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

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LEARNING HEALTHY HABITS TOGETHER Lottie Scott Lottie Scott was tired of struggling with health problems, so she decided to get involved with the Y. “I feel great,” Lottie says. “My health is improved after losing 40 pounds. My doctor has reduced my daily medications. I feel vibrant and strong.” Twice a week, Lottie comes to the Y with a group of seniors from the Agape Community Center. She depends on her friends to keep her motivated. “I have something to do, and that makes me look forward to getting up and coming to the Y,” she says. Lottie spends her whole day at the Y, arriving in the morning to exercise, socializing throughout the afternoon and volunteering with the Y’s enrichment program after school. Lottie began volunteering as part of CATCH, a program that trains senior volunteers to work with children and teaches healthy eating habits. Kids learn to avoid “whoa” foods like chips and candy and eat more “go” foods like fresh fruits and vegetables. “The kids love it,” Lottie says. “They are very interested and curious. I see their habits changing by the foods they choose to eat as a snack. They even tell their family what to buy at the grocery store.” Working with the kids at the Y is tremendously beneficial for Lottie’s own health. Her eating habits have changed, and she sees the same personal benefits as the kids. “One lesson we teach is to avoid the processed foods in center aisles of the grocery store, and focus on the fresh produce, meats and dairy instead,” she says. “When I go to the store now, I shop on the perimeter. I don’t need to go down the aisles.” Lottie knows spending time with the children makes them feel special. Many don’t have people at home who can take time to teach them the skills they learn at the Y. “We can really help them,” she says. “They need a foundation at such a young age. This is what should be going on. I’m amazed with the program.” “Teaching kids how to choose healthier food has changed the way I eat too. They’re helping us. We’re helping them. It’s great!” Lottie Scott
The Foy Family DISCOVERING SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE The Foy Family Beth Foy was looking for a place where she could get healthy and her daughters could be active when a friend referred them to the Y. Beth started THE COACH APPROACH® with the goals of establishing regular physical activity and reducing stress. “I feel motivated to keep going and energized to face the day,” says Beth. “In taking care of myself, coming to the Y three or four times a week, I'm the best person I can be and doing the best I can for my family.” Beth enjoys access to multiple Ys across Atlanta and out of town. Beth’s younger daughter, Hannah, has Down syndrome and struggles with sensory overload. She was concerned how Hannah would react to other children in the play center, but the Y accommodated her needs. “Hannah had a great time, and it made my experience better knowing my daughter was comfortable and having fun,” Beth says. Beth was looking for a non-competitive, developmental sports program for her 8-year-old daughter, Sarah. The Y aquatic director suggested swim team prep to strengthen Sarah’s swimming skills and stroke technique. “The Y represents what the world should look like. It is inclusive, representing young, old, socioeconomic diversity, all ethnic groups, and levels of ability. It's so nice to have a place we can all go and each of us has something healthy and fun to do at the same time.” Her coach always is excited to see her and celebrate her progress. Beth explains, “Sarah tells me she will be on swim team next year. It’s not a question. It’s a statement.” Beth also discovered the adapted swim program which pairs children with special needs and a volunteer buddy to teach them to swim. It’s a perfect fit for Hannah. “Now she signs ‘swim’ and ‘ball’ when she gets to the Y. She’s excited to swim and play in the gym,” Beth says. "When you're a family like ours, the first thing you usually hear is why you can't be accommodated,” says Beth. “I've never heard the word ‘no’ at the Y. Here, people listen to me and work with me to find a solution.”
Page 1 and 2: 2012 IMPACT REPORT CARL E. SANDERS
Page 3: KEEPING KIDS SAFE Mary Ellen Fulkus

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

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