YMCA October Newsletter

YMCA of the Capital Area Newsletter - Y Connection October 2021

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Help the Y plan for the future! Please take a minute to fill out our member survey by clicking here. Thank you for your feedback!

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT THROUGH READING

The A. C. Lewis YMCA will be holding a book drive from October 1 through November 30. All types of gently used books will be accepted in the A. C. Lewis YMCA lobby.

A. C. Lewis YMCA is excited to announce the launch of the new Read and Write program. The Read and Write Early Childhood program is now available for children ages 4-5 years old. The program will take place on Saturdays from 10 am - 1 pm. Children will be able to choose a book to bring home and practice reading. Once they feel comfortable with this book, they are then welcome to write and illustrate their favorite part of the book to bring back to The Y.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

On Sunday, September 5, The Y partnered with The 3 O'Clock Project to help distribute food following Hurricane Ida. We had more than 45 volunteers and were able to unload 25 pallets, 1,700 boxes, and 17,000 meals. We are very thankful for all of the help from our Y staff, volunteers, family, and friends who came out to help.

FIND YOUR Y

The Y has had a fantastic beginning to our new "Find Your Y" campaign. We hope this campaign will help to raise awareness of the YMCA mission and increase Y engagement. Members have had a great time engaging in the campaign and we encourage you to come and do the same! Stop by your local Y to take a photo and share your Y story.

NEW DISTRICT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Y would like to welcome Cree Matlock as the new District Executive Director for several YMCA of the Capital Area locations. Cree holds a Bachelor's degree from Southern A&M College in Political Science and a Master's degree from Louisiana State University in Public Administration. Cree comes to the YMCA from Charter Schools USA where she was responsible for external relations, legislative strategy, and business development.

We would like to congratulate Cree on joining our team!

“I am very excited to embark on this opportunity to work for an organization that does such great and impactful work for the greater Baton Rouge area.”

COSTUME DRIVE

The YMCA of the Capital Area will host its annual Costumes for Kids drive beginning October 1 through October 20. Costumes for Kids is a local costume drive that provides free Halloween costumes to children in need in our community. The Y is accepting new or gently used costumes to be given to children in the Baton Rouge community. Costume donations will be accepted at any of the Y’s seven locations until October 20.

BEYOND THE GREEN GOLF TOURNAMENT

We are excited to host our Beyond the Green Golf Tournament at the Beaver Creek Golf Course in Zachary on October 1. This tournament is in support of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This year we are including an online auction and everyone is invited to participate to support the mission of the Y. View auction items and bid here. Thank you to our sponsors and our committee members for your support!

LOUISIANA STATE EMPLOYEES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The YMCA of the Capital Area is excited to participate as a charity in the 2021 Louisiana State Combined Charitable Campaign! If you are a State employee, look for #1112, aka "The Young Men’s Christian Association of the Capital Area", to support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility in our community. Click here for more information.

COMING SOON: STRONG CHALLENGE

The STRONG Challenge 2021 (teaser trailer)

The Strong Challenge is a 30 day wellness challenge designed to challenge people to grow in Spirit, Mind and Body.

The challenge will be FREE for all members. Registration coming soon!

BOO TO THE FLU

Say Boo to the Flu at these drive-thru Flu Shot events in partnership with Baton Rouge General:

Monday, October 18

8-11am at Americana YMCA

Tuesday, October 19

8-11 at C. B. Pennington Jr. YMCA

Wednesday, October 20

8-11am at ExxonMobil YMCA

Thursday, October 21

3-6pm at A. C. Lewis YMCA

Friday, October 22

8-11am at Dow Westside YMCA

Saturday, October 23

8-11am at Paula G. Manship YMCA

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

Keep your kids safe this Halloween with these 5 safety tips!

Wear bright colors, something reflective, or a glow stick so the kids can be easily seen.
Stay with younger children at all times while Trick or Treating.
Have kids look both ways before crossing the street.
Ensure that your kids' costume is not too long to avoid any tripping.
Always look over the candy before your child eats it.