LEXINGTON, Ky. — The YMCA of Central Kentucky celebrated the work of its volunteers, staff, donors, and community partners at its Annual Celebration of Impact at Grand Reserve in Lexington. The YMCA of Central Kentucky has served Central Kentucky since 1853, adapting programs and services to meet the community evolving needs.
“Our community needs us more now than ever… we must remember that many of the people we serve – our children, our seniors, and families who were struggling before the pandemic – have a much steeper hill to climb,” said Paula Anderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Kentucky. “The gaps that existed before COVID have only gotten wider.”
Anderson expressed hope that partnerships and collaborations would continue to power change in the community. “We have an amazing opportunity to change lives and couldn’t do it without the support of volunteers and partners.”
The Y’s efforts to meet the changing needs of the community during the pandemic included emergency child care for essential workers, support for non-traditional learning, hosting COVID-19 vaccination sites, distributing meals and school supplies to families in need, and providing youth and families some normalcy with camps, youth sports, as well as a place to focus on health and well-being.
The individuals and partners who were recognized during the annual celebration include:
Community Impact Award
- Clark Material Handling Company
Red Triangle Award
- Linda Granacher
Volunteers of the Year
- Aretha Diane Floyd, Black Achievers program
- Lisa Williams, C.M. Gatton Beaumont YMCA
- Chris Douglas, Frankfort YMCA
- Art Swanberg, High Street YMCA
- Jennifer K. Bell, North Lexington Family YMCA
- Fayette County Public Schools Connections Program Students, Whitaker Family YMCA
YMCA Black Achievers 2021-2022 Graduating Seniors
- Jevon Adams, Henry Clay High School
- Rae Jackson, Bryan Station High School
- Aleah Jones, Frederick Douglas High School
- Amber Miller, George Rogers Clark High School
- Malik Mulder, Lafayette High School
- Dominick Smiley, Great Crossing High School
- Mkya Smith-Jackson, STEAM Academy
- Avery Stewart, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
- Akshay Thakur, Bryan Station High School
Rob Taylor Spirit Award (YMCA Part-Time Employee)
- Courtney Hunn
- Beth Hack
Impact Award (YMCA Full-Time Employee)
- Brandi Doss
As one of the leading nonprofits and volunteer organizations in the country, nearly 600,000 people volunteer at the Y each year and here in Central Kentucky nearly 300 give back through Y activities such as mentoring teens, coaching youth sports, serving on advisory boards, and spearheading fundraising drives and events.
Click here for more Kentucky business news.
