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YMCA of the Capital Area Newsletter - Y Connection
February 2024
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Save the Date, March 23 for the YMCA Corporate Cup 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk and Jambalaya Cook-Off. Registration for the run is NOW OPEN! Have what it takes to win the Jambalaya Cook-Off? Register now to participate.
The event offers a 3.1 mile course running through beautiful downtown and developing Mid City. The race will consist of four race divisions, awards for winners in each division, the Corporate Wellness Award, Oldie but Goodie Award for the oldest male and female runners. Join the fun and build camaraderie with your team and friends, enjoy prizes, entertainment, chip timing and more!
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62ND ANNUAL CONVENING OF YMCA YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT | |
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The YMCA Louisiana Youth and Government (Y&G) program is a statewide initiative promoting civic engagement through the YMCA's philosophy of being an organization that is continuously active in exercising social responsibility. This particular program prepares high schoolers for moral and political leadership. Through Y&G, teens learn about and experience government policies first-hand and learn how they can be changemakers to improve their communities. Plus, teens form lasting friendships, benefit from mentors, and sharpen their critical thinking, public speaking and writing skills.
The mission of the YMCA Youth & Government program is two-fold:
- To encourage and foster leadership through service, fellowship, responsibility, and respect for oneself and others among all participants, and
- To educate and engage students in the process of government from local to national to international so that they become more active participants in their communities.
For more information about Louisiana YMCA Youth and Government, please feel free to contact Jeremey Miller - State Director @ jmiller@ymcabr.org
Special thanks to 4thFLR Creative Agency and Ross Armstrong for curating the Youth & Government video!
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Big thanks to LSU's Engineering Department students for reviewing our utility bills from the previous year and completing assessments of some of our Y locations to find ways we can be more energy efficient! We look forward to their findings and recommendations!
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CELEBRATING STORIES OF BLACK LEADERS WITHIN THE Y MOVEMENT | |
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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 Black History Month, we are honoring the stories of Black leaders who helped move the Y – and America – forward.
Violet P. Henry
After holding various executive leadership roles in the Newark and Chicago YMCAs, in 1976, Violet P. Henry became the first woman to be named to a top management position at the Y's national office.
Anthony Bowen
A former enslaved man and the first Black American to become a clerk in the U.S. Patent Office, Anthony Bowen founded the first YMCA for the Black community in Washington, D.C., in 1853, eight years before the Civil War.
To read more about these amazing stories, click HERE!
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As we kick-off the 2024 YMCA Annual Campaign, we want to highlight what your gifts made possible last year. Annual Campaign funds are utilized to meet the greatest needs of our community and our Y. Last year, donors helped to equip young people with life skills, cultivated values, and supported relationships that led to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievements.
2,824 youth learned invaluable water safety and swimming skills in the YMCA swim programs. 58% of participants gained access to life-saving lessons with scholarship support.
12,425 Out-of-School Time registrations supported kids and working families in 2023. Children with the greatest need often lack access for high-quality programs, but 32% of participants gained access to programs, care, and academic support thanks to contributions from the Y.
The YMCA of the Capital Area is a 501(c)3 charity. We need you. Through our annual campaign, we will connect, support and serve more than 20,000 children, teens, families, adults and seniors with programs and services that strengthen our community – allowing individuals to learn, grow and thrive. Give today.
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YMCA Youth Sports offer a fun opportunity for children to play sports in a fun and encouraging environment. Y sports are a great way for children to stay active, meet new friends and develop their skills. | | |
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Register now for the following spring sports!
- Baseball (ages 3-12)
- Soccer (ages 3-10)
- Team Basketball (ages 6-14)
- Volleyball (ages 9-17 Girls)
- 7 on 7 Football (ages 7-12)
- Basketball Clinic (ages 6 - 14)
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February is American Heart Month, and with recently published research indicating blood pressure control has worsened in both men an woman since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to use this month to get a blood pressure screening and focus on becoming heart healthy. Below are tips for everyone to become heart healthy this February.
1. Get Moving: Being physically active every day is not only fun; it can also improve the function of your heart. Plan and schedule opportunities for active play; for example, include a brisk 10-minute trip around the block after meals or a 10-minute walking break during the day.
2. Rest up: Lack of sleep can be associated with elevated cholesterol and blood pressure. Adults need at least seven, but no more than nine hours of sleep at night to aid with the prevention of heart disease. Children need 10-12 hours of sleep per night. Develop bedtime routines to assist with falling asleep faster and staying asleep.
3. Revamp your Recipes: Makeover your favorite recipes by reducing the amount of salt and saturated fat and substituting a lower fat food without sacrificing tastes. For example, use low-fat yogurt instead of sour cream and skip the seasoning packet and use pepper and olive oil instead. Read food labels to learn more about what is in the package, select foods that have less than 1,000 mg of sodium per serving.
4. Check your Pressure: Revised blood pressure guidelines from American Heart Association mean that nearly half of all Americans (46 percent) have high blood pressure. Lowering or maintaining normal blood pressure can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. Start self-monitoring your blood pressure and know the numbers. Discuss the results with you doctor if needed.
5. Quality Time: Spending time together with family or friends is a great way to reduce stress, which is important to heart health. Make homemade valentines for your children’s classmates or even your closest fitness friends at the Y!
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NATIONAL CANCER PREVENTION MONTH | |
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According to research, 4 out of 10 cancer cases in the United States are associated with preventable risk factors. Excess body weight, poor diet and physical inactivity are factors that contribute to increased cancer risk – and for National Cancer Prevention Month, the Y wants to remind you that we’re here to help! No matter where you are on your health and wellness journey, the YMCA of the Capital Area is here for you every step of the way! Check out some of the ways our Y can help you find your path to a healthier lifestyle today!
Fit Path: The Y will set you up for health and wellness success with our initial fitness orientation. Scheduled at a time convenient for you, dedicated Y staff will assess you current health and wellness, help you understand your fitness strengths and limitations, work with you to develop goals, introduce you to fitness equipment and connect you with the right people and programs.
Nutrition: Eating right can seem like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be! At the Y, we want to make the journey to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet easier for you. Our registered dietitian is available to support you in your wellness journey with personalized nutrition counseling and education. If you want to learn more about our Nutritional Services, click here.
Group Exercise: From Zumba to Aqua Aerobics; HIIT training to yoga, the Y offers a variety of group fitness/exercise classes for adults, seniors and even youth! Focus on your health and wellness in a supportive group setting and reach your overall fitness goals!
Wellness Challenges: Download the free Y app for challenges that will help motivate you! Search the app store for YMCA of the Capital Area.
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Sticking to healthy habits can sometimes be a challenge. Resolution Bingo is a great way to stay motivated and stay on track.
It’s not too late to participate and win some fun prizes! Bingo will continue through February 28. Bingo cards are available at the front desk, and participation is free!
Congrats to everyone who has already completed a bingo!
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Help us celebrate Easter by donating Easter baskets that will go to children in Foster Care! We will be accepting donations at all of our YMCA locations from February 10- March 10. We have a wide range of ages that we are looking to help (all the way to age 17). | |
Here are some possible items to donate: | |
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• Candy
• Stuffed animals
• Blankets
• Mugs
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• Hygiene Items
• Pre-filled eggs
• Pre-filled baskets
• $5 Gift Cards
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This month's Employee Spotlight is our Customer Service Team!
In an effort to streamline communication, Christian Engle, YMCA President and CEO, had a vision to create a customer service center for our Y. In addition, the creation of online forms for updating membership and program status would also enhance the customer experience. The intention was to fast-track updates and lend more time to branch staff to serve members.
In January 2022, with the leadership of Rebecca Decoteau, the vision became a reality, and the first staff member of the customer service team was hired. Planning started immediately by putting processes and procedures together, which eventually led to call volume testing. Additional staff members were hired, and The YMCA of the Capital Area customer service center officially opened in May 2022.
We are fortunate to have customer service staff members who all have a Y background and experience. Each of them has a passion for the Y and takes pride in what they do. They are the heartbeat of this department, the experts of this center and the reason it is successful, functioning as a major vein for our organization. Their knowledge is extensive, and their guidance is often appreciated by co-workers.
Developing this new department from the ground up has been exciting and an experience we all can appreciate, having learned so much over the past year and a half.
A BIG THANKS to our customer service team, Demi, Rachael and Taylor. Keep up the great work!
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Demi has worked at the Y for 7 years but has been a part of the Y since she was 10 years old and a part of the Dow Westside YMCA Swim Team. She is currently a Customer Service Representative but has worked as a lifeguard as well as at the front desk and in childcare. Demi says that her favorite part of the Y is having an impact on many people’s lives, including herself. Demi says, “I always had countless core memories growing up with my family there. The YMCA has meaning and purpose for all ages. I love the opportunity and development we provide and stand for to help and give back as much as we can. Making a difference and having a positive impact on people’s lives is overall rewarding being a part of. I’d say being a YMCA girl my whole life, it has helped and guided me to be the person I am today.” | |
Rachael has worked at the Y for two and a half years. She is currently a Customer Service Representative and Financial Assistant, but previously worked as a Front Desk Attendant. Rachael says that her favorite part of the Y is the community it creates both with members and employees. Rachael says “Everyone at the Y has helped me grow both as a person and in my career. I have found life-long friends here that I know will continue to push and support me in my endeavors both with the Y and outside of it. I also love the wide range of programs the Y offers to engage every member of the community no matter their age. I am excited to start a new year with the Y and hope we can continue to have such a positive impact in our community." | |
Taylor has worked at the Y for over 3 years. She is currently a Customer Service Representative but has previously worked as a Fitness Attendant and Membership Coordinator. Taylor says “The Y has felt like a big family since I’ve started here. Regardless of background, age, demographics, etc. there is a place for everyone at the Y. My coworkers and the members I’ve formed bonds with made the toughest days bearable and have helped me become more outgoing over the years.” | |
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This month's Member Spotlight is Adam Marchand!
Adam has been a member of the Y since 2009, and he was inspired to join when a trusted friend recommended the YMCA as a supportive environment for his wellness goals. He and his friend began to weightlift together, and it has since become a part of his daily routine. Adam says that weightlifting is a powerful stress reliever and mental clarity tool for him.
Adam also says that the Y has impacted his life by becoming an instrumental part in fostering his physical and mental well-being. He looks forward to every workout session, and it has also helped him have a common ground to meet all types of people who share the same passion of fitness.
When asked what he would say to someone who is interested in joining the Y, Adam says, "If you are looking for a community dedicated to friendship, holistic wellness, and fellowship, the YMCA welcomes you. Beyond just fitness, the YMCA has fostered meaningful friendships and connections that can enrich your life."
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February 6: T-Shirt Tuesday
February 13: Mardi Gras
February 14: Valentine’s Day
February 21: Member Appreciation Day
February 23: Friend Friday! Y members can bring a guest for free!
February 29: Last Day for Resolution Bingo
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