YMCA of Greater Kansas City: Spirit of Service - Everyday Heroes

SPIRIT OF SERVICE

{EVERYDAY HEROES}

YMCA of Greater Kansas City 2012-2013

OUR EVERYDAY HEROES Every day, a unique force of people at the Y step in to do good without hesitation when they see a need. They are members, program participants, parents and community advocates who walk humbly among us. They are also heroes who share their time and activate their unique super powers to strengthen the community through the Y. When they see an opportunity to help youth reach their fullest potential, or to help assist all ages achieve greater health and well-being, or to give back to our neighbors, they take action. Their super powers range from the ability to teach children new skills to the ability to mobilize others to follow their lead to the ability to create a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds.

They all possess a power to serve others. This book pays tribute to these everyday heroes of the Y. Read on for their stories.

BOLD • STRONG • BRAVE

OPERATION: YMCA OF GREATER KANSAS CITY SUPER POWER: FURTHERING THE MISSION

A passion for the Y’s long history of being inclusive made Will McCarther want to get involved. Since joining the YMCA of Greater Kansas City Board of Directors in 1996, he has used this passion to further the mission of the Y. He has been instrumental in local efforts over nearly two decades ranging from the opening of the Cleaver Family YMCA to bringing the Head Start program to the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. His involvement with Head Start included serving on the Head Start oversight committee as a liaison between the Y and Head Start. He also has served on several national YMCA of the USA task forces. A belief in the importance of social responsibility is a driving force within McCarther. “I think the greatest way to lead is to serve,” he said.

HERO OF THE HEART AWARD The Hero of the Heart Award pays tribute to a person or organization who has shown dedication to advancing the mission of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.

{HERO of the Heart}

HERO {will McCARTHER}

20122013

OPERATION: BLUE SPRINGS FAMILY YMCA SUPER POWER: RECRUITING SUPPORT

As leader of the Board Development Committee at Blue Springs Family YMCA, Monica has been instrumental in its transformation. In 2012, she recruited four new members and created the first board member orientation, handbook and contact form. In addition, Monica has been a servant leader for the Y, devoting her time and talents to events and programs such as the Holiday Silent Auction, Easter Egg Hunt, Monster Mash and LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. SPIRIT OF SERVICE HONOREE One member of the Spirit of Service class is recognized as the Spirit of Service Honoree for standing out as an example of living the Y’s cause of strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

{Spirit of Service HONOREE }

HERO {monica MEEKS}

20122013

SPIRIT OF SERVICE {class of 2012-2013}

The Spirit of Service volunteer award recognizes an elite group of YMCA of Greater Kansas City volunteers who embody an aspect of the Y’s promise of strengthening the foundation of our community.

HERO {lisa COLE} OPERATION: YOUNG ACHIEVERS SUPER POWER: DEVELOPING LEADERS

Lisa is dedicated to uplifting teens through her promotion of post-secondary education. She helped high school students develop personal college planning guides that assist in selecting future schools. In addition to being a great source of information, she is an involved community advocate and cheerleader for the Young Achievers.

HERO {ed HUBBARD} OPERATION: YMCA CHALLENGER SUPER POWER: INSPIRING ATHLETES

As a volunteer coach for the YMCA Challenger sports program for children with special needs, Ed has logged more than 240 hours of service since beginning in 2007. His rosters are filled with players who request him every season. Ed involves his family, too. He coaches his son Andrew in every sport, while his son Matthew is a buddy to support athletes. Ed’s wife, Tracey, and their daughter Grace help organize games, provide snacks and cheer on athletes. Ed also leads the YMCA Challenger Inspire [TOGETHER] fundraising campaign.

HERO {staci BLAHA} OPERATION: PLATTE COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER NORTH SUPER POWER: ADVOCATING CHANGE

Staci has shared her time as a member of the Community Mission Board at the Platte County Community Center North. She shares the Y’s charitable mission with others in the community and also advocates for the Y through her involvement with other organizations. Thanks to her sponsorship, Platte County Community Center North has been able to hold its annual donor appreciation event at Seven Bridges Clubhouse for two years.

HERO {jesse MONTELEONE} OPERATION: WESTOWNE YMCA HEAD START SUPER POWER: PROMOTING STRONG DADS

While going to school and raising three girls, Jesse still finds time to share with Westowne YMCA Head Start. He volunteers on the Head Start Policy Committee, Policy Council and in the classroom. He has supported the fatherhood initiative for the entire YMCA Head Start program, including completing training to become a leader in the fatherhood movement. He has followed through on the initiative by promoting and planning the fatherhood activities for his center and others.

HERO {josh JACKAWAY} OPERATION: CLEAVER FAMILY YMCA SUPER POWER: SERVING OTHERS

As an active member, Josh is always looking to promote the Cleaver Family YMCA. He held a free hair care clinic at the Cleaver YMCA for families who have adopted African American babies, teaching parents how to style their child’s hair. He donates anything he can for events, such as decorations, lighting and his time. He even purchased a new bike for a Cleaver YMCA family in need. He and his church hold several events at the Cleaver YMCA that give back to the Y through service or donations.

HERO {chuck BROWNSON} OPERATION: PAUL HENSON FAMILY YMCA SUPER POWER: INSTILLING CONFIDENCE

Chuck assists weekly with swim lessons on Saturdays at the Paul Henson Family YMCA and helped with free swim lessons provided to second graders in the Shawnee Mission School District. He has even recruited additional volunteers. He is known for working one-on-one with kids who are especially fearful of the water or learning a new skill. His patience and big smile put them at ease until they build the confidence to accomplish something new.

HERO {dani BANION} OPERATION: RED BRIDGE FAMILY YMCA SUPER POWER: PARTNERING FOR FUN

Y member Dani is a manager at the Applebee’s near the Red Bridge Family YMCA. She frequently volunteers time and donations to help out the Y, especially its programs for kids. She has donated Applebee’s food, coupons and materials on short notice. She is an advocate for the Y in the community, spreading the word about what the Y has to offer for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

HERO {brandy EDWARDS} OPERATION: BURLINGTON YMCA HEAD START SUPER POWER: LEADING PARENTS

Brandy assists with all interviews of possible associates and consistently helps out in classrooms, especially when a scheduled teacher has to be away from the center. In addition, Brandy uses her leadership talents to head the Parent Committee at Burlington YMCA Head Start and represents Burlington YMCA Head Start for the Policy Committee.

HERO {peter DUNN} OPERATION: LINWOOD FAMILY YMCA SUPER POWER: BUILDING COMMUNITIES

Peter has been accountable and passionate as a volunteer for the Linwood Family YMCA. As an engaged and thoughtful Community Mission Board member, Peter was instrumental in the Linwood YMCA exceeding its 2012 fundraising goal for the Inspire [TOGETHER] campaign. Peter has leveraged relationships and provided guidance that have enhanced the Linwood Family YMCA’s services and support offered throughout the Linwood community.

HERO {reneé JORDAN} OPERATION: RICHARD C. GREEN, SR. FAMILY YMCA HEAD START SUPER POWER: SUPPORTING EARLY EDUCATION

Renee’ was a very active parent participant of Richard C. Green, Sr. YMCA Head Start until her child moved on to Kindergarten. She attended the majority of parent activities and volunteered countless hours in the classroom reading to the children. In addition, she frequently assisted with classroom projects and activities.

HERO {brad GUARDADO} OPERATION: OLATHE FAMILY YMCA SUPER POWER: RAISING FUNDS

Under Brad’s leadership, the Olathe Family YMCA’s fundraising team surpassed its goal of raising $4,000 for the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA healthy living program for cancer survivors by almost 50 percent. Brad’s personal contribution included working with his employer, Shred-It, to offer a paper shredding event open to the community to benefit LIVESTRONG at the YMCA.

HERO {kenyala McCALLOP} OPERATION: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SERVICES/ YOUTH VOLUNTEER CORPS OF GREATER KANSAS CITY SUPER POWER: CHALLENGING OTHERS

Kenyala is the epitome of a hard-working youth volunteer. She welcomes any opportunity to be more involved in Youth Volunteer Corps of Greater Kansas City hosted by the Y, from working on the Youth Advisory Board to many Saturday projects. It is her devotion to bettering herself, her community and her world that exudes her spirit of service. She not only challenges herself in all areas of the Y’s mission, but she also challenges others to live the mission.

HERO {mark MOBERLY} OPERATION: YMCA CHALLENGER SUPER POWER: EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES

Mark’s involvement with the Y started with the William Jewell College Pryor Leadership Class in 2005. He and his class planned to build a baseball field accessible for kids using wheelchairs or walkers. They partnered with the YMCA Challenger program, and those plans were the foundation for the Mark Teahen Challenger Baseball Field and American Family Insurance Field for football and soccer that opened in 2010. As Challenger Community Mission Board leader from 2006-2012, Mark helped raise more than $3 million for the project. He continues to lead the capital campaign committee to expand the sports complex so young people of all abilities can play sports.

HERO {joe CONNOR} OPERATION: PROVIDENCE YMCA/BALL FAMILY CENTER SUPER POWER: ADVANCING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

For the past two years, Joe has carried the Y’s focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility into the community as volunteer community coach for the Pioneering Healthier Communities Initiative in Wyandotte County. He created the Community Leadership Team and has driven policy and environmental changes that help kids and families live healthy lifestyles. As a member of the Providence YMCA Community Mission Board, he has recruited more board members, advocated for the Y and introduced the Y to other community organizations and leaders to advance the Y’s mission.

HERO {judy HURLBERT} OPERATION: PLATTE COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER SOUTH SUPER POWER: ENCOURAGING INVOLVEMENT

Anytime the Active Older Adults program at Platte County Community Center South has a special event or a regular activity, Judy is the first person to jump in and help. She is there every step of the way. She organizes participation, encourages others to get involved, raises money, gathers and buys program supplies, sets up and tears down events, cooks and brings food, and more. She is known for her generosity and her reliability.

HERO {patrick PAINE} OPERATION: BONNER SPRINGS FAMILY YMCA SUPER POWER: SHARING SKILLS

Patrick is the founder of Advocacy First, a care agency in Bonner Springs for developmentally-disabled adults. He and his clients are dedicated volunteers at the Bonner Springs Family YMCA. Not only do his clients learn life skills that lead to greater independence, but their work also benefits Y members and program participants. Patrick and his volunteers keep the facility clean, from picking up trash in the parking lot to regular cleaning of equipment, rooms and windows. They have also shared their time at the Halloween Trunk ‘n Treat event.

HERO {gabe GARCIA} OPERATION: 8TH STREET FAMILY YMCA SUPER POWER: SPREADING JOY

Gabe, known for his heart to serve, spends time welcoming members and guests, greeting everyone with a warm smile and hello. He also contributes by cleaning equipment, tending to the community garden and organizing Child Watch. His work volunteering twice a week has made him an integral part of the team at the 8th Street Family YMCA.

HERO {elizabeth JOHNSON} OPERATION: ATCHISON FAMILY YMCA SUPER POWER: MOTIVATING SWIMMERS

At the Y, Liz has taught countless people how to swim over many years.

She was first involved at the Y as an associate and is now a volunteer coach for the Atchison Family YMCA’s Swim Club. Her ability to relate to the kids and instruct them to develop their skills has allowed them to compete at a higher level.

HERO {gemecia NICHOLS} OPERATION: THOMAS ROQUE YMCA HEAD START SUPER POWER: FILLING THE GAP

Parent volunteer Gemecia brings her positive and flexible attitude to Thomas Roque YMCA Head Start. She contributes in a variety of ways, from conducting parent interviews for teacher candidates to helping coordinate family events. She is always ready and willing to help out, even if she is called at the last minute.

HERO {elaina MILLER} OPERATION: METRO YMCA HEAD START SUPER POWER: ENGAGING FAMILIES

Elaina is a diligent volunteer at Metro YMCA Head Start. Whether she is assisting in her child’s classroom or participating in staff interviews, Elaina has always offered her service and time. As a member of Metro Head Start’s Parent Committee, she has offered great tips for activities to do with families.

HERO {brooke BIONDI} OPERATION: PARK HILL YMCA HEAD START SUPER POWER: REPRESENTING KIDS

Brooke is a great example of a parent and volunteer who puts others before herself. Brooke is a single mom who works full-time yet always attends activities for Head Start families, volunteers in the classroom and represents Park Hill Head Start on the Head Start Policy Committee. She is always just a phone call away to sit in on teacher interviews and provide her thoughts and suggestions for what is best for the children and the program.

HERO {jeremy GASKILL} OPERATION: ASSOCIATION RESOURCE CENTER SUPER POWER: GENERATING DONATIONS

During his first year as the YMCA of Greater Kansas City Board of Directors Financial Development Chair, Jeremy attended YMCA of the USA’s three-day conference on financial development. Jeremy applied what he learned to help the Y achieve $1 million in pledges during a 2012 campaign. In addition, his dedicated support has led his employer Humana to become a sponsor of the Challenge Your Fashion fundraiser, generating more support for the Y’s Challenger program for young people with special needs.

HERO {barbara MELTON}

BETTER TOGETHER

OPERATION: EXCELSIOR SPRINGS YMCA HEAD START SUPER POWER: HELPING CHILDREN

{volunteer}

After her move to Excelsior Springs, Barbara called Excelsior Springs YMCA Head Start and asked to volunteer in the classroom. She now comes in at least once a week, pitching in with whatever needs to be done. The kids always look forward to her coming in and enjoy spending time with her.

BE PART OF A CAUSE COMMITTED TO MOVING PEOPLE AND OUR COMMUNITY FORWARD.

Take an active role in bringing about meaningful, enduring change right in your own neighborhood. At the Y, help deliver the benefits of good health, strong connections, greater self-confidence and a sense of security to all who seek it.

{give}

{focus on healthy living}

Well-being and fitness at the Y is so much more than just working out. It’s about good health inside and out, fostering connections with others, and achieving a balance of spirit, mind and body.

{advocate}

Donate to the Y to nurture the potential of kids, improve our community’s health and well-being, and give back and support our neighbors.

Champion our cause. Tell others about the Y’s mission to create lasting change in our community through nurturing the potential of our youth, improving our community’s health and giving back to our neighbors.

{join}

{host}

With your Y membership, you become part of a cause for strengthening a community that is committed every day to helping you, your family and your neighbors learn, grow and thrive.

{stay informed}

Keep up to date on all our events and the important work we are doing in our community. Sign up for email updates at KansasCityYMCA.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news, tips and special offers.

Party with a purpose. Gather your friends, have fun and raise funds! It can be as simple as holding a bake sale, hosting a dinner party or having a garage sale and donating the proceeds to the Y.

{give us your feedback}

At the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, we are always looking for ways to grow and improve. Let us know what we can do for you.

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YMCA of Greater Kansas City 3100 Broadway, Suite 1020 Kansas City, MO 64111 816.561.9622

KansasCityYMCA.org

OUR MISSION The YMCA of Greater Kansas City, founded on Christian principles, is a charitable organization with an inclusive environment committed to enriching the quality of family, spiritual, social, mental and physical well-being.

A UNITED WAY AGENCY