YMCA of the USA

I recently had the pleasure of welcoming our newest members of YMCA of the USA's National Board of Directors to our first in-person board meeting of the year in Dallas. These new members will strengthen our board, bringing unique perspectives and experiences to our work. Y-USA is blessed to have accomplished volunteer leaders who are dedicated to ensuring that Ys across the country have the resources and support they need to shape a brighter future for their communities. Karen Saunders DeBlieux, Head of US Corporate Banking & Market President, Capital One  Ian Holder, Financial Advisor & Managing Director, Cary Street Partners  Eric Huffman, Retired Insurance Agent, State Farm  Scott Lewis, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids  Jim Sandgren, CEO, Commercial Banking, Old National Bank We are also excited to welcome our first Youth Advisory Council member to the board this year. Eli Cooper, a Harvard Law School student, will represent Y-USA’s Youth Advisory Council as a non-voting member of the National Board, bridging perspectives across generations and enriching board discussions. Read more about Eli and Y-USA's Youth Advisory Council here: https://lnkd.in/gyEBwtCJ.   Finally, I want to thank, Curt Hazelbaker for welcoming us to the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas and sharing the life-changing work of your Y with the full board. It was a great way to kick-off the year.

Our hearts go out to all communities here in Los Angeles affected by the winds and the fires. We are deeply saddened by these tragic events and empathize with everyone in our communities. We are all neighbors here in Los Angeles, together we will get through this. Given our YMCA network across LA County, here are strategic actions we will take: Immediate Support -We are converting our YMCA centers into temporary evacuation sites, offering shelter, showers, and basic amenities -We are providing childcare services for first responders and displaced families (5 years & up) Resource Hub -Our centers will serve as distribution points for emergency supplies -Our parking lots can serve as staging areas for emergency vehicles and safe spaces for community members to park -Our gym spaces will serve as donation sorting/storage areas Community Services -We will provide free access to YMCA amenities to displaced residents -Offer mental health support through our existing counseling programs We are open and welcome all and have spaces for: -Families needing a safe haven -Community members seeking connection -Those requiring basic necessities (charging phones, fresh water, etc.) -Food distribution sites -Anyone needing mental health support or resource guidance

There is no easy solution to our country’s child care crisis, but we can make progress if we: 1.   Consider the entire continuum of care that families need 2.   Partner across the child care ecosystem to find innovative care solutions 3.   Make the necessary financial investments   Read more in my op-ed out today, and join me in keeping this important discussion going so that we can collectively make progress on addressing our country's child care challenges and working toward solutions to this crisis in 2025. The well-being of our communities depends on it. https://lnkd.in/dVnEucUe #YMCA #childcare