YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit

#MyYJourney | The power of community building Retired CEO/President Helene Weir and retired Chief Human Resources Officer Darcie West have impacted countless lives -- building strong relationships with community members and being a part of their staff and internal community's growth. Their reflections underscore the importance of fostering community and inspiring personal growth within the organization. #MyYJourney #CommunityBuilding #YMCA

Reflecting today on Project Play Southeast Michigan’s recent “Girls In Sports Day.” Over 80 participants sampled sports ranging from field hockey to flag football, while their caregivers were provided tips on how to improve the overall youth sporting experience. It was a special day. This opportunity would not have been possible without the incredible support from the many community partners that dedicated their time, energy and efforts. We’re so thankful for your support! Huge shout-out to: All participants and their families, as well as UWM Sports Complex for hosting. Ashley S. Jackson, Rickey Jackson Jr. and Briana Mitchell on the Project Play SEMI team. Lauren Fuller and Oakland County Sheriff PAL Program for helping spearhead this event. Paula Buckhaulter and The Mac Parkman Foundation for providing educational tips and resources to parents and caregivers. Lastly, the sports facilitators who did an amazing job at presenting their sports in such a positive way: YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, Great Lakes Regional Field Hockey, Oakland University, #QuestAthletics, #GreaterMetropolitanYouthSports, #DetroitVolleyballCoachesAssociation

#MyYJourney | Making an impact in your hometown Nothing compares to positively impacting your community—the community you grew up in and are most familiar with. For Jeff McIntyre, the Association Director of Risk Management at our YMCA, starting his Y career in his hometown, the Downriver area, was a great way to kickstart his journey in the movement. Through the YMCA, Jeff McIntyre found another way to connect with his community and serve his fellow community members.

#MyYJourney | Experiencing joy through service Someone once said, "If you find work that you love, you'll never work a day in your life." For many in this line of work, this statement is either an "ah ha" moment or your North Star. Although the "Y bug" landed on our CEO/President, Parrish Underwood, and Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing, Latitia McCree-Thomas, at different times in their lives, the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the organization has allowed both to find their Y.

#MyYJourney | Reflecting on the journey Before retiring from our YMCA as the CEO/President and Chief Human Resources Officer, respectively, Helene Weir and Darcie West shared the "what" to their Y journeys: "What made you stay with the Y?" Their journeys highlight the YMCA's ability to build deep connections and create impactful opportunities. It's about the people, the communities we serve, and the meaningful work we do together. #Community #YMCA

Last week I had the extreme pleasure of attending the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit Metro Youth YMCA Achievers and Champions Dinner celebrating some amazing young people and honoring the legend himself Terry Whitfield. LaRon Evans, MS, MHC, LLPC and Lynette Simmons your team threw an amazing event. Good reunion Beth O'Connor and Shanese Ross-Pierrie, MBA

#MyYJourney | From community leader to retired CEO Before retiring as the first female CEO/President of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, Helene Weir's Y journey began after college in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. As part of the YMCA of Edmonton's Shape Up program, Helene provided health and wellness training throughout Alberta. Soon after, she moved on to branch life; from executive director to VP of Operations, Helene's time at the YMCA of Calgary was filled with opportunities to learn and grow alongside the community she served. After serving at the YMCA of Calgary for several years, Helene moved stateside and became the VP of Membership at the Valley of the Sun YMCA in Phoenix, Arizona. During Helene's time in Phoenix, she became the Senior Vice President of Operations before accepting the CEO position at Westport Weston YMCA in Westport, Connecticut. Leaving Connecticut, Helene returned to Calgary to serve as the CEO of the YMCA of Calgary. From Calgary to YUSA, Helene found her final stop in her Y journey in Detroit. Faced with the uncertainty of the pandemic, Helene led the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit team with resilience; she was supported by an equally resilient community that championed her vision and commitment to the Y's mission. Join us in celebrating the incredible journey and legacy of Helene Weir and wishing her a fulfilling retirement!

Last Thursday, our YMCA hosted the 2024 Heritage Club Brunch at The Community House in Birmingham, MI. The Heritage Club is a group of loyal supporters including individuals, former volunteers, and staff who are committed to supporting our community and mission through legacy gifts. Our association’s work has been sustained through wars, economic recessions, a pandemic, and other challenges thanks to those who entrusted us to honor their legacy.

#MyYJourney | From Y kid to retired Chief Human Resources Officer Before retiring as the Chief Human Resources Officer of our YMCA, Darcie West's Y journey began in the pool. As a child, Darcie was a competitive swimmer at a YMCA in her home state, Maryland. After returning to the Metro Detroit area in 1990, Darcie rekindled her connection with the Y, this time as a volunteer swim lesson instructor. Her dedication and passion were evident as she progressed through various roles within our Association. Over her 33-year career, Darcie served as a lifeguard, water exercise instructor, and aquatics coordinator, among others. Her relentless pursuit of excellence led her to become a membership director and business operations director. In 2003, Darcie's leadership and commitment were recognized when she became the Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Business Systems. Her dedication to our organization was further acknowledged five years ago when she was promoted to the role of Chief Human Resources Officer. Her impact on our organization is undeniable, leaving an indelible mark for which we are all grateful. Join us in honoring Darcie's incredible legacy within our community and wishing her a fulfilling retirement!

#MyYJourney | Finding your Y Meet Malachi Taylor, the Aquatics Director at Macomb Family YMCA. During COVID, Malachi found his Y and started his journey as a lifeguard at Boll Family YMCA. With a background as a football player and coach, Malachi's passion for community outreach seamlessly transitioned into teaching swimming at the Y. From lifeguard to swim instructor and now aquatics director, Malachi's commitment to hard work and community perfectly embodies Y leadership.