Sometimes (actually, most of the time) it’s challenging to convey the scope and sweep of the work and activity that happens at our Y. Personally, I have a challenging time keeping up with it. Fortunately, we have an internal vehicle that allows Y associates to post their comments, thoughts, appreciations and ideas about what they’re personally experiencing as they do their incredibly important work at the Y.
I thought that I’d use today’s Monday Mission Update to excerpt just a tiny number of recent posts. I think you’ll agree with me that they show both amazing work being done, and mission-driven Y associates who live our core values and commitment to the community every single day. So, without further ado, enjoy!
Celebrating Seniors
- “Great morning at the Hill Y celebrating seniors!” (Karen Farley)
- “Shout out to the Ward Y team for making our Senior Health Day a great event! It was an awesome morning!” (Traci Petty)
- “Thank you to Alexis Perkins and Linda Schwartz for the AWESOME Happy Healthy Senior Day at your Y centers! I loved seeing the enthusiasm of our members towards the Fresh Marts, and I'm looking forward to the next one!” (Shannon Kowal)
Celebrating Fellow Y Associates
- “Chip Warner came by this morning with this amazing gift for my Y Swim Center in Randallstown team. Thank you Chip and Rob Gray for your visit, and Ryan Trexler and Ryan Gadow and others for all your assistance, concern, encouragement and support regarding the unfortunate event we endured recently. All of your expressions and responses were heartfelt!!!! We (my team, my peers, my coworkers, Dawn, Jenn, Philip, Victor) are resilient and strong. We’re committed and happy to work for such an amazing organization! Nothing will keep us down. Special Shout out to Stuart Wilds, our membership services associate, who kept his composure, exemplifying true Y character.” (Tawanda Ford)
- “Happy Coordinators Appreciation Week to our Community School Coordinators, Directors, Assistant Directors, and Program Managers on the School Partnerships team that make our Community School strategy so impactful! Special thank you to everyone who came out and for taking time to celebrate our Coordinators today! And to Ashley Funk and the Druid Hill Y team for hosting us!” (Jessica Chiaramonte and Heather Naviasky)
- “Today we celebrate Alexis Perkins for over 15 years of service with the Y. Keep up the great work!” (Deandre Sherin)
- “Today was a good day (in my best Ice Cube voice). There were a series of events held for the students at The Crossroads School! 6th grade: Y on the Fly; 7th grade: Hispanic Heritage Celebration; 8th grade: Crossroads Alumni Panel. The day ended with Tacos and Horchatas for all! Thank you to Juanita Morgan and Blair Smith for working with our 6th grade students. They really enjoyed your activities! (Charisse Bowen)
Celebrating Volunteers
- “A big thanks to our volunteers today, Dominic, Dillon, and Imani. They joined Shannon Kowal and me to serve the community with our Food Pantry at the Y in Druid Hill. If you know families or organizations that can use the assistance, please reach out to me each and every Saturday!” (Joel Gamble)
Celebrating Learning About our Community
- “This week I had the pleasure of learning an immense amount of history about West Baltimore that I didn't know, even though I was born and raised in the area. Mr. Bradley Alston was our tour guide as the Y in Druid Hill took University of Maryland Nursing students on a walking tour of the Druid Hill neighborhood. For me, learning about the Civil Rights movement being started right here in Baltimore, and the musical legends like Cab Calloway playing on Pennsylvania Avenue was an amazing history lesson much needed even for a Baltimorean.” (Joel Gamble)
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland