Welcome to Y Connect, where we spotlight the people and programs shaping impact across the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. In this episode, we're honored to feature two leaders whose journeys through AmeriCorps have left a lasting imprint on our communities.
Stacia Herbert, AmeriCorps Health and Wellness Advocate at the South DeKalb YMCA, has led transformative initiatives—from launching a community garden and food pantry to hosting nutrition workshops and building partnerships that support young mothers. Her work has been so impactful that the YMCA of the USA plans to feature her story nationally.
Joining her is Mark Henderson, Branch Manager for the South DeKalb YMCA. Mark is a proud AmeriCorps alum whose career has spanned public service roles with the City of Atlanta and the late Congressman John Lewis. Mark's journey began at the Y and continues to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
As we reflect on the power of service, we also acknowledge the challenges—like the recent loss of federal funding that supported Stacia's role. This conversation is a timely reminder of why programs like AmeriCorps matter and what's at stake when they're at risk.
IN THIS EPISODE:
(00:00) Intro: Meet Stacia and Mark
(04:25) Stacia discusses joining AmeriCorps, discovering public health as a career path, and serving at the South DeKalb YMCA
(13:33) Mark recounts starting with AmeriCorps, transitioning from a college student to a service role
(19:43) The inception of the community garden and food pantry at South DeKalb YMCA
(22:48) Partnering with Atlanta and Midwest Food Banks to establish the food pantry
(26:13) Discussion of nutrition workshops, mental health and public health promoting health equity
(29:20) How the Y prepared Mark for all the career opportunities he has had
(34:35) AmeriCorps provides public health experience and boosts career through service
(49:01) Funding challenges are threatening AmeriCorps and making programs self-funding
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
AmeriCorps and the YMCA drive community support through initiatives like the South DeKalb community garden and food pantry, fostering health equity and social connections via partnerships with organizations like Helping Mamas.
Volunteerism and leadership in AmeriCorps provide critical capacity building, offering firsthand public health experience and networking opportunities for career transitions, as exemplified by Stacey Herbert's work in nutrition workshops.
Despite funding challenges, civic engagement through service at the YMCA sustains impactful programs, ensuring long-term mental health and community support initiatives continue to benefit low-income communities.
RESOURCE LINKS:
National Service in Georgia | AmeriCorps
BIOGRAPHY:
Stacia Herbert, originally from Guyana, is a public health professional with nearly two decades of experience in education. She now focuses on nutrition, family and community health, and chronic disease prevention, serving marginalized communities through her work with the YMCA and the NACDD Public Health AmeriCorps program in South DeKalb. Stacia holds a Master of Public Health from Georgia Southern University, a Master of Science in Child, Youth, and Family Studies, and a Bachelor of Education. An AHEC scholar and certified Mental Health First Aider, she is also a wife, mother of two, and lover of cooking, decorating, and reading.
Mark Henderson, a Morehouse College graduate, has over 25 years of experience in community service, voter engagement, and political campaigns. He began his career with AmeriCorps and the Metro Atlanta YMCA, later contributing to Atlanta's HOPE VI housing project. He has received two Congressional awards from John Lewis and was named Georgia's Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1996. Today, he serves as Executive Director of the Voter Empowerment Collaborative (VEC).
Keywords: AmeriCorps, YMCA, Community Garden, Food Pantry, Nutrition Workshops, Public Health, South DeKalb, South DeKalb YMCA, Service, Partnerships, Health Equity, Volunteerism, Social Connections, Capacity Building, Leadership, Funding Challenges, Community Support, Mental Health, Helping Mamas, Career Transition, Civic Engagement, Atlanta Food Bank, Midwest Food Bank, impact, Metro Atlanta, health equity, Helping Mamas
