YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

Thank you, BridgeDetroit, for allowing our YMCA to share this historic moment with our community. As our YMCA continues to enact necessary change, we are excited to reconnect with the community and share how our organization is committed to moving forward. "A large portion of the work we do does not take place in YMCA facilities, so we have to reintroduce ourselves to the community and expand people's perspective of who we are." - Parrish Underwood, CEO and President of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. https://lnkd.in/gPhU-sJu

#MyYJourney | Being a resource for others Latitia McCree-Thomas, our Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing, reflects on the incredible impact of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. From supporting children and families to nurturing staff who have grown into leadership roles, the YMCA is a resource that helps our community flourish and succeed.

#MyYJourney | Making an impact through relationships Jeff McIntyre, Associate Director of Risk Management at the YMCA, highlights his greatest achievement: making a positive impact on both members and staff. Through building meaningful relationships, supporting staff growth, and welcoming new members, Jeff has found his work at the YMCA to be deeply rewarding and fulfilling.

Today is National Drowning Prevention Day, an important reminder about the silent danger of drowning. In July 2023, the number of drowning deaths reached the highest level since 2018, and not all children face the same risk. Tragically, Black children are statistically more likely to drown than their white peers. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks, in partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit and other organizations across Southeast Michigan, are deeply committed to addressing this issue. Our Everyone in the Pool initiative has already provided over 4,000 youth with free swim lessons since 2021, but we recognize that there is still much more work to be done. To address this need, Metroparks is expanding the Everyone in the Pool program through our Metroparks and Me initiative. Our goal is to raise $600,000, which will allow us to deliver over 24,000 swim lessons over the next five years and significantly increase the number of certified lifeguards and swim instructors by 2028. This expansion will enable Metroparks and our partners to offer even more free swim lessons, enhancing water safety for our community. Thank you to Amanda Barone , Regional Director of Aquatics for YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit,  for co-authoring our recent op-ed for The Macomb Daily. This collaboration is crucial in amplifying our message and ensuring that families have the information they need to stay safe. We urge everyone to join us in this important mission. By coming together, we can create a safer environment for our families and ensure that the water remains a source of joy and recreation, free from tragedies. https://lnkd.in/gBCtGRCs

Join us for a great golf day at the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit 28th Annual Legacy Golf Classic on Monday, September 16th. Support from our presenting sponsors Ford Motor Company and DTE Energy Foundation and individuals and corporations around the country allow us to serve the children and families of Metro Detroit in life-changing ways. #ForAll #grateful https://lnkd.in/dwVa3gZH

#MyYJourney | The power of community building Retired CEO/President Helene Weir and retired Chief Human Resources Officer Darcie West have impacted countless lives -- building strong relationships with community members and being a part of their staff and internal community's growth. Their reflections underscore the importance of fostering community and inspiring personal growth within the organization. #MyYJourney #CommunityBuilding #YMCA

Reflecting today on Project Play Southeast Michigan’s recent “Girls In Sports Day.” Over 80 participants sampled sports ranging from field hockey to flag football, while their caregivers were provided tips on how to improve the overall youth sporting experience. It was a special day. This opportunity would not have been possible without the incredible support from the many community partners that dedicated their time, energy and efforts. We’re so thankful for your support! Huge shout-out to: All participants and their families, as well as UWM Sports Complex for hosting. Ashley S. Jackson, Rickey Jackson Jr. and Briana Mitchell on the Project Play SEMI team. Lauren Fuller and Oakland County Sheriff PAL Program for helping spearhead this event. Paula Buckhaulter and The Mac Parkman Foundation for providing educational tips and resources to parents and caregivers. Lastly, the sports facilitators who did an amazing job at presenting their sports in such a positive way: YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, Great Lakes Regional Field Hockey, Oakland University, #QuestAthletics, #GreaterMetropolitanYouthSports, #DetroitVolleyballCoachesAssociation

#MyYJourney | Making an impact in your hometown Nothing compares to positively impacting your community—the community you grew up in and are most familiar with. For Jeff McIntyre, the Association Director of Risk Management at our YMCA, starting his Y career in his hometown, the Downriver area, was a great way to kickstart his journey in the movement. Through the YMCA, Jeff McIntyre found another way to connect with his community and serve his fellow community members.

#MyYJourney | Experiencing joy through service Someone once said, "If you find work that you love, you'll never work a day in your life." For many in this line of work, this statement is either an "ah ha" moment or your North Star. Although the "Y bug" landed on our CEO/President, Parrish Underwood, and Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing, Latitia McCree-Thomas, at different times in their lives, the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the organization has allowed both to find their Y.

#MyYJourney | Reflecting on the journey Before retiring from our YMCA as the CEO/President and Chief Human Resources Officer, respectively, Helene Weir and Darcie West shared the "what" to their Y journeys: "What made you stay with the Y?" Their journeys highlight the YMCA's ability to build deep connections and create impactful opportunities. It's about the people, the communities we serve, and the meaningful work we do together. #Community #YMCA