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What a privilege it is to have Gael Gebow, Association Director of Healthy Living & Membership Advancement, at the helm of our association-wide Health and Wellness team! Gael leads, inspires, and challenges our staff and members to be their very best selves and has an incredible heart for serving the community. Check out this incredible profile of our invaluable Gael Force!
YMCA fitness instructor challenges, empowers Everett residents | HeraldNet.com
MONROE, WA. December 5, 2023 – The Monroe/Sky Valley Family YMCA is excited to announce its new Executive Director, Anthony Schmidt. Schmidt brings nearly 15 years of YMCA experience to Monroe, with extensive work in membership and programs. He has spent all of his Y career at the Marysville Family YMCA, with a brief stint as interim executive director in Monroe in 2021, most recently serving as Senior Program Director.
“I grew up in Maltby and I’m a product of the Monroe School District, so I’m thrilled to work at a YMCA in the community where I was born and raised, said Schmidt. “I am ready for the next stage in my career and it’s really something special to be able to come back to a place I grew up.”
Schmidt plans to continue building on the post-pandemic growth and success of the Monroe Y. One of his goals is to use his program expertise to expand youth programming, specifically teen programs and youth sports.
“Monroe has a very solid staff team and I’m looking forward to collaborating with them to take our branch to the next level,” said Schmidt. “Any place of business is only as good as its staff and we have a top-notch staff in all areas, from child care to aquatics, membership to youth sports and everything in between. We can’t do the work without them.”
Schmidt’s first Y experience was as a middle school student at the Northshore YMCA in Bothell, WA. His dad came home with a membership and he didn’t think it would be a good fit, but he found himself spending most weekends there playing basketball and participating in teen activities.
“The Y was a cool place to hang out and I experienced a lot of positive growth there as a teenager,” said Schmidt. “It’s that first experience at the Y that drives my passion for developing strong, impactful youth programs.”
As a young adult, he continued his Y journey at the Marysville YMCA. After getting married and moving to the area, he started as a member, but it wasn’t long after before he joined the staff. He was working in a retail managerial role and rarely got to see his wife and young children because of his schedule.
“I reached a point in my retail career when I knew I needed better work-life balance,” said Schmidt. “The Y was a perfect fit because it allowed me to be active in my kids’ lives, as well as within my community.”
Schmidt’s children are now 21 and 18. His daughter graduates from college in a few weeks and his son is in the fire academy. He may not be actively coaching their teams, but he brings the same energy and commitment to his new role and looks forward to sharing the Y with the Monroe community.
“The Y has something for everyone – from newborns to seniors, he said. “Come on in and check it out. As a teen, I thought it wasn’t a place for me, but I was wrong. I bet I can convince you that it’s an amazing place for you too!”
We are happy to announce a new partnership between the YMCA of Snohomish County and the City of Lake Stevens. Over the next few years, we will be working with the City to transform the existing Cedarwood Clubhouse property into the Lake Stevens YMCA, providing programs and services for youth, adults and seniors.
This estimated $4.2 million, multi-year project will result in a brand-new community center serving the Lake Stevens community. Approximately half of the project is already funded through city-secured government grants and allocated city funds. Next steps are establishing a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the agreement with the City, securing more funding, and completing the design and engineering process. If all goes as planned, we anticipate breaking ground on the Lake Stevens YMCA in 2025.
I’m excited to extend our reach and impact to another vibrant community in Snohomish County, bringing friendship, achievement and belonging to more of our neighbors. It’s because of your commitment, dedication, and passion for our mission that we can grow and share the Y with a new community.
For more detailed information on the history of the Cedarwood Clubhouse and specifics about the project, please read this press release from the City of Lake Stevens.
The United States is facing a social isolation epidemic. At a national YMCA leadership conference in July 2023, U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek H. Murthy, MD, shared how detrimental loneliness and isolation can be and how organizations like the YMCA can provide a sense of belonging and opportunities for social interaction.
“The mortality impact of social disconnection is on par with smoking daily and an even greater mortality risk than obesity.” said Murthy. “As the steward of an office that has spent decades addressing smoking and obesity, we must acknowledge that loneliness is just as important of a public health threat and one that we have to treat with the same urgency.”
The consequences of loneliness are profound. People experiencing loneliness or isolation have an increased risk for depression, anxiety and suicide. It also increases the risk of physical illness including cardiovascular disease, dementia and premature death.
How do we combat the problem? Develop and invest in programs, policies and structures like the YMCA that bring people together to build healthy relationships.
“The Y has always been an extraordinary source of value to communities for years and years,” said Murthy. “This is a moment in time when we need Ys more than ever to build those connections between people.”
At the Y, connections and friendships are built every day. It’s at the heart of everything the Y does in the community. Stanwood-Camano YMCA member, Nancy Lewis, shares how the friends she made in her water fitness class have expanded her social circle and given her a new sense of purpose.
“My friend and I would go to the Y together and attend water fitness classes and we always noticed a group in the center who was laughing and having a great time. I told my friend that they looked like fun people that we should get to know,” said Lewis. “One day, I overheard them talk about the dice game, BUNCO, and I let them know I play. They were totally welcoming and asked me and my friend to join their group and from that day on we’ve been friends.”
Nancy’s friend group, the self-proclaimed Mermaids and Mermen, has stretched beyond the walls of the Y. They have gone whale watching, participated in Y community activities, played games, and go to lunch every Friday after their water fitness class. They also serve as a support system for one another.
“Because all of us are a bit older, when someone isn’t feeling well we check in to see if they need groceries or medicine or a ride to the doctor,” said Lewis. “If someone is missing, we check in to see if they are okay. We’re just a group of really close friends that watch out for one another.”
Lewis encourages anyone who needs a friend to visit the Y because you’ll never know what might happen if you reach out and are open to meeting people.
“There are so many classes and activities to come to,” said Lewis. “If you just take that first step and are open to people, you’ll find your group. I accidentally overheard a conversation and because of that found a whole new group of people that have become lifelong friends.”
EVERETT, WA. September 26, 2023 – The Boeing Company, a leading global aerospace company, awarded the YMCA of Snohomish County a $50,000 grant aimed at expanding its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Discovery Program. Grant funds will enable the program to reach new heights, benefiting over 1,100 children at all YMCA School-Age Care (SAC) sites for the 2023-24 school year.
The STEM Discovery Program will now have the resources to expand its reach, inspiring a larger number of children to explore the fascinating world of STEM. The program’s mission is to make STEM subjects accessible to all youth, regardless of background, and to ignite their passion for learning.
“We are honored and thrilled to collaborate with Boeing,” said Peyton Tune, President and CEO, YMCA of Snohomish County. “This grant will have a profound impact on our community by providing young minds with the tools and knowledge to succeed in an ever-evolving world. Together with Boeing, we aim to ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover their potential and pursue a future in STEM.”
This generous grant highlights Boeing’s steadfast commitment to fostering innovation, education, and equitable opportunities for local youth. By investing in the Y’s STEM Discovery Program, Boeing reaffirms its dedication to empowering the youth of Snohomish County and advancing STEM education, building a brighter future for all.
“We support the YMCA of Snohomish County in their efforts to provide more opportunities for local youth to explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said Gina Breukelman with Boeing Global Engagement. “At Boeing, we believe in investing in the future of our communities, and this grant is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation, education, and equitable opportunities for all.”
The Y is honored to partner with Boeing to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders in the region, delivering fun, equitable learning opportunities for all youth.
To learn more about the YMCA of Snohomish County and the STEM Discovery Program, please visit ymca-snoco.org
EVERETT, WA. December 4, 2023 – As we approach the end of the year, YMCA of Snohomish County recognizes the positive attitude, hard work, and commitment of our staff members throughout 2023.
In celebration of these efforts, all YMCA facilities, including child care sites, will be closed for Employee Wellness Week from Sunday, December 24 – Friday, December 29.
This extra week of paid time-off allows staff to spend time with loved ones, recharge and gives us an opportunity to say, “thank you!” for all of the valuable work they’ve accomplished throughout the year. Without our dedicated staff, we would be unable to do to the important work we do every day in the Snohomish County community.
We look forward to serving you and returning to regular business hours on Saturday, December 30. And bonus: we’ll be open on Monday, January 1 from 8 am – 3 pm, so you can get a jumpstart on your 2024 health and wellness goals!
If you have any questions or concerns about this closure to promote staff wellness, please contact your branch executive director. To make a gift while the Y is closed, please contact Jennifer Willows at 425 760 9417.
We hope you have a relaxing holiday season with your family and friends. Thank you for your support and understanding.
In health,
YMCA of Snohomish County
MILL CREEK, WA. August 15, 2023 – The Mill Creek Family YMCA is excited to announce its new Executive Director, Gina Casagrande. Casagrande brings over 17 years of YMCA experience to Mill Creek and has worked with nearly every department from camp to child care, sports to aquatics. She most recently served as the Executive Director of the Monroe/Sky Valley Family YMCA since April 2021 before moving to her home community of Mill Creek.
“I’m thrilled to be at a YMCA in the community where my family lives and works,” said Casagrande. “Working and living in the community I serve not only allows me to see first-hand the fruits of our labor, but also helps me have a pulse on what’s going on with our neighbors so we can serve them in the most effective way.”
At the Monroe/Sky Valley Family YMCA, Casagrande successfully fostered key relationships with the City of Monroe and other community partnerships, assembled a top-notch staff team, and cultivated a positive, welcoming culture among staff and members.
“Coming out of the pandemic, we were able to rally together as a team and everyone really contributed to the development and regrowth of the branch,” she said. “I’m looking forward to new challenges at the Mill Creek Y. We have great programs, members and program participants, and board support and I know we can leverage those positives to do even more in the community.”
Casagrande hopes to strengthen relationships with local schools and community groups to reach more people, as well as expand adaptive programs to the Mill Creek Y to serve adults and kids with diverse-abilities.
“I want everyone in the Mill Creek community to know that we have a space and a place for you,” she said. “Everyone is welcome and we will help you find what you’re passionate about, whether it’s health and wellness, volunteerism and more.”
Casagrande spent 15 years working at the YMCA of Coastal Georgia in various roles before moving to the Pacific Northwest. Growing up, she spent summers visiting her father on Whidbey Island and always loved the area.
“The state of Washington has so much to offer – fishing, camping, hiking, rock climbing – I love being outdoors and the summer weather in Georgia is debilitating. I wanted my kids to be able to experience the outdoors,” said Casagrande. “I was also looking for a change professionally and the opportunity to be near my dad made so coming to the YMCA of Snohomish County was a win-win situation.”
As Casagrande steps into this new role, she’s most looking forward to sharing the Y with those who might not know about it.
“There is literally something for everyone at the Mill Creek Y,” she said. “Come check it out!”
The YMCA of Snohomish County is a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Donations are tax-exempt FIN: 91-0565561
The YMCA of Snohomish County is a 501(C)(3) Non-Profit Organization. Donations are tax-exempt FIN: 91-0565561
