Today we return to our roots. When the YMCA began 179 years ago, there were no brick-and-mortar buildings. There were no walls, and the Y served people by going out into communities. Joining our hosts today are three women who meet people where they are by taking Y programs and services on the road–an effort that is now being called "Y on the Fly". Join us to meet Laiah Taylor, Safiyah Pankey and Risa Rivera who are leading efforts meeting the needs of families outside the walls of the Y.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[03:48] Laiah explains how they serve the community by distributing food onsite and offsite from the Andrew Young Center
[06:01] Safiyah's food and goods service entails delivery to extended-stay motels
[07:47] Risa shares her mission of going out into the community to teach water safety
[10:19] Safiyah describes the gratitude that is expressed by the individuals they assist and how other agencies collaborate with the Y
[13:19] Laiah expresses her joy in being able to supply meals to the elderly and Risa shares the reasons why taking swim safety to the community is essential
[18:04] Volunteers and donations are desperately needed to assist the Y in continuing to serve the community
[21:05] Safiyah, Laiah and Risa share how they became associated with the Y
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Volunteers and donations are essential to assist the Y in providing services to the community. If you want to volunteer or donate financially, contact your local YMCA.
The Y staff and programs meet the community's needs within the Y's walls and are very active outside the walls in various capacities.
The Y employees' passion is evident when you listen to them describe their work.
RESOURCE LINKS:
BIOGRAPHIES:
Laiah Taylor-Youth Development Director for Andrew & Walter Young Y
Originally from Maryland, Laiah's career with the Y began while she was attending college at Virginia State University. Working as an afterschool and day camp counselor, she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology with a concentration in childhood development. In 2019 she moved to Atlanta to attend Georgia State, where she earned a master's degree in educational psychology. And in 2021, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta hired her to be the Youth Development Director at the Andrew and Walter Young Family Y. In this role, she also oversees the Y's food distribution program, the middle school At Promise Center after-school program, which sits on the Andrew & Walter Young Y's campus, and she assists with the teens.
Risa Rivera-Aquatics Director for Cecil Pruett Community Center Family Y in Canton
Risa Rivera is the Aquatics Director at the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA in Canton. She began working at the Y in 2016 as an assistant swim coach. Risa brought unique offerings to the Y, including a Mermaid Morning, Scuba Santa through a partnership with Dive Haven (a local scuba shop), and even a Pumpkin Patch in the Pool during their yearly Fall Festival. Risa lives in Canton with her two active children and her dog.
Safiyah Pankey-Community Impact Coordinator for Decatur Family Y
Safiyah began her Y career 23 years ago at the Decatur Family Y in 1999 as a front desk opener and, since then, has worn many hats. She's been a Membership Associate, Front Desk Supervisor, and Financial Development Coordinator, and today, she has a dual role in philanthropy and social impact. As the Community Impact Coordinator for the Decatur Y, she leads a weekly effort to serve families who live in extended-stay motels. One of her passions at the Y has been developing relationships with members and sharing the story of the Y, which she has done throughout her career, most notably on WABE, Atlanta's NPR station through Storycorp. Her email is safiyahp@ymcaatlanta.org.
