YMCA STAFF NEWS & INITIATIVES

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING THRIVE WINNERS!

 

• J.A. Henry Community YMCA: Fran
• YMCA Healthy Living Center at North River: Heather
• Downtown Family YMCA: Tash
• Hamilton Family YMCA: Kay
• Cleveland Family YMCA: Cindy
• North Georgia Community YMCA: Laura
• Metro: Tripp

 

TAKE A DEEP BREATH. IT'S YOUR TIME...TO THRIVE!

Healthy mind, body and spirit has never been more crucial. And it's not just important for our members and communities... YOU are the YMCA's greatest asset. We know that healthy staff = a healthy 

Thrive Resources: Week 1

• VOLUNTEERING
  • Week 1 Welcome video below
  • YMCA Volunteer Opportunities
  • Other Area Volunteer Opportunities
    • Ironman Chattanooga May 20-22! 
      If you are volunteering for this event, make sure to sign up under the "Run Pointers" shifts. 
      • Run Course Pointers: Volunteers will be at key intersections and turns along the course, assisting in keeping the athletes going in the correct direction. 
      • Run course pointer/sector captains: Assist the Run Course director in the smooth operation and maintenance of the run course to ensure the safety of athletes.
      • What to bring: Sunscreen, Water, Weather-appropriate clothing, chair, pom-poms, noise maker, cow bell, etc. 
      • Have Fun! 

May 4 Video: Opportunities to Volunteer

• The Beneficial Side Effects of Giving Back
  Research suggests that the act of volunteering may have a positive impact on physical and mental health, life satisfaction, depression, and overall social well-being. The act of engaging in one's passion through relevant activities may also help improve psychological well-being. By doing good for others, you can do good for yourself! 

May 6 Ted Talk: Service is Connecting your Passion to Someone Else's Need

Find a Cause That Lifts Your Spirit AND Your Community
You may already know that volunteering can benefit your well-being, and yet, you may not be sure whether it's the right fit for you. Maybe your schedule is packed, opportunities to give back are few in your area.. or perhaps you've tried it before and it just didn't stick. 

It could be that your previous efforts didn't quite align with what drives you. By combining volunteerism with something you are passionate about, giving back may come more naturally and feel more fulfilling - for all parties involved. Today, spend some time researching causes that feed your passion. 

• Are you a lifelong learner? Tutor an underserved school in your area! 
• Enjoy the outdoors & want to be more environmentally conscious? Volunteer to lead nature walks or join a trash pickup effort in your local park. 
• Are you a people person? Provide company & conversation to older people looking for social connections. 
• Do you love sports? Volunteer as a youth sports league coach. 

 

 

Thrive Resources: Week 2

May 9

FOCUS: Donate

It’s more than financial giving. Donate food, clothing, blood, blankets, and towels to animal shelter, socks and toiletries to homeless shelter.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill

 

May 11 

Look up resources in need of donations.

13 ways to donate to not break the budget 

 

May 13

Reach out to homeless shelter, blood bank, and animal shelters for a box and list of needs.

Donations for Local Non-profits:

McKamey Animal Center Wish List

Chattanooga Community Kitchen In-Kind Needs List

The Salvation Army: Chattanooga In-Kind Needs List

Blood Assurance Donation Center Locations

 

 

Thrive Resources: Week 3

May 16

FOCUS: Giving back to our Earth, Mother Nature

Mother Nature gives so much, it is our turn to give back to her!

"Mother Nature has the power to please, to comfort, to calm, and to nurture one's soul." - Anthony Douglas Williams

May 23

Support Locally

"No one has ever become poor by giving." - Anne Frank

May 30

Heroism doesn't always happen in a burst of glory. Sometimes small triumphs and large hearts change the course of history." - Mary Roach

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahama Ghandi

Opportunities to Honor Those on Memorial Day Who Have Served:

Visit Chattanooga National Cemetery on Memorial Day to honor those who have served. Check visitation hours here.

Show your appreciation by sending care packages to those who have served. Send a care package.