The YMCA of Metro Atlanta's commitment to early learning, exemplified through its Head Start programs, significantly impacts children and families in the community. Dr. Andria McMichael, a dedicated leader within the organization, shares her excitement about the recent expansion of these programs, designed to provide children with the foundation they need to succeed. From inspiring personal stories, like a nonverbal child beginning to speak after just days in the program, to the call for volunteers and community partnerships, the YMCA is creating lasting community connections that nurture both the minds and hearts of children, preparing them to become the future leaders who will take care of us all.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [2:12] Dr. McMichael shares how the expansion of the early centers occurred in the YMCA

• [7:49] Dr. McMichael shares some community needs of Richmond County

• [11:15] Community connection and how Hurricane Helene impacted the centers

• [14:11] The Head Start program and the services it provides

• [18:49] The partnership between the Augusta YMCA and the Head Start program

• [21:35] What excites Dr. McMichael about this expansion and an inspiring story

• [24:38] How Y Connect listeners can support these efforts

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The YMCA has successfully expanded its early learning programs into Richmond County, opening two new Head Start centers in 2024 and three others launched in November. This expansion was driven by the availability of a federal grant and the need for quality early learning opportunities in the region.

• The response from the Richmond County community has been overwhelmingly positive, with families and teachers excited about the new opportunities after a previous Head Start provider closed. The YMCA’s efforts were particularly impactful during Hurricane Helene, providing aid and services to families in need and reinforced the organization’s deep connection with the community.

• Dr. McMichael emphasized the importance of conducting a community assessment to align services with local needs, such as addressing the low proficiency rates in math and reading and the high percentage of families qualifying for reduced lunch. The YMCA’s Head Start programs aim to provide a solid foundation for children while supporting the broader community through various resources and partnerships.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Head Start Program - Website

Dr. Andria McMichael - Bio

BIOGRAPHY:

Andria McMichael, Ed.D., is the Chief Education Officer for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, leading efforts to provide top-tier early learning programs for children and families. She oversees signature initiatives like Read Right from the Start, STEAM, Start for Life, and Early Learning Readiness across seven counties and 13 centers, focusing on quality, growth, and partnerships. Before joining the Y in 2019, Andria held leadership roles in Fairfax County Public Schools, Imagine Schools, and the University of the District of Columbia. She began her career in DeKalb County Schools and SCITREK. A Spelman College graduate, she holds advanced degrees and certifications from Central Michigan University, Georgia State, Harvard, and Argosy University.

Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to one of the newest leaders in our organization, Veronica Squires, our Chief Philanthropy Officer. Veronica joined the Y in June, bringing her nearly two decades of experience in Atlanta’s nonprofit community. She has held leadership roles at esteemed organizations such as Posse Atlanta, The Good Samaritan Health Center, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Her extensive background, combined with her Executive MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, equips her to advance the Y’s mission significantly. As Chief Philanthropy Officer, Veronica is focused on growing philanthropic revenue to ensure more families can experience the life-changing opportunities the Y provides. Beyond her professional expertise, Veronica is also a published author, having written How Neighborhoods Make Us Sick: Restoring Health and Wellness in Our Communities, a compelling exploration of how we can work together to build healthier, more equitable neighborhoods.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [3:25] Why Veronica accepted the position of Chief Philanthropy Officer

• [8:52] Why did Veronica have an interest in fundraising for the Y

• [9:32] What stands out about the Y’s mission in serving the community

• [12:01] How philanthropy is presented to donors

• [14:59] A discussion on Veronica’s book How Neighborhoods Make Us Sick: Restoring Health and Wellness in Our Communities

• [22:02] Tis the season for philanthropy towards the Y

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Y's mission combines consistency across branches with unique customization to meet each community's needs, creating spaces where individuals of all ages can thrive

• The Y exemplifies how philanthropy and community go hand in hand by driving meaningful transformation at the neighborhood level. As highlighted in How Neighborhoods Make Us Sick, real change requires responsiveness to each community's unique needs, combined with a team's collective efforts. The Y's longstanding mission to strengthen communities demonstrates that community health, equity, and empowerment thrive through collaboration and the infrastructure of a dedicated organization, making it a powerful force for good

• Philanthropy plays a vital role in supporting the Y's mission to strengthen communities, and every contribution, regardless of size, has an impact. While the Y is a large organization, it relies on an army of faithful small donors whose collective generosity fuels its mission work. Even a modest gift can make a meaningful difference this holiday season, demonstrating that philanthropy is not just about large institutional giving but also about the power of individuals coming together to create change

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

How Neighborhoods Make Us Sick - Book

BIOGRAPHY:

Veronica Squires, an executive MBA from Emory's Goizueta Business School, joins the YMCA of Metro Atlanta as its Chief Philanthropy Officer. She has nearly 20 years of experience in Atlanta’s non-profit community, holding leadership positions at Posse Atlanta, The Good Samaritan Health Center, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. In her new role, she will grow philanthropic revenue so that even more families can belong there.

Today on (Y) Connect, we're thrilled to highlight the story of a community rooted in strength, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to health and wellness. Joining us is Monte Fowler, a veteran member of the South Fulton Running Partners—the nation's oldest Black recreation running group. For decades, this remarkable group has shared a deep connection with the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, fostering a space where individuals unite to run and uplift one another. Monte brings a unique perspective as someone who grew up at the Y served on the YMCA board, and has dedicated years to this running community.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [3:42] Monte’ shares how he began his journey at the Y

• [6:21] Why Monte’ joined the South Fulton Running Partners and its legacy

• [11:05] How the Y has played a supporting role to the Partners and the community and the Y’s contribution to wellness

• [18:37] Why the Y is unique to community wellness

• [20:24] Advice to anyone interested in joining the Running Partners and what to expect

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Running offers more than physical fitness—it fosters lifelong health, builds discipline, and creates a supportive community. By embracing running, individuals can defy age-related health declines, find mentorship, and discover the "fountain of youth" through sweat, commitment, and connection

• The South Fulton Running Partners is a community of role models who embody service, mentorship, and giving back. Leaders like Bob Holmes and William and Lou Stanley showcase the impact of discipline and community, offering life-changing mentorship and inspiring purpose and integrity

• The YMCA in Atlanta is more than a gym—it’s a pillar of holistic community building, nurturing physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. The running partners have exemplified this ethos for over four decades, forming a family bound by shared values. The Y teaches fitness, fosters lifelong relationships, and supports members through every stage of life. It’s a place to grow, thrive, and find a true community

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

BIOGRAPHY:

Monte’ Fowler is a long-standing Y and South Fulton Running Partners member and a seasoned professional with 23+ years in product management, technology, and consulting. As a Product Manager at Cox Communications, he oversees a $300M+ product portfolio and has launched innovative tools, earning the 2021 Synergy Award and multiple PIL awards.

Dedicated to community service, Monte’ has served on boards for Cascade Elementary, Beecher Hills Elementary, the Center for Working Families, and the YMCA. He has also directed the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia’s largest fundraiser.

Monte’ holds an Executive MBA from Georgia Tech, a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and certifications in AI and Lean Six Sigma. His expertise in technology and passion for service make him an outstanding podcast guest.

Today, we’re joined by someone who wears a couple of hats in her connection to the Y—Lindsey LeFaivre. Lindsey is not only a passionate Y member and mom who participates in programming for her young children at multiple Ys across the city, but she’s also the Vice President of Customer Success with AchieveIT. This software company helps the YMCA track and measure the success of our strategic plan. In this episode, we’ll explore how Lindsey’s family benefits from the Y, what it’s like to be part of a community serving people of all ages, and how her professional expertise is helping the Y evolve and expand its impact.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [3:37] Lindsey talks about her journey to the Y and the convenience of experiencing the different Y’s in Atlanta

• [12:06] Lindsey explains how her company integrates with the Y, enabling the Y to track its success

• [15:36] Lindsey describes the volunteer event AhieveIt hosted at the Y for older adults who have survived breast cancer, and she explains what she finds exciting about the Y

• [20:15] Different fitness programs are offered at various Y locations. Lindsey emphasizes the cost-benefit of joining the Y as opposed to a private fitness club, and she talks about the resource the Y is for underserved communities

• [25:12] Lindsey shares her vision for the evolving Y, capitalizing on toddlers

• [29:59 Lindsey’s message to parents

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Y is much more than just swimming—many people don’t realize its wide range of activities and programs. In Atlanta, different Y locations provide various opportunities for kids throughout the school year, on weekends, and during summer camps. If you haven’t explored your local Y yet, do yourself and your family a favor and check it out!

• A YMCA membership is both affordable and packed with value. Compared to private classes and gyms, the Y offers a wide range of activities at a fraction of the cost, making it accessible for all. Adults enjoy the Y as much as kids do—you can join in on activities or take a well-deserved break while your child participates.

• The Y provides a safe environment for children, giving parents peace of mind that their kids are well cared for. Plus, the Y hosts seasonal events like Trunk or Treat, Fall Festivals, and more for families to enjoy.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

AcheiveIt - Website

Lindsey LaFaivre - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHIES: Lindsey LaFaivre

In addition to being an avid fan and member of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Lindsey LaFaivre is the Vice President of Customer Success for a software company called AchieveIt. She has been with AchieveIt for six years. She has over 10 years of experience in Customer Success – specifically working in SaaS platforms and has assisted hundreds of clients in tracking their most important initiatives and growing their business. Lindsey has been a resident of Atlanta since 2018 and, before that, lived in Phoenix, AZ, where she got her bachelor's degree from Arizona State University. She lives in Westview with her husband, their two young daughters, and a very large dog, appropriately named Cheesecake. In her free time, she enjoys thrift shopping, biking and spending time with friends and family. She's been a member of YMCA Atlanta since 2022.