Latest / Voices of the Albemarle / Ep. 26: YMCA with Director Eli Dowell

Transcript

Ep. 26: YMCA with Director Eli Dowell · Voices of the Albemarle

• 0:12
  SPEAKER_00: Hello and welcome back to Voices of the Albumaral.
• 0:15
  SPEAKER_00: I'm your host, Izzy Kelly Goss, and this is my co-host, David Prizer.
• 0:19
  SPEAKER_03: You woke me up, I'm sorry.
• 0:20
  SPEAKER_00: You oh oh okay.
• 0:22
  SPEAKER_00: Well, go back to sleep.
• 0:23
  SPEAKER_00: It'll be alright.
• 0:24
  SPEAKER_00: Okay.
• 0:24
  SPEAKER_00: Today we will be joined by Eli Dowell, the executive director of the album Marl Elizabeth City YMCA.
• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: But first that should be our theme song for this episode.
• 0:36
  SPEAKER_00: Except we might get copyrighted, so we won't do that.
• 0:39
  SPEAKER_03: I'll be the policeman.
• 0:40
  SPEAKER_00: Uh cowboy?
• 0:42
  SPEAKER_00: I think.
• 0:51
  SPEAKER_00: First things first.
• 0:53
  SPEAKER_00: ACPD chief Eddie Graham held a press conference on Tuesday, July 28th to announce a more in-depth partnership with local ministries.
• 1:02
  SPEAKER_00: It is their hope that they can help combat violence in the city, specifically gun violence, by offering guidance and a safe place for the young kids in this area who may be affected or influenced by it.
• 1:13
  SPEAKER_03: It's a good thing.
• 1:14
  SPEAKER_00: It is, it's a great thing.
• 1:15
  SPEAKER_00: Um to kick things off, a peace walk was held on August 1st, and then another peace walk will take place on September 5th at 6 p.m.
• 1:24
  SPEAKER_00: starting at Forerunner Church.
• 1:26
  SPEAKER_03: A peaceful walk.
• 1:27
  SPEAKER_00: A peaceful walk, yes.
• 1:28
  SPEAKER_00: Basically, they they walk together from church to church.
• 1:32
  SPEAKER_03: It's just a great way for people to that sounds like a just meandering.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: I mean kind of, but with community, and that's the most important part is the community.
• 1:42
  SPEAKER_03: We should call it the peace meandering.
• 1:44
  SPEAKER_00: Peace meandering?
• 1:45
  SPEAKER_00: Peaceful meandering.
• 1:47
  SPEAKER_00: I think that's just a stroll.
• 1:48
  SPEAKER_03: Yeah, I just have a feeling.
• 1:52
  SPEAKER_00: Following the peace walk in September, they will also hold a citywide prayer gathering on October 24th at Waterfront Park beginning at 3 p.m.
• 2:01
  SPEAKER_00: Next, more than 150 jobs could be coming to Edenton over the next five years with tech company Provalus planning to open a center of excellence on Broad Street by the end of the year.
• 2:14
  SPEAKER_03: It's gonna be very interesting.
• 2:15
  SPEAKER_03: I agree.
• 2:18
  SPEAKER_00: According to an article written by our very own Cher Chowan Herald staff writer Vernon Fuston.
• 2:23
  SPEAKER_03: Or as they say it in Edenton, Shawan Herald.
• 2:27
  SPEAKER_00: They do not say showan.
• 2:28
  SPEAKER_00: I have never heard anybody say show.
• 2:31
  SPEAKER_03: Look, I respect whatever is I've been told both ways, I've been corrected both ways.
• 2:38
  SPEAKER_03: And so I just want to make sure that I am not misstating it.
• 2:42
  SPEAKER_03: It's not an intent.
• 2:43
  SPEAKER_03: I'm just I will say it the way that it's intended.
• 2:47
  SPEAKER_00: You did say show-on to me earlier, but I would like the record to show that I did not correct you, even though I really wanted to.
• 2:55
  SPEAKER_00: But according to Vernon Fuston's article, the company has committed You know better than the correct me, don't you?
• 3:01
  SPEAKER_00: No, I don't, has committed to creating 155 jobs over the next five years.
• 3:06
  SPEAKER_00: The space on Broad Street will be renovated to accommodate 180 employees.
• 3:12
  SPEAKER_03: We have an office on Broad Street, too.
• 3:14
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, the Shawan Herald.
• 3:16
  SPEAKER_00: Uh the Edenton area.
• 3:18
  SPEAKER_00: Shawan Herald, as some people might say, as David would say.
• 3:22
  SPEAKER_00: The Edenton area is actually making great progress from an economic standpoint.
• 3:26
  SPEAKER_00: Uh, they will begin renovating the Hinton Hotel in October.
• 3:30
  SPEAKER_00: And an IGA grocery store has recently been announced for the Edenton Village Shopping Center.
• 3:35
  SPEAKER_03: And I will, I will put a very very I will this, I don't know what the word is.
• 3:43
  SPEAKER_03: I don't know what the word is, but I will put a plug in.
• 3:46
  SPEAKER_03: Uh Adams Multimedia will be uh publishing its very first uh best of Shawan or Showan County uh in uh November of this year.
• 3:58
  SPEAKER_00: That is excellent.
• 3:59
  SPEAKER_03: We're gonna bring it to the community in August.
• 4:00
  SPEAKER_03: Uh that we we're just about our in August, so look for it.
• 4:03
  SPEAKER_03: And we'll be it'll be announced in the in the Shawan or Showan Herald and the Daily Advance or the Daily Advance, depending on the depending on how you say it.
• 4:12
  SPEAKER_03: Okay.
• 4:13
  SPEAKER_00: Finally, I am announcing that we will be taking a short hiatus.
• 4:17
  SPEAKER_03: No, don't no no no no no.
• 4:19
  SPEAKER_03: That sounded like you and I are taking a hiatus.
• 4:22
  SPEAKER_03: I am taking a hiatus.
• 4:23
  SPEAKER_03: You are taking the hiatus.
• 4:24
  SPEAKER_00: Listen, I was gonna explain.
• 4:26
  SPEAKER_00: We would usually release an episode.
• 4:28
  SPEAKER_03: We don't go on vacations together.
• 4:30
  SPEAKER_00: No, we don't.
• 4:31
  SPEAKER_00: The podcast will be taking a short hiatus.
• 4:34
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 4:34
  SPEAKER_00: While we would normally release an episode on Friday, August 14th, the podcast will take a one-week break so I can go visit my dad in Colorado.
• 4:45
  SPEAKER_00: And that means if you miss us, you have 25 other episodes to check out.
• 4:49
  SPEAKER_03: Yes, it's not like there's nothing to listen to.
• 4:52
  SPEAKER_00: There are 25 other episodes, including one with my father, in case you feel like taking a visit with him with me, not David, just me.
• 5:00
  SPEAKER_03: And you can it would be interesting for you to listen to the very first one and go all the way through to see how we've had we've matured and advanced.
• 5:08
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know about matured, but definitely advanced.
• 5:11
  SPEAKER_00: Episode two on the changing of the newspaper industry is the one we recorded with my father.
• 5:15
  SPEAKER_00: That was my special, my spurs, my special birthday treat to myself.
• 5:19
  SPEAKER_00: And that was a lot of fun.
• 5:21
  SPEAKER_00: Um, so many of these episodes have been a blast.
• 5:23
  SPEAKER_00: So if you have not listened to them yet, please be sure to spend that week going back and picking and choosing some of your favorites to give a listen.
• 5:32
  SPEAKER_03: And we do appreciate all the uh the the uh listeners who have downloaded uh episodes.
• 5:39
  SPEAKER_03: Uh, feel free to go back in.
• 5:41
  SPEAKER_03: It's it's that's shameless is the word I was looking for.
• 5:44
  SPEAKER_03: It is a shameless plug, but at the same point, um these are somewhat timeless.
• 5:49
  SPEAKER_03: There's a few in there that talked about events going on at that time, but many of these are about what's going on in our region, who we have here and the great things we have to offer.
• 6:02
  SPEAKER_03: So a lot of them really don't really have an expiration date on it, so you might find that of interest.
• 6:07
  SPEAKER_00: I agree.
• 6:08
  SPEAKER_00: I agree.
• 6:09
  SPEAKER_00: On that note, I think we are gonna slide on over to our interview with Eli Davill.
• 6:15
  SPEAKER_00: Welcome again to Voices of the Albemarle.
• 6:18
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you, Eli, so much for joining us.
• 6:20
  SPEAKER_00: We are so pleased to have you here with us.
• 6:23
  SPEAKER_00: Um, to start us off, I am gonna ask that you just give us an overview of the YMCA here and its mission, just in case there are a few of our listeners that aren't really familiar with what you guys do.
• 6:33
  SPEAKER_02: Yes, so we are the Alamar Family YMCA.
• 6:36
  SPEAKER_02: We're actually a location of the YMCA of South Panther Roads.
• 6:39
  SPEAKER_02: Okay.
• 6:39
  SPEAKER_02: Um, the YMC of South Panther Roads has been around since 1856.
• 6:43
  SPEAKER_02: So we have been around for about 180 years.
• 6:46
  SPEAKER_02: Um, we have 25 locations, um, expanding from South Boston, um, to Franklin, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and then all the way down to the Outer Banks.
• 6:56
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and then we have two camps, um, one day camp, and then one golf course as well.
• 7:00
  SPEAKER_02: So our three focus areas is social responsibility, healthy living, and um healthy living.
• 7:06
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 7:07
  SPEAKER_01: That's great.
• 7:08
  SPEAKER_03: I that I I you know, I I met Eli a few weeks ago, and when Eli was explaining his mission, I I I thought I came away from that thinking that wow, the YMCA is just it's broader than I actually thought.
• 7:24
  SPEAKER_03: Because I'm thinking like you said, I'm thinking of the pool and basketball.
• 7:28
  SPEAKER_03: Boom.
• 7:28
  SPEAKER_03: I'm I know everything about the Y because I played basketball and I slam in the pool.
• 7:32
  SPEAKER_03: But now when I went there, you talked about all this other stuff.
• 7:35
  SPEAKER_03: And now you South Boston?
• 7:37
  SPEAKER_03: Yep.
• 7:38
  SPEAKER_03: We have a location in South Boston.
• 7:39
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, I had no idea that Southampton Roads YMCA was like the epicenter for all of that.
• 7:45
  SPEAKER_02: Yes, yes.
• 7:46
  SPEAKER_02: We are one actually one of the largest associations in America.
• 7:50
  SPEAKER_00: Wow, okay.
• 7:51
  SPEAKER_02: Wow.
• 7:53
  SPEAKER_00: Everybody always talks about the YMCA as being like, you know, it's the YMCA.
• 7:58
  SPEAKER_00: A lot of people know what it is.
• 7:59
  SPEAKER_00: I didn't realize that they were all connected like that, though.
• 8:01
  SPEAKER_02: Yes, so we have a national office in Chicago called YMCA of the USA.
• 8:05
  SPEAKER_00: Okay.
• 8:06
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and then there's different associations.
• 8:08
  SPEAKER_02: So we are a part of that.
• 8:09
  SPEAKER_02: So we're the YMCA Style Phantom Roads.
• 8:11
  SPEAKER_00: Okay.
• 8:12
  SPEAKER_00: Wow, that's good to know.
• 8:13
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 8:14
  SPEAKER_00: Um, kind of jumping into some of the more ins and outs.
• 8:18
  SPEAKER_00: Uh, you guys are a nonprofit organization, which with a lot of nonprofits, there are membership tiers and fees.
• 8:25
  SPEAKER_00: And you guys do have that.
• 8:26
  SPEAKER_00: You have, I think one adult is 63 a month with a$75 joining fee.
• 8:32
  SPEAKER_00: Two adults is$78 a month with a$100 joining fee, 93 for families with up to three adults, and then 15 for each additional adult over 26, which I think is great because I'm 25.
• 8:45
  SPEAKER_00: So that's good to know.
• 8:47
  SPEAKER_00: And um, you know, I mean, I feel like, especially in like a lower income area, some people might find that these prices are unreasonable if you're just thinking about in terms of like David was saying, basketball in the pool.
• 9:00
  SPEAKER_00: So I'm a little bit more familiar.
• 9:02
  SPEAKER_00: We had a YMCA membership when I was a kid.
• 9:04
  SPEAKER_00: So I I could find my way around.
• 9:07
  SPEAKER_00: But I want to know from your own perspective, what people get in return for that cost.
• 9:13
  SPEAKER_00: Like what do people find enjoyable there?
• 9:17
  SPEAKER_00: What about your programs?
• 9:18
  SPEAKER_00: Do you guys sit down and say, this is worth the money?
• 9:22
  SPEAKER_02: So everything, so you have your group exercise classes are no extra cost to you.
• 9:28
  SPEAKER_02: Um, you have the pool that's always available.
• 9:31
  SPEAKER_02: Um, you have the fitness center, and then you have access to all 25 locations that we have.
• 9:36
  SPEAKER_01: Okay, I didn't know.
• 9:37
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and then you also participate in what we call nationwide membership.
• 9:40
  SPEAKER_02: So if you're visiting Tampa, Florida and you want to work out, you can go to the Y there and tell them that you're a nationwide member because you belong to the whole YMCA network.
• 9:49
  SPEAKER_02: And then you get discounts on all of our programs, such as swim lessons, personal training, aftercare, um, can't so you do get discounted rates for those additional programs as well.
• 10:01
  SPEAKER_00: And you guys also have alternatives too.
• 10:04
  SPEAKER_00: Um, like I said, this is a lower income area, and it seems like you guys really want this to be a space for the community.
• 10:11
  SPEAKER_00: You want to make sure that it's accessible.
• 10:14
  SPEAKER_00: You have the open doors program.
• 10:15
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, we do.
• 10:16
  SPEAKER_00: It's income-based membership.
• 10:18
  SPEAKER_00: Can you talk to me a little bit about that?
• 10:20
  SPEAKER_02: Yes.
• 10:20
  SPEAKER_02: So our open doors program is our financial assistance programs, which makes the why accessible for all, um, and we don't create barriers.
• 10:28
  SPEAKER_02: And so the um impact fund is what we we call it.
• 10:33
  SPEAKER_02: It open doors, they we raise money to supplement those, those resources in that money that we we will lose out on to make sure that these programs are accessible to um to families and to kids for camp and uh swim lessons.
• 10:49
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so we raise that money to fill in the gap where we where we lose as well.
• 10:56
  SPEAKER_00: And then what about like the Silver Beach Camp Scholarship?
• 11:01
  SPEAKER_00: So is that Silver Beach Camp?
• 11:03
  SPEAKER_00: Is that one particular camp, or is this a scholarship for all camps?
• 11:07
  SPEAKER_02: So our Silver Beach is a camp that we have on the Eastern Shore.
• 11:10
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and so the impact fund that also fuels that.
• 11:14
  SPEAKER_02: And so we've raised money for individuals to go for kids to go to Silver Beach, um, no matter their inability to pay.
• 11:22
  SPEAKER_02: And sometimes that means zero cost to families.
• 11:25
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so we make that possible through our impact fund.
• 11:28
  SPEAKER_03: So Eli.
• 11:30
  SPEAKER_03: Um I don't know if this is fair for me to ask you this because your perspective may not maybe it does.
• 11:38
  SPEAKER_03: I'm I'm still I'm still getting surprised after everything that you're saying, and I thought I did my research.
• 11:45
  SPEAKER_03: I need to learn how to do research, matter of fact.
• 11:49
  SPEAKER_00: He needs to learn from me.
• 11:50
  SPEAKER_03: Yes, I do.
• 11:51
  SPEAKER_03: Um but now you're you're everything you're saying just broadens everything that I'm thinking.
• 11:59
  SPEAKER_03: It's not again, you already proved that it's not just the gym and and the pool.
• 12:05
  SPEAKER_03: But this is like a community service, almost I I that those are my words, you know.
• 12:13
  SPEAKER_03: Because you're supporting, you mentioned uh the access for all income levels, but I've been in the facility and it's a great modern facility.
• 12:24
  SPEAKER_03: Um and so there's no there's no trade-off there.
• 12:28
  SPEAKER_03: Um I I'm very surprised, and I'm just not blowing smoke.
• 12:31
  SPEAKER_03: I'm really impressed and really surprised at the breadth of of everything I'm seeing.
• 12:36
  SPEAKER_03: Do you think that I'm unusual in the community as far as I'm unusual anyway, but do you think I'm unusual.
• 12:43
  SPEAKER_03: Do you think you think my perspective is unusual and that I'm I'm I'm limiting my perspective of you without knowing?
• 12:50
  SPEAKER_02: I wouldn't say no.
• 12:51
  SPEAKER_02: I think that we're always trying to tell our story because a lot of people don't know that we do more than just swim in gym.
• 12:57
  SPEAKER_02: Um, they don't know that here in Elizabeth City that we're teaching all the kindergartners in ECPPS to learn how to be learn how to swim and be safe around water because um drowning continues to be the leading cause of death between kids the ages between five and fourteen.
• 13:14
  SPEAKER_02: Um so we do so much more, and a lot of people just don't know.
• 13:17
  SPEAKER_02: And so we're always trying to just tell our story um that we we do more than just a swim and gym.
• 13:23
  SPEAKER_00: Absolutely.
• 13:24
  SPEAKER_00: And you know, speaking of that, I think it's a good segue into my into one of my next questions.
• 13:29
  SPEAKER_00: Um, like you said, it's it's not just swim and gym.
• 13:33
  SPEAKER_00: Um, I think that's like a common misconception.
• 13:37
  SPEAKER_00: You guys have so many programs.
• 13:40
  SPEAKER_00: I did do a lot of research before this.
• 13:42
  SPEAKER_00: That's my I love to do research.
• 13:44
  SPEAKER_00: That's my favorite thing about this podcast, other than getting to interact with people.
• 13:46
  SPEAKER_00: And I was we'll talk about that later.
• 13:50
  SPEAKER_00: And and you don't just have programs that deal with fitness, which I actually was not aware of.
• 13:57
  SPEAKER_00: You guys have dance classes, you have music lessons, you have art classes.
• 14:02
  SPEAKER_00: What is the thought behind that?
• 14:03
  SPEAKER_00: Because as we've discussed, you know, like health and wellness is a huge part.
• 14:08
  SPEAKER_00: So, what about music lessons and art classes is important to you guys to integrate that?
• 14:14
  SPEAKER_02: So I think that health is more than just the physical, it's the mental and it's the emotional, um, and and giving people the and youth the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
• 14:25
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and you know, building confidence through music and building confidence through dance classes, learning about their creativity and and letting them be who they truly want to be is the goal of the why.
• 14:37
  SPEAKER_02: Not just, you know, being a place where you can be fitness, but your whole health.
• 14:41
  SPEAKER_02: And so sometimes when it comes to mental art classes, it helps kids express themselves and work through their emotions.
• 14:49
  SPEAKER_02: Music is the same way.
• 14:50
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so it's it's it's more than just the the body or the uh the physical health, but the overall health of everybody that walks through our doors.
• 14:59
  SPEAKER_00: That is a wonderful thing.
• 15:00
  SPEAKER_00: What a great that's a really good perspective.
• 15:01
  SPEAKER_00: That's great.
• 15:03
  SPEAKER_00: Um, like I said, you guys have so many programs.
• 15:07
  SPEAKER_00: There's programs that are specifically for seniors, open to anybody, children.
• 15:12
  SPEAKER_00: What are some of your more popular programs?
• 15:14
  SPEAKER_02: So, our more popular programs, of course, is summer camp, is our one of our biggest hits aftercare.
• 15:20
  SPEAKER_02: Um, you know, our group exercise classes are always a hit, and then we're getting ready to reinduce and reintroduce our Live Strong program to this community, which is a research-based cancer program for individuals who are currently battling cancer.
• 15:33
  SPEAKER_02: It's a free program.
• 15:35
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and so they're in there to, you know, to get back their physical, their mental, and be around individuals who can that are just going through the same thing as them.
• 15:45
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so that's one of our popular programs that we're bringing back to Elizabeth City.
• 15:49
  SPEAKER_02: Um, but I think one of our, and then our sports programs are just a hit all over.
• 15:54
  SPEAKER_02: Um here at Chesapeake, Curry Tuck, Outer Banks, um, our sports program.
• 15:58
  SPEAKER_02: I know like in Chesapeake, we have about 600 kids in soccer.
• 16:03
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so our sports programs are really popular.
• 16:05
  SPEAKER_02: Our swim programs are really popular, swim team.
• 16:08
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so all of our programs, and so all of our programs change are in at our different locations because certain communities have a certain niche that they really are into.
• 16:18
  SPEAKER_02: Right.
• 16:19
  SPEAKER_02: So when you go to certain whys, they might have certain programs that we don't have because that's what their community likes and serves.
• 16:25
  SPEAKER_02: So we are all about what the community wants and what they need.
• 16:29
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so we tailor our communities, uh, we tailor our programs for our community.
• 16:34
  SPEAKER_03: You said you said you're bringing the Live Strong uh program back.
• 16:37
  SPEAKER_03: So is that something that the community wasn't aware of before or what?
• 16:42
  SPEAKER_02: So it just, you know, when staffing changes, you know, different, you know, because it's a certified program.
• 16:48
  SPEAKER_02: When you lose instructors, it's you know, it's hard to get people certified.
• 16:52
  SPEAKER_02: But after reading um the 2024 uh community health assessment that was done by Sentera, um, me and my fitness coordinator Chris really thought that, like, hey, we need to get back into this lane of community health because it's it's a big it's a big issue here in Elizabeth City and surrounding counties.
• 17:07
  SPEAKER_00: So you guys really make an effort and an emphasis on listening to the needs of the community and trying your best to serve those.
• 17:13
  SPEAKER_00: I think that's fantastic.
• 17:15
  SPEAKER_00: Um, speaking of Sentera, you guys, you partner with them for some of your programs.
• 17:19
  SPEAKER_00: You also share spaces with COA with their health sciences programs, classes.
• 17:25
  SPEAKER_00: What about those partnerships?
• 17:28
  SPEAKER_00: Maintaining those partnerships is so important to your operations and to the community.
• 17:32
  SPEAKER_02: I think the biggest thing for us is that we can't do it all alone.
• 17:37
  SPEAKER_02: You know, Centera is one of the biggest health providers in this area.
• 17:40
  SPEAKER_02: Absolutely.
• 17:41
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and so we want to walk alongside them to help our community because that's their goal is to help the community and make sure that they're healthy.
• 17:48
  SPEAKER_02: So we want to stand with our community partners and see how we can work alongside them.
• 17:54
  SPEAKER_02: If that's space that we do for physical therapy, um, and then they do water therapy as well, we we stand up for that.
• 18:01
  SPEAKER_02: If it's a thing whereas having their people, their patients from physical therapy not being able to come back and learn how to be more physically healthy, then we do that as well.
• 18:10
  SPEAKER_02: And we introduce them to the why in that way.
• 18:13
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and then with COA, that's just uh a great partnership for us.
• 18:17
  SPEAKER_02: There's a workforce development piece that can come in.
• 18:19
  SPEAKER_02: Right, absolutely.
• 18:20
  SPEAKER_02: Volunteer, there's been times where they will come over, their nursing students will come over and host workshops in our lobby um to learn about flu and different things like that.
• 18:28
  SPEAKER_02: So we do a lot of partnerships with COA and Center.
• 18:32
  SPEAKER_00: And it's perfect because you guys are gonna get the new science building.
• 18:35
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 18:36
  SPEAKER_00: That's connected, am I correct, to the current building that you guys have in that space?
• 18:40
  SPEAKER_00: I think that's great.
• 18:41
  SPEAKER_00: Um, we've talked a lot about community and and how that you guys really put an emphasis on that.
• 18:48
  SPEAKER_00: Like I said, we had a Y membership when I was a kid.
• 18:50
  SPEAKER_00: I have a lot of memories of going in there.
• 18:51
  SPEAKER_00: We went to the pool, my sister was on the swim team.
• 18:54
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and one of my favorite things when I think about going to the YMCA was the huge like rock climbing wall.
• 19:01
  SPEAKER_02: Uh-huh.
• 19:01
  SPEAKER_00: And do you guys still have that?
• 19:03
  SPEAKER_02: We do.
• 19:03
  SPEAKER_02: And we're actually um getting ready to start programming the rock wall out.
• 19:06
  SPEAKER_02: So yes, we're creating a whole curriculum.
• 19:08
  SPEAKER_00: And there's the huge like after school program and parents' night out where you guys have like the huge playground, like the indoor playground.
• 19:16
  SPEAKER_00: Uh-huh.
• 19:17
  SPEAKER_00: Um why do you feel like those programs are vital to the community to continue like putting an emphasis on them and putting them out there?
• 19:27
  SPEAKER_00: Because if you think about it, that's a huge thing that you guys promote, are those programs.
• 19:32
  SPEAKER_02: I think that it comes down to, you know, not every child will have that opportunity to go to camp or go inside of a swimming pool or go to a beach or dinner things like that.
• 19:43
  SPEAKER_02: So it's important that we can bring them to them inside their community because not everybody's gonna have that access.
• 19:49
  SPEAKER_02: But it's also it goes back to kids and and individuals learning, growing, and thriving.
• 19:54
  SPEAKER_02: Um, that's the biggest thing for us is creating those opportunities for everybody to be their best selves um and really try and really work on their whole health.
• 20:06
  SPEAKER_00: I'm so sorry, Cole.
• 20:07
  SPEAKER_00: You're gonna have to edit this part out.
• 20:08
  SPEAKER_00: I have a lot of really wordy questions today, and I'm getting them really mixed up because I've been.
• 20:12
  SPEAKER_03: Is there an upcoming?
• 20:13
  SPEAKER_03: Is there what did I?
• 20:15
  SPEAKER_03: I think I heard somebody thought there was a golf outing coming up.
• 20:17
  SPEAKER_02: Yes.
• 20:18
  SPEAKER_02: So we are uh having our 20th year uh Impact Classic.
• 20:22
  SPEAKER_02: It was formerly known as the uh all kids swim golf tournament, but we're renaming it this year to the Impact Classic.
• 20:28
  SPEAKER_02: Um and the reason why is because we're now introducing Curry Tuck and Outer Banks.
• 20:32
  SPEAKER_02: Um, because a lot of our community partners also service the whole area.
• 20:38
  SPEAKER_02: So we thought of like, hey, let's just all get together, more volunteers to help.
• 20:43
  SPEAKER_02: Um and all the proceeds that we um receive from the golf tournament goes back into the or into our impact fund to continue to fuel our programs, such as all kids swim, such as we're getting ready, Curry Tuck is trying to start a preschool.
• 20:58
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and then Outer Banks is just making sure that the that the Y continues to stay affordable in that area as well.
• 21:04
  SPEAKER_03: So I'm gonna give you a little chance here.
• 21:06
  SPEAKER_03: When is this golf outing?
• 21:07
  SPEAKER_02: It is October 5th, and the shotgun start is at 10 a.m.
• 21:10
  SPEAKER_02: and it's gonna be at the Carolina Club.
• 21:12
  SPEAKER_02: Okay.
• 21:12
  SPEAKER_03: And how can somebody yeah, are you uh it are individuals or is this groups joining?
• 21:18
  SPEAKER_03: So individuals or teams.
• 21:19
  SPEAKER_02: Okay, okay.
• 21:20
  SPEAKER_02: And how can they get more information on it?
• 21:22
  SPEAKER_02: So they can go to our website at YMCA-sh r.
• 21:25
  SPEAKER_02: Um and under events, there should be a link to our golf tournament.
• 21:28
  SPEAKER_02: Okay, sounds like fun.
• 21:30
  SPEAKER_02: And if not, they can reach out to me as well.
• 21:32
  SPEAKER_02: All right.
• 21:32
  SPEAKER_00: That's great.
• 21:33
  SPEAKER_00: Um, we've talked a lot about the extensive programming that you guys have, how it's not just a gym and a pool.
• 21:42
  SPEAKER_00: That's obviously like a huge common misconception.
• 21:45
  SPEAKER_00: Um what would you say to someone who feels like you guys don't have enough to offer?
• 21:52
  SPEAKER_00: Obviously you do, but like I said, it's a common misconception that you go to the YNCA, there's a gym upstairs, there's a pool.
• 22:00
  SPEAKER_00: How do you approach that if if you're talking to someone about the YMCA and they're like, oh, it's it's just a gym?
• 22:07
  SPEAKER_02: Um, I think I always start off with a story about a child that's been impacted or a member that's been impacted um by the Y.
• 22:15
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and that usually can grab people in.
• 22:17
  SPEAKER_02: So starting off with the impact that the Y has had on individuals.
• 22:22
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and so like this is like it's not just, oh, we're making this up.
• 22:26
  SPEAKER_02: Like these are actual individuals who are being impacted by the work that we do.
• 22:31
  SPEAKER_00: Not to put you on the spot, do you have a story like that that you can share right now?
• 22:35
  SPEAKER_02: Um, I actually do.
• 22:37
  SPEAKER_02: Um, I have a young lady that's in our summer camp who has diabetes um that's very severe.
• 22:43
  SPEAKER_02: And when her mom first was trying to find um care, a lot of the child care options in this area would not take care of, uh, would not take her due to her illness.
• 22:56
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and so when she came to the Y, we decided um, you know, she gave us the thing.
• 23:00
  SPEAKER_02: So we went and got all of our staff trained in Matt D to care for her child and so that her mother can work.
• 23:07
  SPEAKER_02: And so she currently participates in aftercare and she currently could participates in summer camp.
• 23:12
  SPEAKER_00: That's amazing.
• 23:14
  SPEAKER_00: That is so great.
• 23:16
  SPEAKER_00: Obviously, like you said, you're bringing back some programs.
• 23:19
  SPEAKER_00: What kind of growth are you guys hoping to do over the next few years to really expand that community outreach?
• 23:27
  SPEAKER_02: I think the biggest thing is getting into community health.
• 23:31
  SPEAKER_02: After reading that community health assessment, um, there's a there's a major gap in the community health, and there's not enough um uh resources for individuals and families.
• 23:42
  SPEAKER_02: So really getting into that lane of community health, especially in Elizabeth City and the surrounding county.
• 23:46
  SPEAKER_03: It's very interesting to hear of an institution like like the YMCA actually actually responding to some hard data that says there's a uh a need in the community.
• 24:03
  SPEAKER_03: And uh too often you'll hear about well, there's a need in the community, and then people talk about the need.
• 24:10
  SPEAKER_03: Well, we've gotta do this, gotta do this, gotta do this.
• 24:13
  SPEAKER_03: And you're now talking about what you're doing, but the only reason we're talking about it is because I found out that you were doing it.
• 24:20
  SPEAKER_03: Yes.
• 24:21
  SPEAKER_03: So the first response was for the YMCA to do something about it and not talk about it.
• 24:27
  SPEAKER_03: And I go, that sounds like uh I'm uh I that's why I why I'm so impressed.
• 24:33
  SPEAKER_03: I'm just so impressed with it.
• 24:35
  SPEAKER_02: I think that's what makes our revenence that's why we've been able to stay around for 180 years and not going anywhere, is because we are changing, forever changing with our forever-changing communities.
• 24:48
  SPEAKER_02: So when the needs change, we shift our priorities to fit the community.
• 24:53
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so and I think that that's why we've been we've been able to be relevant all these years.
• 24:59
  SPEAKER_00: So, what are your least popular programs that you wish people knew about?
• 25:04
  SPEAKER_02: I wouldn't call them least popular programs.
• 25:09
  SPEAKER_02: Um, I think it's just people don't know what we do.
• 25:13
  SPEAKER_02: Um, I think that we're really doing good in all of our programs and we they're healthy, but it's the new programs that we're trying to start and you know, making sure that they are getting the um recognition and a people that knows about them is truly our live strong programs and continue swimming lessons.
• 25:30
  SPEAKER_02: Um I think that over the last month we've been seeing all these drownings um in the area.
• 25:36
  SPEAKER_02: So just continue to put your kids in swim lessons and know that, you know, there is a cost, but the why is here to work with you as well.
• 25:43
  SPEAKER_02: Um, aftercare, summer camp, it's it's all about the enrichment in the kids.
• 25:47
  SPEAKER_02: And again, it's not about the yes, there's a cost, but the why is here to work with you.
• 25:52
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so I think that is just knowing about all the programs.
• 25:56
  SPEAKER_02: I I think that all of our programs are successful.
• 25:59
  SPEAKER_02: It's just a lot of people don't know or they think they see a price and think that I can't afford that, but we have the resources to make them accessible to you.
• 26:09
  SPEAKER_00: I think that's so great.
• 26:11
  SPEAKER_00: Um, I'm really impressed, as is David, obviously.
• 26:14
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah.
• 26:15
  SPEAKER_03: Elay, can I can I ask you this?
• 26:17
  SPEAKER_03: Um Tell me about Eli.
• 26:19
  SPEAKER_03: How did you get uh associated with the Y?
• 26:22
  SPEAKER_02: So I started off at the Y in 2018.
• 26:25
  SPEAKER_02: Um I was 22 years old.
• 26:27
  SPEAKER_02: I had been working with the Salvation Army uh Community Center in Norfolk as a aquatic supervisor.
• 26:34
  SPEAKER_02: And so my boss was like, hey, you gotta, you know, if you want to grow, you gotta go somewhere else because I'm I'm staying in this this role until I retire.
• 26:41
  SPEAKER_02: Um so um I started looking at roles, and there was an aquatics director role in the R.
• 26:46
  SPEAKER_02: Fulkinson family YMCA in Windsor, Virginia.
• 26:49
  SPEAKER_02: And I applied to be an aquatics director there, and I started there.
• 26:53
  SPEAKER_02: Um and I stayed in that role for about two years.
• 26:55
  SPEAKER_02: I did aquatics and then I did aquatics and fitness, and then I had the opportunity to go to Charlottesville, Virginia.
• 27:01
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and I served as the director of equity and employee experience for the Brooks Family YMCA and the Piedmont Family YMCA YMCA Association.
• 27:10
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and then I had the opportunity to go up to Wilmington, Delaware, where I served as a senior director of aquatics operations for the YMCA of Delaware.
• 27:18
  SPEAKER_02: Um then some friends uh at the YM Center of Maryland had reached out to me about a role.
• 27:24
  SPEAKER_02: And I served as the associate uh executive director, but I'm from this area, so I was like, my parents was like, it's time for you to come back home.
• 27:31
  SPEAKER_02: We miss having you around.
• 27:33
  SPEAKER_02: So there was an opportunity here at the YMCA of South Hantin Roads.
• 27:36
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and I had known a couple of the individuals here already, um like Anthony Walters, our CEO.
• 27:42
  SPEAKER_02: Um and I put my name in the hat, and here I am.
• 27:45
  SPEAKER_02: And uh August 25th will make a year, so I'm kind of up on a year.
• 27:51
  SPEAKER_03: You said you're originally from Missouri?
• 27:52
  SPEAKER_02: Yep, I'm originally from Chesapeake, Virginia.
• 27:54
  SPEAKER_00: Okay.
• 27:54
  SPEAKER_00: Okay.
• 27:55
  SPEAKER_00: Okay.
• 27:55
  SPEAKER_00: So what about Elizabeth City enticed you?
• 27:58
  SPEAKER_02: Um, I think it was a small town.
• 28:01
  SPEAKER_02: Um, the small town mentality, tight knit, and you really get the feel of community.
• 28:06
  SPEAKER_02: Um, everybody knows everybody, and it it was something different because I've always worked at those major city big branches.
• 28:13
  SPEAKER_02: So I wanted to try something different and come to a smaller town um and see, you know, how it goes.
• 28:18
  SPEAKER_02: And, you know, I've really enjoyed Elizabeth City, the tight knit everybody knows everybody.
• 28:22
  SPEAKER_01: Yeah.
• 28:23
  SPEAKER_02: Like uh, I was on the news yes uh over the past weekend um at a water safety event, and a couple members came up to me and was like, Hey, I I I I know you, I seen you on TV on Saturday.
• 28:34
  SPEAKER_02: And so it's just the feel-good moment of they seeing that me on TV about water safety.
• 28:39
  SPEAKER_02: And so uh I think it's it's a small community.
• 28:42
  SPEAKER_02: I I like the tight-knit community here.
• 28:44
  SPEAKER_03: Uh, the senior member here, I just will let you know that that's a good thing.
• 28:49
  SPEAKER_03: And uh just watch it because you don't want to get your neighbor mad at you because it's a small community.
• 28:54
  SPEAKER_03: No, we love our neighbors.
• 28:56
  SPEAKER_00: When you say senior community member, do you mean senior citizen or senior as in senior authority elder in the community?
• 29:03
  SPEAKER_02: Let's whichever way you want to go.
• 29:06
  SPEAKER_02: So at the Wow, we call them active odor adults.
• 29:08
  SPEAKER_00: Oh, David, you're an active older adult.
• 29:12
  SPEAKER_00: He is very active.
• 29:14
  SPEAKER_00: He goes to the gym every day.
• 29:15
  SPEAKER_03: As the active older adult in the room, okay, fine.
• 29:19
  SPEAKER_00: I like that.
• 29:20
  SPEAKER_03: Okay.
• 29:20
  SPEAKER_00: Everybody, everybody's always talking about you always make jokes about David's age.
• 29:23
  SPEAKER_00: Well, no longer, guys.
• 29:25
  SPEAKER_00: From now on, David is an active older adult.
• 29:27
  SPEAKER_03: I I appreciate that, Eli.
• 29:29
  SPEAKER_03: I will I will get a badge and say I'm the active older adult.
• 29:33
  SPEAKER_00: He's gonna give you an award just for getting me to stop talking about his own.
• 29:36
  SPEAKER_01: No, I'm just impressed that you called me an adult.
• 29:39
  SPEAKER_01: Active odor adults.
• 29:40
  SPEAKER_01: Yes.
• 29:41
  SPEAKER_01: We love our active odor adults at the way, don't we?
• 29:43
  SPEAKER_00: All right, yes.
• 29:45
  SPEAKER_00: Well, Eli, thank you so much for joining us to talk about the wonderful good that you guys do in the community.
• 29:50
  SPEAKER_00: Um, I really hope that this reaches some people who were not aware of all the good that you guys have to offer.
• 29:56
  SPEAKER_00: Yes.
• 29:56
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and again, can you tell us where the YMCA is located and how people can get in touch with you guys if they're interested?
• 30:03
  SPEAKER_02: So we are located at 1240 North Road Street, Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
• 30:08
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and you can go on our website at YMCASHR.org.
• 30:12
  SPEAKER_02: Um, and you can, or you can just stop by and anybody at the front desk or anybody in the building will be able to help you give you more information about membership.
• 30:21
  SPEAKER_02: Um, definitely come see in the morning, 6 a.m.
• 30:23
  SPEAKER_02: to 12 p.m.
• 30:24
  SPEAKER_02: Monday through Friday, Miss Fran.
• 30:26
  SPEAKER_02: She is our opener and she is a joy.
• 30:29
  SPEAKER_02: Um, so if you really want to know about memberships, come see her in the morning.
• 30:33
  SPEAKER_02: Um, but just come see us and we'll we'll we'll we have programs for everybody.
• 30:38
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you so much.
• 30:39
  SPEAKER_02: Thank you very much for joining us today.
• 30:41
  SPEAKER_02: Appreciate it.
• 30:41
  SPEAKER_02: Thank you.
• 30:42
  SPEAKER_00: And thank you so much to all of our listeners for tuning in to another episode.
• 30:46
  SPEAKER_00: Please be sure to stay tuned for another episode soon and check out the YMCA for all the good that they can do for you.