carl e. sanders family ymca at buckhead - YMCA of Metro Atlanta

KEEPING KIDS SAFE
Mary Ellen Fulkus
As an avid exerciser, Mary Ellen Fulkus’ friends suggested
she seek out the Y because of the free babysitting while
you work out. She was first in line the day her twin
daughters turned 3 months old and were able to go into
the play center. “As a new mom, I loved the set up and
system and knew my children would be safe,” she says.
“Now, seven years later, I am part of the morning exercise
crew. It keeps me motivated,” Mary Ellen says. “My girls
joined the swim team and started gymnastics. My
husband plays basketball, and we all come to family
nights to spend time together.”
As the executive director of Keep Georgia Safe, Mary
Ellen has a passion for keeping kids safe and giving
families what they need to empower children to stay
away from danger. “I’m impressed with how the Y focuses
on the safety of children in our care. So, I thought we
could take it one step further and teach kids how to be
safe in other environments as well,” Mary Ellen says.
Mary Ellen Fulkus
“The Y is such a welcoming place,
and my whole family comes here
to be part of a community.”
She approached the Y about partnering to offer RadKIDS,
a program that empowers children to avoid, resist and
escape violence and harm. Y staff trained as RadKIDS
instructors and now offer the program at the Buckhead Y.
“The mission of Keep Georgia Safe and the Y are closely
aligned, and we can do great things together,” Mary Ellen
says. “We have these great, fun activities but we also
want them to be safe and give them the tools to help
themselves.”
“When I first came to the Y, it was just an outlet for me
to exercise and a place where families come together.
With my job and background in education, it makes
perfect sense to take it a step further as a community
partner and support programs that empower children.
Now, I am involved as a volunteer board member. The Y
matters to me and my family, because I know it's a safe,
fun place to come, exercise, be involved.”