UPCOMING EVENTS

Diabetes Empowerment Group -- Friday, March 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the Warrensville Heights Family YMCA.

Member Potluck --  Friday, March 15,  11a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Warrensville Heights Family YMCA.

Ahuja Health Fair – Saturday, March 16  from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Warrensville Heights Family YMCA – open to the public.

Easter Egg-stravaganza  -- 11a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23 at the Warrensville Heightgs Family YMCA – open to the public.

WHO'S WHO

Michael Carter, Executive Director

Niesha Jarvis, Membership Coordinator

Kevin McCardle, Aquatics Coordinator

Josie Klimas, Program Coordinator

Mark Edwards, Regional Youth and Adult Sports Director 

Patrice Williamson, Area Child Care Director

Sabrina Future, Teen Court Coordinator

SUMMER CAMP

The Southeast Family YMCA branch will operate two day camp programs this summer in Bedford and Solon.  Registration for camp will begin March 4 for current child care participants, and on March 11 for current YMCA members.  Registration is open to the general public on March 18.  Please continue to check our website for information on weekly themes, fieldtrips and activities.

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

At the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, no one is turned away because of an inability to pay.  Every year we provide scholarships to members of our community who do not have the ability to pay the membership and program fees.  Money to help assist these families in need come from our annual Strong Kids Campaign.  We give out more than $20,000 in scholarships annually and a $30.00 donation will provide a swim lesson for a child.  Please consider donating to our annual campaign and help a child or a family participate in the programs and services we offer.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

INTRODUCING THE DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM

Diabetes is a serious health condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, high blood pressure, and blindness. Prediabetes is a potentially reversible condition, and 79 million people in the United States are estimated to have it. If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, or believe you may be at risk for developing the disease, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can help you develop a healthier lifestyle and work with you to reduce the risks this condition can pose to your health.

Based on effective efforts researched by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program will help you learn about and adopt the healthy eating and physical activity habits that have been proven to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  Through the 12 month lifestyle change program you will receive support and encouragement from both a trained lifestyle coach and fellow classmates as you develop a plan for improving and maintaining your overall well-being.

For more information click here or  email us. 

We have a new Group Exercise schedule that has the combined classes of the Southeast and Warrensville Heights Family YMCA’s.

All classes are held at the Warrensville Heights branch.  Please pick up a new schedule and see the many choices you have available to you.  Don't forget the fitness room and weight room are still available for you to utilize at the Southeast Family YMCA from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

A MESSAGE FROM AQUATICS DIRECTOR KEVIN MCCARDLE

As the pool at Southeast was being drained on Monday, February 11, it was certainly one of the times I reflected on the history of that pool.  I have only been associated with the Southeast Y for about 5 years now.  I have had the pleasure of talking with some members who have actually been active at the pool for nearly 58 years (since opening in 1955).

I have personally seen many people improve their physical and mental health participating in aquatic programs at Southeast.  Please know that all of the staff at the Greater Cleveland Y truly want to see Southeast members continue gaining benefits from activities in our pools.  I have witnessed Southeast regulars being welcomed with open arms by members at the Warrensville Branch and know that aquatics will continue to be an important factor in the health and happiness of our members.   Please look me up when you are at Warrensville Heights, if you haven’t already.  I spend some time in the office that you can see through large windows, right in the pool area. 

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:  JOHN WREN 

John Wren has been a loyal member of the Southeast Family YMCA since 2007.  He served as a past Vice Chairman of Southeast Volunteer Advisory Board.

Wren is the founder of the Southeast Community Garden program.  Married to Dr. Dottie Hendricks-Wren, past Youth Specialist and Associate Executive Director of the Cleveland Metropolitan YWCA, he retired from the Cleveland Municipal School District as an Administrator. 

Shortly after my retirement from Ford Motor Company, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  Not sure as how to handle my health crisis, it was suggested that I take up strengthening classes.  I joined the Southeast Family YMCA because of the variety of activities they offered.

Some days were more challenging then others.  However, being an active member of the Y for 10 years has granted me the opportunity to build long lasting friendships with wonderful people and realize that each day is a blessing.

Volunteering at the Y has also been a positive influence.  I enjoy meeting new people when I was a greeter at the front desk on Wednesday’s, or following up with Silver Sneaker members who haven’t been to the Y for some time.

During my short time as Secretary of the Southeast Volunteer Advisory Board, I learned how much time, effort and dedication it takes to remain one of the best non-profit organizations.  There is an enormous amount of planning that takes places to ensure the success of programs, and activities for the community.