From the Director – A Space for Community

In the newly renovated upstairs area of the Bear Levin Studer Y, we’ve carved out a space for community-building, youth programs, group meetings, education, and more. Now we need your help with ideas to make the most of it.

Our HCA Florida West Hospital Community Room is designed as a “third place” within our YMCA, a space for connection and activities that fill the spirit and mind part of the Y triangle. We have some ideas and plans in the works, but we want to hear from you.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Group Mentoring

The team from BBBS will host group mentoring sessions once a month on Mondays from 5:30-7:30 pm. The first gathering is Sept. 8. During these sessions, the BBBS team will help teens explore potential career paths using VR headsets and will provide group mentoring. Open to any teens here at the Y. Interested in learning more about becoming a Big? Reach out to our friends at BBBS to learn more.

Health and Wellness Education

Our friends at HCA are ready to bring their expertise into our building with topics that educate and inform. Our ideas for topics include falls prevention for seniors, returning from rehab, and nutrition education. We’re ready to fill out a fall schedule of sessions. What else would you like to see presented in this space? Email Wellness Director Jen Beres with your ideas for topics.

New Member Meetups

We’re also planning to start monthly New Member Meetups to more personally welcome those joining us. A member of our Engagement Team will be available in the community room for members who drop in with questions and ideas. This is also a good time to meet other new members. New Member Meetups will start this fall. If you’d like to help welcome new members at these events, email Engagement Director Trenten Kawas.

Group Gatherings

Last month, our friends from Arc Gateway filled the space for their monthly enrichment day. Our Parkinson’s Program will begin meeting in the community room for their monthly socials. Do you have a group that would like to meet here? Let Trenten Kawas know, and we’ll get you on the calendar.

Scheduling the Room

We’re excited to have our Community Room filled with activities for all. When we don’t have a scheduled program, feel free to stop by. The space offers a variety of games for youth – or to take you back to your youth. There’s a shared office available if you need to make a call or do some work. Or just take a few moments for quiet time or a conversation with a friend. We will have a digital sign at the entrance indicating scheduled activities and programs. When it’s not reserved, the space is open for member use.

Thanks to HCA Florida West Hospital, FPL, The Last Mile, and the Myers family for your support to make this space possible.