Laureen's fundraiser for the Y!

A PROUD HERITAGE

I started working for the YMCA at Virginia Tech in January 2020, right before the world changed. After working as the Director of Downtown Blacksburg for 12 years I was ready for something different that truly helped those who face the most challenges in life. I was also excited to work alongside our excellent Exec Director, Ryan Martin- a person of true vision and dedication to serving others.

A few months after my start date COVID reared it's ugly head and the world shut down in many ways. At a time when all others were closing their doors or suspending services, the Y stepped up and filled the gaps- distributing thousands of meals to hundreds of hungry children in our community. The remaining staff and Board members were determined to not only continue serving our community, but to growing the services we could provide.

In my 3 years at the Y I have been so impressed and heartened to be part of an organization that is addressing so many issues in our community. I have been fortunate to work with some truly amazing people- Y staff, students and community members who are dedicated to making our world a better place. Below is a brief listing of our main programs, but please feel free to ask me more- I am happy to talk about our wonderful Y all day long- let's have a cuppa and a chat! I hope you will be inspired to send a few $$$'s our way through this fundraiser and maybe even get involved with volunteering. We will be celebrating 150 years of service to this community very soon- jump on board!

Today, these are just a few of the community support programs provided by the Y throughout the New River Valley:

•    Meals on Main – our largest food security program serves as a USDA sponsor for the region, helping to provide more than 250 kids with a healthy snack and dinner 5-days a week, every week of the year  

•    Afterschool Programs – the 3 afterschool programs provide 50+ elementary and middle school-aged children with a safe, fun environment for academic enrichment and socio-emotional growth

•    Thrift Shop – one of the region’s largest sustainability programs, used items are diverted from the waste stream by making them available for purchase at greatly reduced prices for our neighbors living on a budget. Additionally, we serve as a collection site for used electronics, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and ink cartridges to ensure responsible recycling and that heavy metals do not leach into the environment

•    International Programs – the International Women’s Group helps address the potential isolation experienced by international women by providing them with a support system, practice conversational English skills, and learning about the region. Additionally, the Y leads the community’s efforts for the Annual Welcoming Week which celebrates the cultural diversity of our newest international neighbors

•    Student Leadership Development – helping college students develop a sense of volunteerism and community service by empowering them to create and operate programs that address issues of social equity and give back to the community.