YMCA's Why The Y (Valley of the Sun YMCA)

Valley of the Sun YMCA believes all kids deserves a strong start and a safe place to grow. Amber Mayer, Program Director of Childcare from Southwest Valley Family YMCA, offers just that in her program. In honor of National Child Health Day on October 4th, Amber shares her inspirational story on this episode and how her journey has lead her to the passion she has for nurturing the potential of youth and their health and well-being. 

Visit valleyymca.org to learn more about how we strive to instill values and skills in early learners so they can reach a successful adulthood.

Volunteer youth volleyball coaches out of Desert Foothills Family YMCA joins our host, Becca Varney for the first #WhyTheY podcast.

Welcoming Week is an opportunity to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring residents together in a spirit of unity. On this special episode, we hear Luis's story starting with his mom's migration from Mexico to how his participation in the Youth and Government program at the Y welcomed him and give him a voice to share about his culture. 

Want to learn more about Welcoming Week? Visit https://welcomingamerica.org/

The Athena Awards is internationally prized honor, recognizing women who demonstrate excellence in professional leadership, community service, and mentorship of future leaders. Our very own COO, Libby Corral, was nominated for this award and we couldn't help but put together a mix up of a few special testimonials showcasing Libby's successes and impact in the community👏

At the Y, we are for all. We have staff and childcare employees that help others by teaching about diversity and explaining the differences that others may have. 

Jordyn Pope, Director of Childcare at Northwest Valley Family YMCA, makes stand to educate her students on diversity and inclusion stating, “You may not see them [disabilities], you may not understand them, you may not know it, but everyone is a human being, and everyone has something, whether it be a learning disability, they might have autism, they might have down syndrome, they might have PTSD.”

Youth and Government builds leaders by doing. Lauryn chats about her involvement in the Youth and Government Program offered at the Y and the importance of Civic Engagement and the impact youth can have on public policy.

Teens are taught the principles of a democratic society and are given leadership roles in the models of judicial, legislative and executive branches of local, state and national government. 

Find out more about this program offering at valleyymca.org/youth-government.

Join us in a new episode where we drive into the benefits of eating with your loved ones at the table. 

We have special treat on today’s episode. Greg Bouslog, Associate Executive Director of Ross Farnsworth East Valley Family YMCA, gives us an insight to how he serves his community with passion. We talk about his recent promotion, building community, his commitment to this family first organization, and about a recent donation from the Devin Booker Starting Five grant! 

We have another sibling duo, Youth Governor, Nicole who felt lost before finding her Youth and Government family and was able to build back up her confidence in the things she enjoys most. And Nicole’s younger brother, Youth Secretary of State, Joshua joins and gives us insight into the importance of learning by doing and how that has helped him better debate the topics he’s, most passionate about, while also gaining new perspectives.

If this conversation sparked your interest to get involved with Youth and Government, find your local delegation at ymcayag.org/states and email your state’s director for more information.

*YAG = Youth and Government

Arianna saw a flyer that took her from an economically disadvantaged background to graduating college with a 4.0 through the Y achievers program and gaining work force experience. She is currently excelling in her pursuit to a successful career in analytics 👏

Arianna is a great representation of how the Y Achievers program answers the question of how to give opportunity youth the best opportunities to go to school, find a job coach or mentor, and to earn a fulfilling job. We are so proud of you, Arianna!

Workforce skills, professionalism and effective leadership abilities help our youth succeed in their future careers. That’s why our young teens participate in the leaders in training program to shadow a YMCA employee, gaining that on the job experience. Tony, and LIT participant and YMCA advocate, speaks on his experience and how the program has impacted his career goals.

Visit our website to learn more: valleyymca.org. 

Join us in this episode where we talk about spirituality at the workplace and why we think it is essential to discuss it regularly. 

Have you had the chance to listen to Episode 1 of our podcast yet? If not, it's worth the listen because on this week's episode of #WhyTheY we have our very first youth guest. Gigi is one of Monica and Rita's volleyball athletes who reminds us to keep our energy high in the areas of life we are most passionate about ✨  

Thinking about impacting a youth's sport experience by becoming a volunteer coach? Contact your local Y for your opportunity! valleyymca.org/locations

Volunteer basketball coach out of Legacy Foundation Chris-town YMCA sits down with Becca Varney to chat about his experience as a coach at the Y on this week's episode of #WhyTheY. 

In this episode, we are talking about Dance & Music in the Black History. We discussed the evolution and meaning of Dance & Music in the U.S and Colombia! 

Learn some of the benefits of fasting from a personal trainer and personal experiences perspective.

The Y is known for youth development, but often times our high school aged youth are over looked. From Watts Family Maryvale YMCA, Tracee Spire, Executive Director, & Dustin Panoff, Y Achievers Program Director, gives us a look at how they tackle this in the Maryvale Community. The Y Achievers program answers the question of how to give this high school aged population the best opportunities to go to school, find a job coach or a mentor, and to earn a fulfilling job. Tune in to hear about the exciting initiatives in place to help young adults learn the workforce skills to be successful in a career. 

To learn more about the Y Achievers Program, visit valleyymca.org/y-achievers.  

Notes:

*RFP: Request for proposal

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to bring awareness to the how breast cancer impacts lives. Rose Patti is an impactful community member who has defeated cancer twice and we are so honored to share her story.

Rose found purpose after her second cancer in helping others learn about the wonderful resources Arizona has to offer for any cancer warrior. She volunteers for CheckForALump.com, A 2nd Act, Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center, and many more organizations she advocates for: 

1.) The Singletons: https://www.thesingletonsaz.org/

2.) Tina's Treasures Boutique: shc.org/tinastreasure

3.) Breast Cancer Freebies: https://breastcancerfreebies.com/

4.) Phoenix Desert Dragons: https://azdba.org/teams-2/phoenix-desert-dragons/

5.) Face In The Mirror: https://www.faceinthemirror.org/

6.) American Cancer Society: cancer.org

7.) ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis: https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/

8.) Reba's Vision: http://rebasvision.com/

9.) Classy Sister Wigs: https://www.classysisterswigs.com/

10.) Bag & Boob Babes: http://www.bagandboobbabes.com/