Making a difference at the Sonoma County Family YMCA

By Heather Seney, VIP Fellow at the Sonoma County YMCA

As a community-based nonprofit, the Sonoma County Family YMCA is an integral part of the Santa Rosa community. The Y focuses on strengthening the community through programs in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. When you think of the Y, the first thing that comes to mind may be the Y’s fitness programs. Or perhaps taking swim lessons when you were a kid. And let’s not dance around the fact that you may want to sing that song—you know which one.

But many people, including myself before joining AmeriCorps, may not realize that the Y also has many after school programs. The Y runs nearly 20 after school and childcare programs throughout Sonoma County, each providing enriching experiences for youth during before and after school hours.

With so many different programs, the Y has a diverse selection of volunteer opportunities. I love that the Y’s volunteer program has an opportunity for everyone. If you’re looking to do office or administrative work, the Y has you covered. If you’re looking to work with youth, perfect! You enjoy sports? We have opportunities to coach, assist with an aquatics program, or lead a fitness program. Are you just looking to help out for a couple hours? Volunteer at the Y’s Harvest Run or Healthy Kids Day! I always tell volunteers that if they discover a position isn’t what they expected, it’s okay, the Y has another opportunity that may be a better fit.

When I first arrived at the Y, I expected to find a volunteer program that needed to be developed—that’s why I’m here. But I was surprised to learn there wasn’t a single volunteer in any of the after school programs. I’ve always been an advocate for education, so naturally, I saw a great opportunity for volunteers to offer academic assistance, develop positive relationships with youth, and in general, elevate kids’ experiences at the Y’s after school programs. 

Since August, the Y’s after school programs have benefited from volunteers who have spent hours upon hours helping kids to master math problems, inspiring kids to love reading, and engaging youth in various educational and recreational activities. There were definitely challenges to developing a volunteer corps in the Y’s after school programs, but it’s incredibly gratifying to hear about and see first-hand the impact that volunteers have had this year.

 As the year begins to wind down, I am happy to report that the Y has established a partnership with Sonoma State University (SSU)’s Join Us Making Progress (JUMP) program for next school year. Through the partnership, JUMP will refer SSU volunteers to one of the Y’s highest-need after school programs throughout the year. In addition, the Y is in the process of developing an intern program which will place university and college students in the Y’s after school programs next year, as well.

To all the Y’s volunteers (and the Y staff who help support volunteers)—YOU ROCK!