Black and Latino Achievers Spotlight

I have enjoyed telling you about the Capital District YMCA's Black and Latino Achiever Program in the past- and now I get to tell you more! My goal over the next 6 months leading up to their annual awards ceremony will be to take a day each month to highlight some of the Adult and Youth Achievers who are receiving recognition from the Y for their efforts. My hope is this will inspire you to get involved with your community.

First of all ANY teenager can participate in this program. You do not need to be only black or Latino. The name is based on its roots but the program has evolved as the need in the community has evolved. The goal is to introduce teenagers to many aspects of the real world- from college visits, to tours of professional work places (including the TWC News Station) to visits from experts in many fields including science, technology, engineering and math.  It is as rewarding for the adults as it is for the children. Take a look at this video and hear from some of the students themselves.

 




Today lets meet 3 adults who were honored at last year's banquet for their efforts to support the program.

Ladan Alomar, Executive Director Centro Civico of Amsterdam

Ladan Alomar has been an advocate for Latino youth for decades.  Her organization has helped families with AIDS prevention, housing for the poor, youth construction training programs and assistance for persons with disabilities.  She has been a volunteer for the Capital District YMCA Latino Youth Conference and backs this by getting youth from Amsterdam to attend.  Ladan is a committee and board member of many Capital District causes that assist the under served in our communities.

 

 

 

 

 

Sean Brown, New York State Department of Education

Mr. Brown has been a volunteer with many organizations that are community based:  Boys & Girls Club, Ronald McDonald House.  He is the founder of Make A Play, Incorporated.  This organization emphasizes youth development through the application of sports.  He is a board member of the Achievers program.  He has been a resource for connecting the Achievers program with other youth services organizations to maximize program impact.

 

 

 

 

Lieutenant Colonel Janice Gravely, Battalion Commander

US Army Recruiting Battalion Albany

LTC. Gravely has involved the USARMY with the Achiever program by presenting opportunities for careers in the military at branch sites and Saturday Clusters.  She has mobilized her staff to get involved in the Achievers program.  She has offered resources such as career guidance, SAT preparation workshops and online resources.  LTC Gravely is a committed volunteer with Big Brothers and Big Sisters.  She is passionate about youth development and giving youth the best opportunities.

You may remember I interviewed Dave Brown/President and CEO of the Capital District YMCA at last year's awards ceremony. I have been honored to Emcee this event for 8 years now. I am also an Adult Achiever for my efforts to help create the curriculum for the program and for working as TW Cable Diversity Ambassador For News and Local Programming to bring the workplace tour to our television station. Dave is a true champion of this program and if you didn't get a chance to watch the whole interview please take some time to hear why he feels this program is so special.



Many YMCA's across the country have this program- so if you are reading from outside of the Capital Region reach out to your local Y to see how you can get involved. If you are a professional in the Capital Region or know of a teenager who could benefit from this program contact:

Orville Abrahams/ Director of Community Development at oabrahams@cdymca.org

Brother Anthony

In an age where we head to the gym with our headphones and electronic device- it's rather rare to see someone playing the accordion with hopes of inspiring you to get moving! In fact- I'm pretty sure it's unheard of- unless you've met "Brother Anthony".

So imagine my surprise when I ran into "Brother Anthony" in the lobby of the YMCA. I have never seen him before but have come to learn brother Anthony is there everyday! I wonder how we've never crossed paths because by all accounts- we are both there all the time! Well, I was excited that all changed in such a grand fashion!

I've come to learn Brother Anthony lives "up on the hill at the seminary". That's the La Salette Seminary in Altamont New York. He comes in everyday and heads to the hot tub to soak and then heads to the lobby to tell a joke or two, talk about his cat Tulip, drink some coffee and on occasion pull out his accordion and entertain those coming and going.

On this day- he was paying tribute to those in the military. He played each branch of the military's theme song. I pulled out my camera just in time to enjoy the Army Song. His mid-day crowd was rather thin, but the couple of people who were there enjoying his tunes showed their appreciation with a smile and encouragement to continue playing.

Gotta stop and enjoy the little things people- enjoy the song!

Press: CDYMCA Annual Report

 The Capital District YMCA has been an important part of my life. I've been involved in their Black and Latino Achievers program since 2005 and the program's Emcee since 2006. I've been a member since living in Syracuse in 2001. They've been there from thick (yes- extra lbs thick) and thin... and somewhere in between.

When I became a runner last year- it was through the YMCA's Couch to 5k program. They literally take you from the couch to running a 5k in about 10 weeks. The program changed my life and helped me to believe in myself. I wrote a personal story about it and sent it to a few friends including the President of the CDYMCA Dave Brown. Dave shared it with all his staff and the next thing you know I had people coming up to me from all over- saying how my story resonated with them.

Then the Y asked if they could share a small portion of my story in their 2012 Annual Report. I said yes. It is truly an honor to be featured in this publication because it touts their success stories and how they are making a difference in the community.

Stay tuned- Tomorrow I will share that personal story with you.

Run For Fitness and Charity

Today I ran the Troy YMCA's 5k Race. It was a wonderful atmosphere with people dressed in costumes to celebrate Halloween and the weather was perfect! While I had a great time it was wonderful to know that we were all there to raise money to support families and children in need.

The YMCA does not turn away anyone. If you can not afford to pay for your membership you can apply for a scholarship to go there. It is a place for everyone. A great way for the community to get involved in helping the Y fund these scholarships is through their 5k series. Beginning in May the Y hosts a 5k just about every month of the year in the Capital Region of New York State. If you are located in a different region- please see your local Y for more on this.

The reasonable entry fee of $25 to participate in the 5k gets you a T-shirt and some goodies but more importantly it helps to fund the YMCA’s Reach Out For Youth Scholarship Program. That provides programs and services to children and families. This year (so far) I have participated in 3 of their races. I am forever indebted to them as they taught me how to run.

At the beginning of this year I set out to find my "healthy self". I knew she was there- but with early work hours, three children and a busy life- I ignored her for a very long time. I found her at the Y. Their trainers helped me build my endurance and confidence and then encouraged me to try a Couch to 5K class. Believe me when they say "Couch to 5k" they mean it. In your first week you literally run 1 minute and walk many more!

Because of their support I ran my first 5k in May. To say it was emotional (in a good way) would be an understatement. It was empowering! I couldn't stop there. I set out to do a 5k a month- for this ENTIRE YEAR! I have now completed 9 and there's no stopping me! I am now in a YMCA 5k to 5k class- learning how to build my endurance and speed and I'm in a swimming class. Who knows where that will take me in my 2013 fitness goals. I like to participate in the Y races as a way to pay them back for the wonderful gift of health and fitness!

If you are sitting on the couch and don't think you can make a change or if you are an experienced athlete looking to up your game- you can find your help at the Y and make a difference at the same time and it will be so rewarding.