Ep. 55 - The Hosts Reflect on Two Years of (Y) Connect
(Y) Connect
Welcome to a special episode of the (Y) Connect podcast as we celebrate two incredible years of storytelling, community impact, and meaningful conversations. In this episode, your hosts, Allison, Robert, and Zarinah, take a fun and heartfelt look back at the journey of (Y) Connect, sharing memorable moments, behind-the-scenes stories, and personal reflections. And speaking of memorable moments... you’re in for a treat! Robert showcases his incredible singing voice once again — a callback to the very first episode two years ago. Get ready for laughter, inspiration, and a walk down memory...
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Ep. 54 - Philanthropy in Action: Veronica Squires at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to one of the newest leaders in our organization, Veronica Squires, our Chief Philanthropy Officer. Veronica joined the Y in June, bringing her nearly two decades of experience in Atlanta’s nonprofit community. She has held leadership roles at esteemed organizations such as Posse Atlanta, The Good Samaritan Health Center, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Her extensive background, combined with her Executive MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, equips her to advance the Y’s mission significantly. As Chief Philanthropy...
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Ep. 53 - The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA
(Y) Connect
Today on (Y) Connect, we're thrilled to highlight the story of a community rooted in strength, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to health and wellness. Joining us is Monte Fowler, a veteran member of the South Fulton Running Partners—the nation's oldest Black recreation running group. For decades, this remarkable group has shared a deep connection with the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, fostering a space where individuals unite to run and uplift one another. Monte brings a unique perspective as someone who grew up at the Y served on the YMCA board, and has dedicated years to...
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Ep. 52 - Hope and Opportunity: The Y & The Ansley School Alliance
(Y) Connect
Today on the Y Connect Podcast, we are discussing a powerful story of community partnership between the Carl E. Sanders at Buckhead Family YMCA and 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...
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Ep. 51 - Connecting Family, Community, and Impact at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today, we’re joined by someone who wears a couple of hats in her connection to the Y—Lindsey LeFaivre. Lindsey is not only a passionate Y member and mom who participates in programming for her young children at multiple Ys across the city, but she’s also the Vice President of Customer Success with AchieveIT. This software company helps the YMCA track and measure the success of our strategic plan. In this episode, we’ll explore how Lindsey’s family benefits from the Y, what it’s like to be part of a community serving people of all ages, and how her professional expertise is helping...
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Ep. 50 - Senator Sonya Halpern’s Commitment to the Y & Community
(Y) Connect
We’re honored to have Georgia State Senator Sonya Halpern join us today. Senator Halpern, who leads District 39, which includes neighborhoods in Atlanta, South Fulton, College Park, East Point and Union City. She has built an extraordinary career focused on advancing education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. As the Vice Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus and Chair of the Fulton County Delegation, her leadership extends well beyond the legislature. Senator Halpern's deep community involvement with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Andrew J. Young Foundation, and...
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Ep. 49 - Igniting Imagination: The Y’s After-School Programs Empower Youth
(Y) Connect
Today, we’re exploring the exciting world of youth development, focusing on the Y's reimagined after-school programs and our newly launched middle school clubs. Joining us are two outstanding leaders at the forefront of these efforts: Shauna-Kaye Davis, Vice President of Youth Programs for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and Tatyana Ferguson, Youth Development Director with the Villages at Carver Family YMCA in South Atlanta. Together, they’re transforming after-school hours into a time for exploration, imagination, and growth. From engaging clubs to career exploration and social-emotional...
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Ep. 48 - Finding Strength Through Community at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today, on (Y) Connect, we share a touching and inspiring story highlighting the transformative power of community, fitness, and perseverance. Louisa Merchant, a dedicated YMCA member, and Cindy Augustin, a beloved group exercise instructor who has played a pivotal role in Louisa’s journey, are joining us. Recently, Louisa penned a heartfelt letter to YMCA leaders, reflecting on her experience over the past few months and how the Y has helped her regain physical strength and a renewed sense of hope. We’re thrilled to have them here to share their incredible stories and the profound impact...
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Ep. 47 - Fostering Belonging: Welcoming Week at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today, we’re celebrating Welcoming Week 2024, a time dedicated to fostering inclusion and building bridges between all members of our community. With the theme "Belonging Begins With Us," we’ll explore how the Y creates spaces where everyone feels they belong. Jamie Day and Rob Wilson who lead membership efforts at the Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA are joining us, and they will share their insights and experiences on making Welcoming Week a powerful expression of community connection. IN THIS EPISODE: [0:42] The hosts use their imaginations [3:54] Welcoming Week 2024 and Jamie and Rob give an...
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Pathway to the (Y) - Jeff Beckham and Clark Dean
(Y) Connect
Today we are highlighting Jeff Beckham and Clark Dean’s Pathway to the (Y) stories. We learn that both of our guests became involved at the Y at a young age and their families both were active participants in sports and youth programs throughout the years. Because the Y has made a lasting impact on both of their families, which is a big reason they choose to serve the Y and their community. IN THIS EPISODE: [1:00] Jeff learned how to swim at his local YMCA at a young age. When he became a father and it was time for his children to learn how to swim, Jeff enrolled his sons at...
info_outlineDr. Walter Young, a key figure in the civil rights movement, is a pillar of strength and advocacy within the YMCA and the broader Atlanta community. His unwavering commitment to equality, social justice, and community empowerment has shaped the YMCA's mission and left an indelible mark on countless lives. The Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, named in honor of Dr. Walter Young and his brother Andrew, stands as a testament to their legacy, and we are honored to welcome Dr. Young to (Y) Connect.
IN THIS EPISODE:
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[3:03] Dr. Young describes the inspiration he received as a five-year-old child
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[8:11] Dr. Young reflects on his time in New Orleans after his discharge from the Navy, meeting Martin Luther King and why he moved his dental practice to Atlanta
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[14:19] Discussion of Juneteenth and the progress toward civil rights
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[19:44] Providing dental health to the lower class of Atlanta and what the Y means to Dr. Young
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[25:43] Dr. Young discusses what he is most proud of and what advice he has for young people. Robert shares a memory with Dr. Young
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[31:15] Dr. Young reminisces about summer camp when he was young
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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Dr. Walter Young has lived a life of service to his community and world
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Dr. Walter Young used to treat dental patients for free when they brought a note from Dr. King, Dr. Abernathy, or his brother, Andrew Young
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The Y has proven to be a formative part of success in the lives of many successful leaders, including Dr. Walter Young
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BIOGRAPHY:
Dentist and civil rights activist Dr. Walter Fuller Young was born on August 18, 1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Daisy Valentine Fuller Young and Andrew Jackson Young, a dentist. Young attended Valeda C. Jones School with his brother Andrew Young. He later attended Gilbert Academy and then went on to attend and graduate from Princeton High School in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1951. Young earned his B.A. degree from Baldwin Wallace College in Ohio. Following in his father’s footsteps, Young studied dentistry at Howard University Dental School. After a stint as a dentist in the US Navy, Young returned to New Orleans, where his father had practiced, established his dental practice and taught at Dillard University. At the same time, Young became an active supporter of the All African Students Association’s lunch counter sit-ins at New Orleans’ downtown Woolworths and other New Orleans businesses from 1961 to 1964. During that same period, Young was introduced to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by his brother, SCLC’s Rev. Andrew Young. Moving to Atlanta in 1978, Young joined his brother and worked to address the issues of dental health maintenance and the establishment of dental programs in schools, churches and organizations in the Atlanta area. Young’s dental practice has been active in the same location for twenty-eight years. As a member of the City of Atlanta Blue Ribbon Committee on Equal Business Opportunity, Young is involved in a number of civic and community programs. He is a consultant to the Osaka American Club of Japan, American Computer Technology in Atlanta, Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah, and Grady Healthcare in Atlanta. Possessing a keen interest in African American history, Young is honorary consul general for Liberia and has traveled extensively on the African continent. In 2004, Atlanta’s Southwest YMCA was named for Young and his brother, Andrew. Young is married to event planner Sonjia Young and is a father to five children.