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:
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.
