Julie Mann serves as our Board Chair and Chief Volunteer Officer (CVO) at the YMCA of Central New York, but she is also a dedicate employee at Microsoft. She's currently pursuing a 7-month Masters in Microsoft Health Program there in a class of 47 global students.
Recently, the class was tasked with exploring the topic of Accessibility and how healthcare organizations could learn from others and Julie turned to her volunteer work with the Y as a resource. She continues to be inspired by the Y's innovative approach to addressing accessibility needs and social determinants of health. Through a variety of programs and partnerships, the Y promotes equity and well-being across the community. Here are a few notable contributions that the Y offers to its broader Central New York community:
- Education: The Y offers after-school tutoring, literacy initiatives, certifications, and youth development programs that empower children and adults alike. These services help individuals gain critical skills and improve educational outcomes, fostering a brighter future for all.
- Health and Healthcare: From fitness facilities and wellness programs to targeted health initiatives like diabetes prevention and Breast Cancer Support Groups, the YMCA promotes physical and mental health while creating spaces for connection and support during recovery journeys.
- Community Context: The YMCA is a hub for connection. With social activities, family events, and support groups, it builds robust social networks. Its partnerships with local schools and programs like "Y on the Fly" extend these services into every corner of Central New York.
- Programming for Individuals with Disabilities: Through Access and Ability programs, the Y ensures inclusivity by offering accessible facilities and support staff to help individuals of all ages and abilities participate in programs that interest them.
- Financial Assistance: The Y's sliding scale memberships and childcare scholarships, funded through the Annual Campaign, make its services accessible to everyone, regardless of income.
Hearing from Julie resonated with her colleagues and peers who shared comments on how her work has inspired them to engage more deeply with their local YMCA programs. One peer reflected on their childhood experiences with the Y, crediting it for helping them with schoolwork and college applications. Another expressed newfound awareness of the Y's broad community offerings beyond fitness and childcare. Questions about funding models and equity in underserved areas sparked meaningful discussions, illustrating how volunteer work like Julie's can raise awareness and drive change. It's also an example of how organizations can gain so much through collaboration and sharing best practices for Accessibility.
Julie Mann's commitment to her community is a testament to the power of volunteering and leadership. By bridging her professional insights from Microsoft with her volunteer role at the YMCA, she exemplifies how one person can create a ripple effect of positivity and that we all have a role to play in building a better, more equitable world.