Today on Y Connect, we will hear an unforgettable story of how the Y changed a young woman's life. Tynesha Anderson, Director of Engagement for Connections Homes, grew up in the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA. She credits her success to the staff and mentors who always gave her grace and a sense of safety. She shares that despite the mistakes she made when she was younger, the Y never stopped pouring love into her life. As an adult, Tynesha holds the same passion for young people that she experienced as a child, and as a result, she is paying it forward. Don't miss this deeply inspiring conversation.
IN THIS EPISODE:
[00:48] Robert shows his 1914 Howard University shirt, and they discuss Black History month
[05:10] Tynesha reflects on the impact the Y made on her early childhood and teenage years and the love and support she received
[09:58] Tynesha talks about being made a part of Ambassador Young's family and her meeting and ongoing relationship with Dr. Maya Angelou
[14:41] The Y's influence equipped Tynesha for college and the internship with the IRS, and her current position
[16:52] Tynesha shares the mission of Connection Homes. Caring individuals mentor aging foster care children, preparing them for a productive life and keeping them from prison or sex trafficking
[22:24] Tynesha wasn't sure she would even like the Y and now calls it a safe place where she was loved and accepted.
[26:52]Tynesha recites the poem, Winning with Knowledge, written by her for Dr. Maya Angelou
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The YMCA has a history of nurturing children who do not receive love and direction from their home environment. And the Y is good at it!
The influence of caring adults makes a lifetime of difference in a child.
Foster kids aged 18 - 24 will generally only succeed with the desire to do so and a helping hand from caring organizations like Connections Homes.
RESOURCE LINKS:
