Uncategorized – Yonkers Family YMCA

Meet Our Staff: Rocio Prado, School Aged Child Care (SACC) Director

Posted on December 11, 2024 by Megan Pirron-Lillie

My journey begins in the Dominican Republic where I was born and lived until I was 3 years old.

My parents and I immigrated to the United States when I was 3. As most immigrants do, my parents came to the United States looking for a better life for themselves and their new family.

I lived in Rhode Island until 5th grade then moved to the fast paced state of New York. That was a learning experience as Rhode Island was such a calm paced place. Here I was able to graduate High School in 2007 and to be the first of my family to do so felt amazing. I do not have an associate degree or much college experience however I do have a lot of real world and customer service experience. I have worked in many different jobs throughout my professional career; ranging from cashier, to receptionist at a church and Rye City Hall to real estate management to now child care. Working these different jobs has given me a sense of hard work, patience, dedication and helped me see that things may not always go the way we plan but in the end you’ll land exactly where you are supposed to be.

Fun Facts:

I do not know how to swim
I am a foodie, love trying and cooking new foods
I LOVE shows with first responders or Crime Scene Investigations. (911, Chicago Fire/Med/PD, CSI Miami/NY are a few)
I have never been to the Statue of Liberty
Speak fluent Spanish & am currently learning Italian
I know a little American Sign Language

When I am not at work you can find me either hanging out with my husband, son and our dog, alone binge watching a show or listening to music.

I officially joined the Yonkers YMCA in 2023, starting as a Membership Rep, then moving to YDL in School Age Child Care (SACC). Now I am the Director of SACC and while I have not worked at a non-profit organization or with children before I am excited to learn and grow as a person and professional as much as possible.

Announcing Jason Rodriguez as New Chief Executive Officer

Posted on October 4, 2024 by Megan Pirron-Lillie

The Yonkers Family YMCA is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jason Rodriguez as its new Chief Executive Officer.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Jason Rodriguez to the Yonkers YMCA,” said Emily Ramos, Chair of the Yonkers Family YMCA Board of Directors. “Jason’s experience, passion for community service, and commitment to advancing equity align perfectly with our mission. His leadership will help position the Y to continue making a significant impact in Yonkers, as we deepen our reach and continue to be a trusted community resource for all.”

Rodriguez brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, social services, and community development. His most recent role was Associate Executive Director of Business Operations & Strategy at the Manny Cantor Center in Manhattan, where he was responsible for overseeing an $18 million budget, driving operational improvements, and fostering a culture of equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Rodriguez’s extensive background in organizational leadership, financial management, and program development positions him perfectly to lead the Yonkers Family YMCA into its next phase of growth and community impact. With a deep commitment to serving diverse communities, Rodriguez is excited to build on the Y’s legacy of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility in Yonkers.

“I am beyond honored to step into the role of CEO at the Yonkers Family YMCA,” said Jason Rodriguez. “The Y’s mission has always called to my spirit, particularly its dedication to nurturing the potential of every child and family. As someone raised by a single mother in a community that faced many challenges, I understand the vital role organizations like the Y play in fostering hope and opportunity. I look forward to working with the board, staff, and community to create lasting, transformational change in Yonkers.”

Jason’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Yonkers Family YMCA as it prepares to embark on significant capital improvements and expanded programming to meet the growing needs of the Yonkers community.

Under Rodriguez’s leadership, the Yonkers Family YMCA will continue its focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility while exploring new opportunities to serve the community, including strengthening partnerships and addressing critical issues like food security, violence prevention, and affordable housing.

Rodriguez will begin his Y career officially on November 4, 2024.

Aviso a SACC Familias

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Megan Pirron-Lillie

Notice to SACC Families

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Megan Pirron-Lillie

MOBILE VIOLENCE PREVENTION UNIT READY TO HIT THE ROAD IN YONKERS, NY

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Megan Pirron-Lillie

Yonkers Family YMCA Unveils PeaceMobile RV

The YONKERS FAMILY YMCA proudly presents the unveiling of its latest initiative, the PeaceMobile RV. This groundbreaking mobile unit is set to revolutionize crisis response in communities affected by violence.

“The PeaceMobile stands as a beacon of hope, offering vital services to communities grappling with trauma and conflict,” remarked Sade Gilcrest, Director of the PeaceMobile.

“Through therapeutic wellness programs, conflict resolution strategies, and healing practices, we aspire to cultivate environments of resilience and tranquility. Our mission is to create a safe haven where all individuals can find peace and solidarity.”

The Yonkers YMCA PeaceMobile will function as a mobile sanctuary, providing a diverse array of offerings including Yoga and Mindfulness Meditation, Music and Arts, P.E.A.C.E Music Studios, a Relaxation Oasis featuring restorative massage and aromatherapy sessions, Healing and Community Circles, as well as Professional and Unconventional Therapeutic services.

The realization of this vision was not without its obstacles, and we extend heartfelt appreciation to the individuals who have contributed to its success.

Together, we are forging a path toward a brighter, more harmonious future for Yonkers and beyond.

Learn more about the PeaceMobile

Special thanks are owed to Erica Ford – CEO, Founder of Life Camp, Inc, Bishop Carl Fuller & Darrell Craig with Life Camp Inc., Lucria Ortiz, Former President & CEO of Yonkers YMCA, Donald Somerville, Sade Gilcrest (our esteemed PeaceMobile Director), and the entire PeaceMobile staff.

We are equally grateful for the steadfast support from the City of Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano, Sunday Tinelle, Mario Caruso, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Marilyn Ponce – Project Manager, CDBG Economic Development and St. John’s Riverside Hospital, along with Tim Hodges, Jim Leviness, Denise Mananas. We also extend our appreciation to our community partners whose unwavering support has been invaluable: Yonkers Wellness Center, We Art One, Juices For Life, Yonkers Public Library, and Dolce Design.

Women in the YMCA

Posted on March 1, 2024 by Megan Pirron-Lillie

A brief history of Women in the YMCA movement.

In honor of Women’s History Month, the Y is honored to commemorate and celebrate female figures within the history of the YMCA movement who were vital to the success and empowerment of all current and future women leaders in the Y.

Yonkers African American Heritage Committee, Black History Month Luncheon

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Megan Pirron-Lillie

Two members of our team, John Thompson (Community Health Program Director) and Vincent Taliaferro (Interim President & CEO), had the honor of taking part in the Black History Month Luncheon organized by the Yonkers African American Heritage Committee last weekend at the Nepperhan Community Center. The event celebrated the outstanding contributions of artists Katori Walker and Evan Bishop.

We Wear Black 2024

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Megan Pirron-Lillie

2/23/24: Today, we stand with YMCAs across the country and commit to being an anti-racist organization by wearing black. Why do we wear black? We wear black to honor the struggle of those who came before us. We wear black in unity with those who are working daily to fight injustice, prejudice and inequity. We wear black to do our part to ensure those who come after us have greater opportunity to thrive. #WeWearBlack