and partnerships throughout his career. Cleo has a way of bringing people together and is always working to make a difference in our community, building bridges to bring people throughout various communities together, and collaborating for generational impact throughout the regions we serve. We are grateful for his passion for community and impactful leadership in the advocacy space. Please take the time to join us in celebrating Cleo Griffin! Stay tuned as we share more highlights throughout the month of February. #YForAll

The history of the YMCA – like the history of the United States – is a story of incremental progress toward greater inclusion and equity for all. As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, we are honoring the stories of Black leaders who helped move the Y forward, as well as recognizing that history continues to be created each and every day. Throughout the month of February, we will use this opportunity to highlight Black figures within our local Y as well as local community partners who have meaningfully contributed to our Y. First we highlight Dr. Marlon King. Dr. Marlon King, an educational leader within the state of Tennessee, assumed the role of Superintendent for the Jackson-Madison County School System in July 2020. He's been a champion of our YMCA for many years. He knows the importance of partners in caring for and educating the children in our communities. Under Dr. King's leadership, the relationship between the YMCA and JMCSS has flourished. Because of Dr. King, the once forgotten YMCA in Jackson, TN, was relaunched. We are also grateful for his service on our West TN Advisory Board, of which he was a founding member. With an unwavering dedication to enhancing the quality of public education, he has devoted almost thirty years of his career to this noble cause. Marlon's professional journey sets him apart from many educators in Tennessee, as he has gained a wealth of diverse experiences throughout his tenure. His impressive background encompasses roles as a teacher (Shelby County Schools - legacy), principal (Fayette County Schools), Superintendent (Haywood, Fayette, and Jackson Madison Counties), and executive director (Tennessee Department of Education), all within the Tennessee education landscape. Dr. King was named Southwest Region Superintendent of the Year by the Tennessee School Boards Association in 2024. We are grateful for our partnership with Dr. King and look forward to even greater accomplishments together. Stay tuned as we share more highlights throughout the month of February. #YForAll

As we wrap up National Mentoring Month, we're celebrating the incredible moments that made this month unforgettable! From impactful conversations to life-changing connections, our mentors continue to inspire and uplift the next generation. ???? Thank you to everyone who poured into our youth and helped shape future leaders. Mentorship matters, and together, we’re making a difference! #MentorAwarenessMonth #YMCAMemphisMidsouth