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Ep. 45 - Sharing Your Voice with Atlanta’s Leaders

(Y) Connect

Release Date: 08/14/2024

Ep. 66 Drowning is Preventable: The Y’s Call to Action show art Ep. 66 Drowning is Preventable: The Y’s Call to Action

(Y) Connect

Please note that this episode contains mentions of fatal drownings. Listen with care.  Today, we’re diving into one of the most vital—and lifesaving—initiatives at the Y: water safety. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children, and the Y is on a mission to change that. Joining us today are three passionate changemakers who are helping the Y turn the tide on drowning prevention: Megan Benvenuto, Group Vice President and Executive Director of the Northwest Cobb Family YMCA who oversees the YMCA’s association-wide aquatics program; Shannon Atty,...

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Ep. 65 - Fan Favorite: A Multi-Generational Dive into Swim Lessons show art Ep. 65 - Fan Favorite: A Multi-Generational Dive into Swim Lessons

(Y) Connect

We’re back with a fan favorite episode of the Y Connect Podcast! For more than a century, the Y has taught children and adults how to swim. And while the Y is the largest provider of swim lessons in the country, there are countless people who never learn this critical skill. Highlighting the importance of it’s never too late to learn, we have the special privilege of introducing you to an entire family that recently took the swim lesson plunge together. IN THIS EPISODE: (03:36) Jax shares how the multi-generational family swim lesson came together (05:01) Ayanna explains how she and her...

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Ep. 64 - From Soccer Fields to Storytelling - Meet the Y’s CMO show art Ep. 64 - From Soccer Fields to Storytelling - Meet the Y’s CMO

(Y) Connect

Today on (Y) Connect, we’re sitting down with someone who’s no stranger to the YMCA—James Reynolds, our Chief Marketing Officer. James grew up at the Decatur Y, now coaches his daughters’ soccer team at the Cowart Family Y, and returned to the organization a little over a year ago in a big way. With a career that’s taken him around the world—from the Atlanta Braves to brands like Popeyes, Moe's & Tropical Smoothie—James brings a unique mix of professional expertise and personal connection to the Y. We’re excited to hear how he’s thinking about storytelling, brand, and...

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Ep. 63 - The Y’s Commitment to Health Equity with Dr. Terri McFadden show art Ep. 63 - The Y’s Commitment to Health Equity with Dr. Terri McFadden

(Y) Connect

How can we create a healthier future for kids? Dr. Terri McFadden, a pediatrician, professor, and passionate advocate for children’s healthcare and literacy in Georgia, joins hosts Zarinah, Robert, and Allison. This episode of the Y Connect podcast dives into Dr. McFadden’s journey to pediatrics, the power of partnering with families to achieve health equity, and the vital role of literacy in child development. Dr. McFadden shares practical steps for water safety and the importance of culturally sensitive care, emphasizing community collaboration, addressing social challenges, and breaking...

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Ep. 62 - Martha Haythorn Is Redefining Advocacy and Community show art Ep. 62 - Martha Haythorn Is Redefining Advocacy and Community

(Y) Connect

What does it look like when people with developmental disabilities lead the way in advocacy, community programming, and public policy? On this episode of the (Y) Connect podcast, hosts Zarinah, Robert, and Allison are joined by Martha Haythorn, a powerful voice for disability advocacy and a champion of inclusion at the YMCA. From organizing local programs to speaking on national stages, Martha shares her journey, leadership, and how she’s helping build a future where everyone belongs. IN THIS EPISODE:    (00:00) Introduction (04:28) Martha shares how she became acquainted...

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Ep. 61 - Planting Purpose: How the Y Cultivates Community show art Ep. 61 - Planting Purpose: How the Y Cultivates Community

(Y) Connect

Today on Y Connect, we’re joined by two remarkable Y leaders growing more than vegetables—they’re cultivating connection, health, and purpose. Collette Cosby, Executive Director of the J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA, is deeply committed to sustainability, food equity, and inclusive community service. Under her leadership, the Y’s Community Garden has blossomed into a powerful hub for education, access, and engagement. Joining her is Elease Murray, the Y’s Wellness Director, who motivates others through faith, fitness, and wellness. Elease has been instrumental in bringing the garden...

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ENCORE: Diving in with the Mermaids at the Y show art ENCORE: Diving in with the Mermaids at the Y

(Y) Connect

Today, we're thrilled to talk with two remarkable women who have dubbed themselves the Mermaids. From morning swims to community events, the Mermaids demonstrate how engagement, community, and belonging shape lifelong health and wellness. Get ready to laugh, enjoy, and discover how this group of swimmers makes every splash count, proving that age is just a number when you’re young at heart.  IN THIS EPISODE: (01:08) Introduction of guests and description of The Mermaids (03:22) Chris describes what the Mermaids are to her (05:17) Carolyn shares how she was introduced to the Mermaids...

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Ep. 60 - Omari Crawford: Leading the Charge for Youth Sports & the Y show art Ep. 60 - Omari Crawford: Leading the Charge for Youth Sports & the Y

(Y) Connect

On this episode of Y Connect, the hosts welcome Omari Crawford, State Representative for Georgia’s 89th House District and East Lake Family Y Board member, who shares his deep-rooted connection to the YMCA and his passion for running. Omari reflects on how his early experiences with Y athletic programs shaped his commitment to fitness and mental well-being, drawing parallels between marathon training and the discipline needed in sports and life. He also discusses how the legislature addresses mental health for athletes, the valuable lessons the Y instills in youth, and how he prepares for...

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Ep. 59 - Kendall Rae Johnson: Georgia’s Youngest Farmer show art Ep. 59 - Kendall Rae Johnson: Georgia’s Youngest Farmer

(Y) Connect

On this episode of Y Connect, the hosts are excited to welcome a young trailblazer in agriculture. At just nine years old, the youngest certified farmer, author and founder of Kendall Rae’s Green Heart, Kendall Rae, shares her inspiring journey. Alongside her mom Ursula, she discusses how her love for farming began, the variety of fruits and vegetables she grows in her front and back yards, and how her passion evolved into a business. She also breaks down hydroponics and shares the story behind her book, I’m Growing Places, which uses rhymes to teach the plant life cycle. This episode...

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Ep. 58 - Growing the Y’s Reach through Early Learning show art Ep. 58 - Growing the Y’s Reach through Early Learning

(Y) Connect

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta's commitment to early learning, exemplified through its Head Start programs, significantly impacts children and families in the community. Dr. Andria McMichael, a dedicated leader within the organization, shares her excitement about the recent expansion of these programs, designed to provide children with the foundation they need to succeed. From inspiring personal stories, like a nonverbal child beginning to speak after just days in the program, to the call for volunteers and community partnerships, the YMCA is creating lasting community connections that nurture both...

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More Episodes

Many say they join the Y because of a shared passion for strengthening the community. With our vision of building communities where everyone belongs, it’s vital that the people in our communities feel understood and heard. Recognizing we can’t do this work alone, two organizations join (Y) Connect today to talk about how they’re capturing the voices of Metro Atlanta to better understand our communities’ priorities, opinions, and values. 

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [3:26] Saba Long shares the background of Atlanta Civic Circle and explains how they report news

  • [5:26] Tommy Pearce explains what Neighborhood Nexus does, and he describes how Atlanta POV came together

  • [7:29] Saba gives the specifics of how Atlanta Civic Circle and Neighborhood Nexus work together for the community

  • [10:06] Tommy gives an example of how citizen input can impact initiatives and outcomes and what insights and trends they have discovered since Atlanta POV was initiated

  • [17:11] Saba explains how data collected brings the stories to life

  • [22:16] Discussion surrounding how the work of the Atlanta POV aligns with the Y’s emphasis on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility

  • [24:12] Saba gives an example of focus group concerns

  • [27:44] Discussion regarding issues of different demographics, racial divide and how those play into data obtained, future planning for Atlanta POV, and incentives for respondents completing surveys

  • [34:11] The guests explain their Pathway to the Y

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

  • The Atlanta Civic Circle takes a different approach to news. They dive into the issues, explain them, and give the reader tools to engage with them if they desire

  • Studies show that the burden of summer childcare impacts the family income because parents have to work fewer hours to care for their children, or work more hours to afford the extra childcare. Many families need help using or finding appropriate and affordable child care

  • Neighborhood Nexus collects data from thousands of people immediately. That is why they conduct surveys about summer programming or childcare at the beginning of summer; the issue is relevant, and leaders can use the data to solve immediate problems

 

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook:  YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Atlanta Civic Circle - Website

Neighborhood Nexus - Website

Atlanta POV - Website

 

BIOGRAPHY: 

Saba Long is the Executive Director of Atlanta Civic Circle, a nonprofit news outlet dedicated to informing the public on the most critical issues facing metro Atlanta by providing in-depth reporting and presenting possible solutions with opportunities for civic engagement online and in the community. She has served on numerous local nonprofit boards and provided communications expertise to Georgia-based political campaigns and ballot initiatives. 

Tommy Pearce 

Mission-driven organizations should have access to actionable insights to inform their decisions—our communities depend on it. As Executive Director of Neighborhood Nexus, Tommy Pearce is working to do just that. With a background in research, strategic planning, and nonprofit management, he has worked with hundreds of Georgia organizations to maximize their impact with data. Tommy has an MSW from the University of Pittsburgh and a BA in History from Georgia Southern. He’s a lifelong Gwinnettian, and he currently resides with his wife, two daughters, and a growing stack of books he will never finish. Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tommypearce.