Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, November 14, 2024
President Jackie chaired the meeting.
Guest Speaker
Program-chair Linda introduced the guest speaker Chris Young who is the Chief Executive Officer of YMCA of Western Newfoundland with branches located in Corner Brook- Bay of Islands and Bay St George and she is based in the Millbrook Mall, Corner Brook.
Chris an advocate for healthy living and an active lifestyle, began by asking “What is health truly?” She continued by considering the different elements of health which are more than just physical activity and include social connections. She noted that people come to the Y for different reasons but continue returning partly because of the social interactions. She sees the Y as a community that serves the wider community in different way. The programs of the Y are diverse covering health and wellness, childcare, community outreach and youth employment.
She continued by speaking of the childcare programs offered by the Y locally. The Y will be running the childcare program at Grenfell Campus when the new recreational complex is opened. In the summer the Y offers day camps for children, pre-school programs are offered during the school year as are after school programs.
Other programs offered by the Y are the Community Youth Network (CYN), employment supports which includes employment training programs throughout the year and now mental health housing.
Chris talked how whole wellness is determined by many factors and connections are a very important factor. The Y ‘s purpose is overall health involving the mind-body connection and this means accessibility for all to participate in programs.
She finished her talk by speaking of the youth in the community and the needs of the youth of the community. The YMCA is working to provide safe spaces for students within the schools and to provide different services to help young people.
Chris answered several questions before being thanked by Kathleen on behalf of Rotary. The meeting adjourned at 1.30pm