MOVING US FORWARD – November / December 2019
COMMUNITY CELEBRATES BEGINNING OF CONSTRUCTION ON NEW AND IMPROVED YMCA
On November 15, 2019, the YMCA of South Florida and its community partners held the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center Golden Shovel Groundbreaking event at 1409 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, the new location for the L.A. Lee YMCA and former site of the Mizell Community Center. YMCA CEO Sheryl A. Woods, CFO Mark Russell and Board Chair Joaquin Urquiola, joined by Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Robert L. McKinzie and Broward College President Gregory A. Haile, spoke to the importance of the day for the residents of the community.
The day was commemorated with speeches, a check presentation from Gulf Building, spoken word poetry by Rebecca “Butterfly” Vaughs, and of course, groundbreaking shovel ceremonies. The Groundbreaking was attended by over 300 community and business leaders, YMCA Members and local residents. All interested members of the community had an opportunity to participate in a ceremonial shoveling of dirt and photo to mark the momentous occasion. Construction is scheduled to be completed in January 2021.
CEO Message
Sheryl A. Woods President/CEO
As we approach the holidays, there’s a lot to be thankful for at the YMCA this year. We opened a brand-new 40,000 sq. ft. Hallandale Beach YMCA, we began construction on a new L.A. Lee YMCA in Sistrunk, our Youth Development Team has brought in millions of dollars of revenue, opened a new camp and afterschool in Aventura; we strengthened our partnerships with organizations like the DeLuca Foundation, the Miami Heat and Miami Dolphins, Children’s Services Council and The Children’s Trust; and we provided over 10,000 members daily with healthy living options.
These are exciting times at the Y! We’re setting our vision and goals toward serving more people and making a bigger impact. We want to grow our afterschool program, get more members physically fit and eating healthier, make more children active and safer around water.
We impact thousands of families each day and I know we can impact even more. As we near the end of the year, we’re on track to finish the year strong and position ourselves for a great 2020.
I hope you and your family have healthy and happy holidays!
MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO BETTER SERVE OUR MEMBERS
Exciting improvements to health and wellness areas are already underway at the Pembroke Pines and Weston YMCAs to be ready for a January launch.
Pembroke Pines YMCA Family Center
Renovations at the Pembroke Pines YMCA are being designed to integrate members’ workout with the latest technology, giving them the ultimate user experience
Weston YMCA Family Center
The Weston YMCA has begun construction on building a new Stretch & Core Studio located upstairs near the wellness floor. It will offer dedicated space where members can work on their flexibility and core muscle strength, helping prevent injury and enhancing overall fitness levels.
HONORING OUR HEROES
On Veterans Day, November 11, in partnership with the City of Weston, the Weston YMCA hosted a Veterans Day Celebration to honor all service men and women who valiantly served our country.
LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL
CELEBRATING THE IMPORTANCE OF AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
On October 24, the YMCA hosted more than 500 children, parents, and teachers at Maplewood and Pine Island elementary schools for Lights on Afterschool
RECOGNIZING STAFF TENURE
The YMCA of South Florida would not be able to do the good work and have the impact it does in the community without the commitment and support of our staff. At a recent meeting, staff were recognized for their years of service from 5 years to 35 years.
Martin Luther King Jr. Inspirational Weekend
January 17-20, 2020
Come celebrate the Y’s Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Breakfast in Fort Lauderdale and Luncheon in Miami on January 17, followed by Day of Service activities on January 20. Breakfast and Luncheon keynote speaker is Minnijean Brown-Trickey, one of the Little Rock Nine, a group of black students who were at the forefront of the civil rights movement for desegregation in public schools, when they enrolled in and attended the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957.
For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, please contact Aimee Fretwell at [email protected] or 954-357-0289.
New L.A. Lee YMCA construction begins on Sistrunk Blvd.
Riverside Times Online & Print Publication on 12/4/19
Symphony in Lights at Gulfstream Park
Patch Magazine – 11/9/19
Beach Ball Thank You Ad
Miami Herald – 10/25/19
