Pathway to the (Y) - Louly Hay-Kapp, Rommel RitaRita, and Scott Schadl

reach and rise mentoring program

BIOGRAPHIES:

Bella Rayfield, a Reach & Rise mentee, is 15 years old and a freshman in high school. Bella likes to listen to music and dance. She also plays sports and says she likes attending live events. At the Y she takes Zumba and sometimes helps with painting on the Y greeting wall and packs food. In her spare time, she attends events at school and her favorite moments in the Reach and Rise program so far have been going to a Braves game and attending Camp High Harbor.

Tracy Prosper Fussell, Reach & Rise mentor, is an Appeals & Grievance Nurse for a Fortune 500 corporation, transitioning from a background in Pediatric Nursing. As a first-generation Haitian-American, born in New York and raised in Florida, Tracy brings a rich cultural perspective to her work and life. A devoted mother of three, plus a bonus son, Tracy also serves as a Life Coach and Mentor, empowering others to discover their potential.

The parent of Bella, Courtney Henneghan, has a degree in public administration and currently works for the state of Georgia as a project consultant, though she previously worked with youth in foster care and special education. She enjoys reading, painting, and dyeing Bella's hair wild colors.

Erika Swales is the Y’s Reach & Rise Mentorship Program Director. With a Bachelor's degree in French and Italian and a Master’s Degree in European culture, Erika was born and raised in England. Early on, she joined the Y as a member, where she participated in fitness classes and volunteered. In 2013, she began working part-time at the Northwest Cobb Family Y in the children’s play center and was later promoted full-time as the Family Programs Coordinator. In 2019, she became the Y’s Youth Development Director and in 2022, she transitioned into the role of Reach & Rise Mentorship Program Director.

en-usMarch 13, 2024

Ep. 34 - A Mentorship Journey with Reach & Rise

In this episode, we're thrilled to continue our conversation about the Y's transformative Reach & Rise mentoring program. Today, we have a special lineup of guests who will share their personal journeys and insights into the program's impactful work. We’re going to delve deeper into the experiences of a youth, a mentor, and a parent exploring the experiences that have defined their journey.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[3:01] Courtney, Bella’s mom, shares that Bella has cerebral palsy and describes how she is thriving at the Y
[4:50] Bella describes why she loves the Y and the activities she has participated in
[7:29] Tracy shares how she became a Reach and Rise mentor at the Y
[10:23] Erika explains that their mentors receive 15 hours of training and believes that the success of the program is that mentors strive to build relationships with the mentees
[13:21] Bella and Tracy share they have expanded their relationship outside of the Y, and Tracy tells Courtney about a heartwarming conversation
[19:34] Tracy discusses what she is getting out of being a mentor, and Bella talks about her relationship with Tracy and why she is comfortable sharing what she does
[28:37] Erika shares how you can get involved in the Reach and Rise program by going to the Y’s website and completing an application
[31:07] The guests each share how their Y journey began

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[4:43] Bella, a mentee at the Y, enjoys the opportunities provided through the Reach and Rise program. She loved attending camp and being on the jumbotron at the Braves game.
[7:24] Tracy talks about the privilege of being a mentor at the Y. She appreciates how they matched mentors with mentees. She loves that the Y feels like a community.

[10:16] Erika explains the Reach and Rise mentors receive training. She also spends quality time with the mentees and their families. This program is built on trust and communication.

RESOURCE LINKS:

YMCA Atlanta - Adult Sports

YMCA Atlanta - Youth Sports

BIOGRAPHIES:

Bella Rayfield, a Reach & Rise mentee, is 15 years old and a freshman in high school. Bella likes to listen to music and dance. She also plays sports and says she likes attending live events. At the Y she takes Zumba and sometimes helps with painting on the Y greeting wall and packs food. In her spare time, she attends events at school and her favorite moments in the Reach and Rise program so far have been going to a Braves game and attending Camp High Harbor.

Tracy Prosper Fussell, Reach & Rise mentor, is an Appeals & Grievance Nurse for a Fortune 500 corporation, transitioning from a background in Pediatric Nursing. As a first-generation Haitian-American, born in New York and raised in Florida, Tracy brings a rich cultural perspective to her work and life. A devoted mother of three, plus a bonus son, Tracy also serves as a Life Coach and Mentor, empowering others to discover their potential.

The parent of Bella, Courtney Henneghan, has a degree in public administration and currently works for the state of Georgia as a project consultant, though she previously worked with youth in foster care and special education. She enjoys reading, painting, and dyeing Bella's hair wild colors.

Erika Swales is the Y’s Reach & Rise Mentorship Program Director. With a Bachelor's degree in French and Italian and a Master’s Degree in European culture, Erika was born and raised in England. Early on, she joined the Y as a member, where she participated in fitness classes and volunteered. In 2013, she began working part-time at the Northwest Cobb Family Y in the children’s play center and was later promoted full-time as the Family Programs Coordinator. In 2019, she became the Y’s Youth Development Director and in 2022, she transitioned into the role of Reach & Rise Mentorship Program Director.

en-usMarch 06, 2024

membership service center

Pathway to the (Y) - Louly Hay-Kapp, Rommel RitaRita, and Scott Schadl

On this week’s Pathway to the (Y), we are diving into the Y stories of Louly Hay-Kapp, Rommel RitaRita, and Scott Schadl, who play a crucial role in leading the Y’s youth sports programming in Metro Atlanta. Our three amazing guests share how the Y’s youth sports programs have impacted their lives throughout the years. Join us for this enlightening episode.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[0:55] Scott Schadl’s Y story began when he saw a flier for the Y’s soccer program. He discovered his love for soccer through the Y. Scott shares how the volunteer coaches played a big part in his life, which inspired him to become a volunteer coach.
[3:22] Rommel decided to volunteer as a soccer coach for 3-4 year olds to spend more time with his son, who now loves soccer.
[5:50] Louly was working with the court system when she first came to the Y to seek opportunities for positive interactions for her clients and their families. The Y’s director recruited her to work for the Y, where she connected families with the sports programs and after school care and summer day camps. She then decided to work with the Y full time as Executive Director.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

A love for sports can begin at any age. This is why the YMCA is passionate about their youth sports programming, because all kids deserve the opportunity to discover their love for sports, team building, and physical activity early on in life.
Sports are an equalizer because they bring children together, no matter their backgrounds or income levels.

RESOURCE LINKS:

BIOGRAPHY:

Louly Hay-Kapp is Executive Director of the Covington Family Y. Louly co-leads youth sports programming for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and has been with the Y for 23 years. Louly, her husband Steve, and their Labrador Retriever, Mr. Utley, are known and beloved throughout the Covington community. In their spare time, they love to fish and hike.

Rommel RitaRita is the Executive Director of the G. Cecil Pruett Community Family Y in Canton and the Cherokee Outdoor Y in Woodstock. He co-leads youth sports programming for the Association and has been in his role for four years and 17 years with the YMCA movement. Rommel and his wife, Darlene, live in Cherokee County and have three children: Rocket, who is 16, Ella-Alicia who is 13, and nine-year-old Easton. Rommel shares he is passionate about making a positive impact and continuing to educate the community about the variety of resources the Y offers.

Regional Sports Director Scott Schadl is a native of Atlanta who started playing soccer at the South DeKalb YMCA in 1976. He has coached soccer for over 18 years, and all 5 of his children have participated in Y sports camps and learned how to swim at Y. Scott has been a Community Engagement Board member for the Y and coached at the Covington and Northwest Cobb Family Ys. Many of the youth he first coached are finishing college and entering the workforce, and as they’ve grown older, he’s watched them develop with the instilled values of the Y.

metro atlanta y sports program

en-usFebruary 28, 2024

Ep. 33: Unleashing Potential with Y Youth Sports

Today we're exploring how the Y shapes the future of our youth through sports, fostering teamwork, skill development, and personal growth. So, let's jump right into the game and discover how we're nurturing potential, one goal, basket, and touchdown at a time.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[4:58] Louly outlines the sports programs offered at the Metro Atlanta Y
[6:01] Rommel addresses the support provided to families who may face financial barriers to access youth sports and how they determine which sport is offered in each region
[8:15] Louly addresses programming for children and adults with disabilities and diverse abilities
[10:00] Scott discusses the importance of volunteering in sports programming, and Rommel adds many parents are becoming volunteers
[13:24] The panelists share success stories they have witnessed through the Y’s youth sports program
[17:43] Scott talks about the adult sports programming
[18:46] The World Cup coming to Atlanta and the partnership between the Y and the US Soccer Foundation is an amazing opportunity to introduce more youth to sports. Louly speaks about other programs that have partnered with the Y
[22:02] Rommel speaks about appreciating the volunteers and how a child can enter a sport at any age
[25:06] The guests reveal their Y stories

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[5:55] The Y offers financial assistance to families who otherwise would not be able to enjoy the programs and facilities of the Y
[8:06] The Y has adapted its sports programming to serve children with disabilities, resulting in more accessibility and availability
[9:44] Volunteers are vital to providing sports opportunities at the Y. Many volunteers are adults who experienced the Y in their childhood and want to give back to help others.

RESOURCE LINKS:

YMCA Atlanta - Adult Sports

YMCA Atlanta - Youth Sports

BIOGRAPHY:

Louly Hay-Kapp is Executive Director of the Covington Family Y. Louly co-leads youth sports programming for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and has been with the Y for 23 years. Louly, her husband Steve, and their Labrador Retriever, Mr. Utley, are known and beloved throughout the Covington community. In their spare time, they love to fish and hike.

Rommel RitaRita is the Executive Director of the G. Cecil Pruett Community Family Y in Canton and the Cherokee Outdoor Y in Woodstock. He co-leads youth sports programming for the Association and has been in his role for four years and 17 years with the YMCA movement. Rommel and his wife, Darlene, live in Cherokee County and have three children: Rocket, who is 16, Ella-Alicia who is 13, and nine-year-old Easton. Rommel shares he is passionate about making a positive impact and continuing to educate the community about the variety of resources the Y offers.

Regional Sports Director Scott Schadl is a native of Atlanta who started playing soccer at the South DeKalb YMCA in 1976. He has coached soccer for over 18 years, and all 5 of his children have participated in Y sports camps and learned how to swim at Y. Scott has been a Community Engagement Board member for the Y and coached at the Covington and Northwest Cobb Family Ys. Many of the youth he first coached are finishing college and entering the workforce, and as they’ve grown older, he’s watched them develop with the instilled values of the Y.

metro atlanta y sports program

en-usFebruary 21, 2024

Pathway to the (Y) - Christy Allen, Anna Robinson, and Zaidely Dickinson

In this week’s Pathway to the (Y), we hear how the vital staff of the Y’s Membership Service Center first connected with the YMCA. Christy Allen, Anna Robinson, and Zaidely Dickinson share their stories and their heartfelt appreciation for the team. Listen today to hear their remarkable stories.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[0:58] Zaidley, the newest member of the Member Service Center, shares how she has been familiar with the Y since her childhood. Now, the Y and the classes available, helps nourish her mind, body, and spirit.
[2:41] Anna was first hired as a part-time outdoor pool attendant in 2013. This led to other opportunities for Anna and she eventually joined the Member Service Center. She has been able to grow in her role and is the oldest member of the Member Service Center.
[4:08] Christy shares that as a stay at home mom, she felt that she needed something to do and she discovered an open position at the Kid Zone. From there, she worked her way through the supervision chain of the play center and eventually to her role as Member Service Center Director.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Zaidley is passionate about her health and wellness. She believes that participating in the unique and fun classes that the Y offers can help members feel connected to their Y.
The YMCA offers many growth opportunities. For example, Anna transitioned from a part-time outdoor pool attendant to being a membership representative. From here, she joined the Membership Service Center and has grown with the department.
Zaidley is the newest member of the Y’s Membership Service Center and Anna is the oldest member. They both bring invaluable experience, insight, and compassion to their roles.

RESOURCE LINKS:

en-usFebruary 14, 2024

Ep. 32 - Behind the Scenes: The Heart of YMCA Membership

Today we’re speaking with a group of rock stars who are essential to the Y’s success. While Y members may never see them at Y facilities, these individuals work every day to make the Y experience the best it can be. We’re talking about the men and women–the voices on the other end of the phone–who make up our Member Service Center. Their stories of connection are heartwarming and offer valuable lessons in what it means to provide quality customer service.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:25] Robert introduces today's guests
[4:00] Christy discusses how membership service contributes to the overall mission and impact of the Y
[5:37] Anna shares how their team answers questions from prospective members and assists current members regarding billing, programming, the Y app, and any membership issue they may have, and Christy talks about dealing with challenges
[9:15] Zaidely explains her role as the association's internal support and technical specialist, and Allison shares that Zaidely is bilingual, which is reflective of the changing communities in Atlanta
[11:24] Christy shares how the Membership Service Center meets the vision and goals the Y has set forth and how the team lifts each other when there are challenging phone encounters
[15:50] Anna discusses the strategy they use to keep members engaged and keeping them connected to the Y, and Christy discusses their role in membership satisfaction
[21:57] Zaidely shares her impressions of the Y as a new employee
[24:10] Anna shares the success story of a shy employee, and Christy tells about a memorable moment. She also has advice for someone wanting to become a Y member
[32:19] The panelists all share their initial Y experience

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[3:51] The Y highly values the Membership Service Center, as it plays a crucial role in guiding members toward the diverse range of services and programs offered by the Y. The team considers themselves adept at problem-solving, actively addressing inquiries and assisting potential members with any questions about joining.
[5:31] The Membership Service Center efficiently addresses inquiries related to membership billing, connects members with various programs, and assists with navigating the Y app, to name a few of their duties. Their effectiveness lies in listening to members' concerns and responding attentively.
[11:10] The Membership Service Center team operates based on the foundational values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, embodying these principles to fulfill the Y's work objectives.

RESOURCE LINKS:

BIOGRAPHY:

Christy Allen has been with the Y for 27 years. Her favorite part of her job is training, empowering staff, and watching them solve problems with confidence. When she is not at work she loves to be outside, especially near water - an ocean, lake or swimming pool will do. She also loves to cook, read and snuggle with her pups. Christy says her Y experience has taught her the importance of daily exercise, connecting with others, and finding a work environment that feeds her mind and heart.

Anna Robinson is a native of Decatur, Georgia and has 11 years of membership experience with the Y. She enjoys helping potential members learn about the Y and admires the supportive work the organization does in our communities. She holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology with a concentration in Child & Adolescent Development from Capella University and a Bachelors in Psychology from Georgia State University. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, watching tv, and is an avid sports fan.

Zaidely Dickinson, Operations Systems Support Analyst, joined the Y team in November. As a Spanish/English bilingual professional with 20+ years of business experience in various industries including working in the Salesforce ecosystem and since then has worked to help drive business continuity, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiencies through analytics. With a strong sense of community and a growth mindset that keeps her in a perpetual state of learning, she enjoys experimenting with healthy recipes in the kitchen, exploring nature through hikes and runs, and indulging in her love for dance, particularly salsa and merengue.

membership service center

en-usFebruary 07, 2024

Pathway to the (Y) - Emanuel Jones

In this week’s Pathway to the Y, Georgia Senator Emanuel Jones reflects on the impact that the YMCA had on him both as a child and as a father, and how the YMCA helped shape his own children into empowered individuals. He speaks on his work with Chairman Blake Tillery to source the funding for Georgia’s Department of Family and Children's Services. Senator Jones hopes to inspire others to volunteer with and partner with their local YMCA so that more people can benefit from the vast opportunities and resources.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[0:45] Senator Emanuel Jones shares that the YMCA was a safe refuge throughout his childhood.
[1:45] Senator Jones wanted his children to have a positive experience at the YMCA. The Y helped them learn about the benefits of volunteering.
[3:30] As a representative of the people, Senator Jones was dedicated to help South Dekalb YMCA reach more children in the community.
[4:45] Senator Jones and Georgia Chairman, Blake Tillary, sourced the funds for the state’s Department of Family and Children's Services.
[6:30] The public-partner partnership between the Y and the community is integral to the YMCA.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Senator Emanuel Jones cherishes his experiences at the YMCA and wants to extend those experiences to his community.
Senator Jones gives the YMCA credit for making him who he is today and launching the careers of his three children. Never underestimate the impact the Y has on children. For many kids, the Y has been their haven and has taught them to be the adults they are today.
Senator Jones hopes that his work with the YMCA will help encourage and motivate others in the metro-Atlanta area to partner with the YMCA.

RESOURCE LINKS:

BIOGRAPHY:

Senator Emanuel Jones, a Democrat, was first elected to the Georgia Senate from Georgia's 10th District in 2004. Senator Jones represents Southwest DeKalb and Henry County. He is the current Chairman of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Council and formerly served as Chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus for two consecutive legislative sessions. Senator Jones is a member of the Banking and Financial Institutions, Economic Development and Tourism, Interstate Cooperation, Special Judiciary and Retirement Committees. Senator Jones is President of the Legacy Automotive Group, which includes Legacy Chevrolet Cadillac Saab of Columbus and Legacy Ford of McDonough. Senator Jones owns one of the Atlanta Area’s largest African-American-owned businesses. Most recently, Senator Jones was honored as a recipient of the Global Peace Festival Award in Malaysia and named one of Atlanta Tribune Magazine’s “Men of Distinction.” He has also received the Black Enterprise Top 50 Minority-Owned Companies Award and the U.S . Department of Commerce Minority Service Firm of the Year. Previously, Senator Jones was a 2008 nominee for the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, nominated by Ambassador Andrew Young. He was selected for the 2008 Atlanta Business League 50th Most Influential Award; the recipient of the Morris Brown College Pacesetter Award in 2008, Metro Atlanta YMCA Volunteer of the Year, Ford Motor Minority Dealer Executive Director’s Award, Henry County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, Governors Proclamation Entrepreneur of the Year, Freshman Legislator of the year 2005, Organization of DeKalb Educators 2006, and from the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Service Firm of the Year. He received his MBA in Finance/Accounting from Columbia University in 1986, preceded by a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981. Mr. Jones was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1980 and rose to the rank of Captain. Senator Jones graduated class valedictorian from West Fulton High School in Atlanta, GA 1977. Senator Jones had career positions with IBM (81-84) and Arthur Anderson & Co. (86-88) before entering the automobile business in 1988 as a dealer candidate in Ford Motor Company’s minority dealer operations. He is a former Trustee for Henry Medical Center, past Finance Chairman of Henry Medical Center, past Chairman of Henry County YMCA, past Chairman of Henry County’s United Way Campaign and Partners in Education of numerous elementary, middle and high schools. He was also Chairman of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, a member of Leadership Georgia and a Board Member of the James Bristor Society, University of Pennsylvania. Senator Emanuel Jones Senate District 10 Senator Jones sits on various boards, including the Board at Columbia University Business School Greenhouse Project, the School of Social Policy and Practice and the Georgia State University Project Healthy Grandparent’s board. He was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Senator Jones resides in Ellenwood, GA, with his wife Gloria, sons Emanuel II and Elam, and daughter Emani. He is a deacon of the Shiloh Baptist Church in McDonough.

department of family and children's service

en-usJanuary 24, 2024

Ep. 31 - Tackling Learning Loss Together

We are honored to host State Senator Emanuel Jones as our latest guest on (Y) Connect. Jones recently helped establish an essential collaboration between the South DeKalb Y and the state’s Department of Family and Children's Services. Instrumentally impacting the community by combating learning loss among under-resourced families, Senator Jones also joins us to share inspiring stories, including his experiences of being orphaned at age 11 and how the Y positively influenced his life.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:44] Allison is pleased to introduce today’s guest, Senator Emanuel Jones, to discuss a partnership aimed at mitigating learning loss and bolstering youth achievement among low-income people of color
[4:10] Senator Jones reveals the inspiration for collaborations between Georgia and the Y in South DeKalb County
[5:27] Senator Jones speaks from his own experience of how the Y played a role in providing opportunities for him and his children to launch their careers
[9:17] Senator Jones explains how the Y has influenced his approach to public service and the issues he champions, and he shared some of his proudest achievements
[11:30] Senator Jones discusses the Romeo and Juliet provision and how, after many legal proceedings and hard work, a young man was released from prison since he was sentenced under old statutes
[15:50] Senator Jones shares a story about how one little word changed legislation in Georgia and the advice he would give kids growing up in challenging circumstances
[21:40] Senator Jones shares his story of being orphaned at age 11
[24:08] Robert acknowledges Senator Jones's hard work, and the Senator discusses his goals and aspirations for the community
[29:30] Senator Jones shares his Y story and the influence the Y has on the community

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[6:16] Senator Jones gives the YMCA credit for making him who he is today and launching the careers of his three children. Never underestimate the impact the Y has on children. For many kids, the Y has been their haven and has taught them to be the adults they are today.
[11:30] Senator Jones discusses how a young man went to prison because of his relationship with a girl two years his junior. Because of this situation, the legislature created the Romeo and Juliet law.
[19:47] Senator Jones has excellent advice for young people experiencing difficult times who feel like they have no hope. He speaks from experience, having been orphaned at age 11.

RESOURCE LINKS:

BIOGRAPHY:

Senator Emanuel Jones, a Democrat, was first elected to the Georgia Senate from Georgia's 10th District in 2004. Senator Jones represents Southwest DeKalb and Henry County. He is the current Chairman of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Council and formerly served as Chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus for two consecutive legislative sessions. Senator Jones is a member of the Banking and Financial Institutions, Economic Development and Tourism, Interstate Cooperation, Special Judiciary and Retirement Committees. Senator Jones is President of the Legacy Automotive Group, which includes Legacy Chevrolet Cadillac Saab of Columbus and Legacy Ford of McDonough. Senator Jones owns one of the Atlanta Area’s largest African-American-owned businesses. Most recently, Senator Jones was honored as a recipient of the Global Peace Festival Award in Malaysia and named one of Atlanta Tribune Magazine’s “Men of Distinction.” He has also received the Black Enterprise Top 50 Minority-Owned Companies Award and the U.S . Department of Commerce Minority Service Firm of the Year. Previously, Senator Jones was a 2008 nominee for the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, nominated by Ambassador Andrew Young. He was selected for the 2008 Atlanta Business League 50th Most Influential Award; the recipient of the Morris Brown College Pacesetter Award in 2008, Metro Atlanta YMCA Volunteer of the Year, Ford Motor Minority Dealer Executive Director’s Award, Henry County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, Governors Proclamation Entrepreneur of the Year, Freshman Legislator of the year 2005, Organization of DeKalb Educators 2006, and from the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Service Firm of the Year. He received his MBA in Finance/Accounting from Columbia University in 1986, preceded by a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 1981. Mr. Jones was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1980 and rose to the rank of Captain. Senator Jones graduated class valedictorian from West Fulton High School in Atlanta, GA 1977. Senator Jones had career positions with IBM (81-84) and Arthur Anderson & Co. (86-88) before entering the automobile business in 1988 as a dealer candidate in Ford Motor Company’s minority dealer operations. He is a former Trustee for Henry Medical Center, past Finance Chairman of Henry Medical Center, past Chairman of Henry County YMCA, past Chairman of Henry County’s United Way Campaign and Partners in Education of numerous elementary, middle and high schools. He was also Chairman of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, a member of Leadership Georgia and a Board Member of the James Bristor Society, University of Pennsylvania. Senator Emanuel Jones Senate District 10 Senator Jones sits on various boards, including the Board at Columbia University Business School Greenhouse Project, the School of Social Policy and Practice and the Georgia State University Project Healthy Grandparent’s board. He was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Senator Jones resides in Ellenwood, GA, with his wife Gloria, sons Emanuel II and Elam, and daughter Emani. He is a deacon of the Shiloh Baptist Church in McDonough.

department of family and children's service

en-usJanuary 17, 2024

community

low-income communities

atlanta ymca

senator emanuel jones

Pathway to the (Y) - Nicole Lovecchio and Mary Moua

Today’s Pathway to the Y brings us the stories of Nicole Lovecchio, Chief Social Emotional Learning Officer at Wings for Kids and Mary Moua, Quality Youth Programs Director at the Y. Nicole shares how the partnership between WINGS for Kids and the YMCA led her to the Y. Mary discovered the YMCA through her friends and family. Her passion for youth development led her into her career, with over 12 years of impactful experiences in youth programming. Nicole and Mary make a positive impact in the lives of others every day using Social Emotional Learning (SEL).

IN THIS EPISODE:

[0:45] Nicole reflects on how SEL brought her to the Y and began her Y story.
[2:35] Allison shares insight into how the partnership was received by the Y team and the impact that WINGS for Kids has made.
[3:50] Nicole shares how the Metro Atlanta YMCA has worked to bring SEL into the lives of its members and staff.
[4:05] Mary has always been passionate about the process of youth development. She discovered the YMCA through her friends and family. She quickly realized that the Y embodies many of the qualities that Mary believes in.
[5:15] Our guests put SEL into practice as they reflect on their feelings about the end of the episode.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Nicole believes that the YMCA and WINGS for Kids is a right fit partner, because from the beginning, SEL was built into the foundation of the program.
Many people do not know what SEL is, but through hands-on lessons, learn that SEL can be incorporated into the lives of everyone involved, not just children.
SEL can help people learn to process, express, and reflect on their feelings both in their personal and professional lives.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Wings for Kids - Website

BIOGRAPHIES:

Nicole Lovecchio serves as the Chief SEL Officer at Wings for Kids–an all-female-led nonprofit dedicated to equipping children from under-resourced communities with the social-emotional skills they need to succeed in school, stay in school, and thrive in life. For 21 years, Nicole has helped transform a single afterschool program into a national organization with multiple direct service sites across the southeast and partnerships from coast to coast. What’s most impressive? She’s accomplished this with heart, grit, and a loyal following of employees, coworkers, and students of all ages. Nicole develops curriculum for elementary students and training/professional development content for adults working with youth—inside and outside WINGS. Also, she cultivates partnerships with other youth-serving organizations and schools nationwide to help them build a foundation that fosters social-emotional safety and development for their students and staff.

Mary Moua is a seasoned professional with over 12 years of impactful experiences in youth programming, having orchestrated magic at the Boys & Girls Clubs before joining the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. As the Quality Youth Programs Director at the Y, Mary provides leadership and support across Afterschool, Day Camp, and Middle and Teen programs, leveraging her expertise to support the strategic development and execution of quality programming and assessments for all Y youth programs within the Association. Mary Moua is a vibrant part of the “village” that provides professional and impactful youth developmental best practices in shaping the future of youth.

responsible decision-making

en-usJanuary 10, 2024

sel

ymca

social emotional learning

social awareness

nicole lovecchio

Ep. 30 - Building Character: WINGS for Kids Soars with the Y

Today’s (Y) Connect delves into a topic encompassing the very essence of youth development–Social Emotional Learning. In this episode, we explore the connection between WINGS for Kids and the Y. WINGS for Kids has been partnering with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta for the last two years to integrate social-emotional learning into the lives of the children we serve. WINGS Chief SEL Officer Nicole Levecchio and Quality Youth Programs Director Mary Moua with the Y share the outcomes of this positive collaboration.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:52] Zarinah introduces today’s guests and the topic of Wings for Kids, SEL and their partnership with the Y
[03:39] Nicole Lovecchio explains what SEL, social-emotional learning, is and why it is beneficial to everyone involved
[10:48] Nicole gives an example of how to implement SEL into your day-to-day activities
[15:06] SEL is also beneficial for parents, and they can continue to practice the five fundamental competencies at home
[19:37] Mary Moua discusses words to live by and how the staff are using the SEL language
[21:16] The guests share their pathways to the Y

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

[3:28] Wings for Kids, a nationwide program, has partnered with the Atlanta Y to teach social-emotional learning (SEL). The program teaches kids to manage emotions, set and achieve goals, overcome obstacles, and develop healthy relationships, all of which can be used in day-to-day life
[6:16] The Atlanta Y partnered with Wings for Kids two years ago to embrace social-emotional learning (SEL). As a result, youth programming has been reimagined and a deliberate focus on cultivating essential life skills, exposing youth to diverse career opportunities, and fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) has been embraced by the staff at the Y
[7:53] The SEL program has five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness and relationship skills

RESOURCE LINKS:

Wings for Kids - Website

BIOGRAPHIES:

Nicole Lovecchio serves as the Chief SEL Officer at Wings for Kids–an all-female-led nonprofit dedicated to equipping children from under-resourced communities with the social-emotional skills they need to succeed in school, stay in school, and thrive in life. For 21 years, Nicole has helped transform a single afterschool program into a national organization with multiple direct service sites across the southeast and partnerships from coast to coast. What’s most impressive? She’s accomplished this with heart, grit, and a loyal following of employees, coworkers, and students of all ages. Nicole develops curriculum for elementary students and training/professional development content for adults working with youth—inside and outside WINGS. Also, she cultivates partnerships with other youth-serving organizations and schools nationwide to help them build a foundation that fosters social-emotional safety and development for their students and staff.

Mary Moua is a seasoned professional with over 12 years of impactful experiences in youth programming, having orchestrated magic at the Boys & Girls Clubs before joining the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. As the Quality Youth Programs Director at the Y, Mary provides leadership and support across Afterschool, Day Camp, and Middle and Teen programs, leveraging her expertise to support the strategic development and execution of quality programming and assessments for all Y youth programs within the Association. Mary Moua is a vibrant part of the “village” that provides professional and impactful youth developmental best practices in shaping the future of youth.