YMCA of Greater Louisville

Today, our Women’s ERG gathered for a Gratitude Project that was all about showing care for our community. Team members from across the association came together with donated items to assemble blessings bags, and shared meaningful moments of gratitude. 💛 We’re grateful for the kindness, connection, and purpose that filled the room, and especially for the way our Y family lifts up neighbors with such genuine heart.

Scenes from a morning filled with gratitude, community, and inspiration. 🧡 From incredible young musicians and heartfelt moments to celebrating our Youth Character Award winners alongside Mayor Craig Greenberg—this year’s YMCA Community Thanksgiving Breakfast was the perfect start to the season. There’s truly No Place Like This Place.

What a meaningful morning at our 2025 YMCA Community Thanksgiving Breakfast—the moment that truly kicks off the holiday season! We were uplifted by an incredible performance from the young musicians at School of Rock St. Matthews, and Wave 3’s Dawne Gee welcomed everyone with her signature warmth. A special thank-you to Heather Weston Bell for leading the presentation of our YMCA Youth Character Awards, joined by Mayor Craig Greenberg, and YMCA President & CEO Gary A. Cobbs, and Board Chair Howard Holloman, Jr. Each year, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Louisville and the Henry Heuser, Jr. Youth Character Award Fund, we honor youth who embody honesty, respect, responsibility, caring, and strong leadership. This year, 10 extraordinary young people received a $2,500 scholarship to support their continued growth. Meet this year’s recipients: https://loom.ly/BB9KWoI During the event, we also presented the Spirit of Louisville Award, which honors individuals whose service inspires positive change and addresses real community needs. This year’s recipient, Reverend Dr. Kevin W. Cosby, has made extraordinary contributions to Louisville through his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to opportunity for all. Thank you to our partners, our supporters, our volunteers, and all who joined us this morning. Your dedication helps us strengthen our community every day. 🧡

When we say our team is all heart… this is what we mean. ❤️ Together, we packed 500 Thanksgiving treats—meals, activities, and a whole lot of care will be sent home with our Early Learning Readiness families! #ymcalouisville #ymca

Our Southwest Family YMCA is celebrating World Kindness Day in the best way—with simple notes, big smiles, and a lot of heart. Members are writing messages to lift each other up and remind us that kindness doesn’t have to be a big gesture, it just has to be shared. Here’s to bringing a little more kindness into every day. 💙

Kindness means something different to everyone, but it connects us all. 💛 Hear what kindness means to our Y community as we get ready to celebrate World Kindness Day tomorrow! #YMCALouisville #YMCA #WorldKindnessDay

Our YMCA Black Achievers College, Career, and Community Fair recently brought together students, employers, and community partners—all focused on helping local teens take their next steps toward bright futures. Thank you to everyone who joined us to share resources, connections, and inspiration. Together, we’re investing in the next generation of leaders. 🙌

We’re deeply grateful to our friends at Louisville KY Chapter of The Links, Incorporated for their continued partnership and investment in our youth. 💚 Links President Dr. Traci Edwards and members recently presented a check for two $1,500 scholarships to support YMCA Black Achievers—continuing their amazing commitment to empowering youth and strengthening our community. For more than 15 years, The Links have supported the YMCA of Greater Louisville, and since 2019, their consistent contributions have helped provide YMCA Black Achievers scholarships that open doors for local teens to pursue higher education. Beyond their financial support, The Links also serve on our Scholarship Committee offering time, mentorship, and care to guide young achievers toward success. We are truly thankful for their commitment to youth development and their partnership in shaping the future of our community. 

This weekend, our dedicated Youth Sports Officials were hard at work training for the upcoming basketball season—learning, practicing, and preparing to create a positive experience for every young athlete who steps on the court. At the Y, we know sports are more than games. They’re opportunities to build confidence, teamwork, and character. None of that happens without our incredible staff and volunteers who bring energy, encouragement, and heart to every practice and game. 🏀❤️

We’re proud to be among the first Ys in the nation to offer Y-USA’s Mental Health Community Care Training to our team! This two-day, hands-on experience is part of a preventive model of care that equips and empowers individuals to offer informal, community-based mental health support. It’s about building confidence to show up for one another with empathy, awareness, and hope. A heartfelt thank-you to our incredible trainers from across the country for guiding this important work: Sarah Johnson (The Joy Labs, MN), Kevin Whelley (PA), Katie Soule (NH), Juanita Darling-King (MA), Earlisha Jefferson (MO), and future trainers Marcee Gordon (TN) and Halina Martinez (TX). Pictured are moments from guided practice and discussion as our team learned to apply the core concepts of the Y’s Mental Health Community Care model, supporting not just our members, but one another.