Julia Versteegh, an Atlanta resident, received the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s Volunteer of the Year award for her service with the Cowart Family YMCA and Reece Bernard, also an Atlanta resident, was named Teen Leader of the Year for his involvement with various Y programs. They were both honored at the Celebration of Community Champions dinner Thursday, January 26, 2017 along with other branch volunteers and teen leaders.
Versteegh’s first connection to the Y was in 1993 as a Happy Club volunteer at the Decatur Family YMCA. In 2003, she started volunteering at the Cowart Family Y to lead the Happy Club at that branch. The Y’s Happy Club provides teens and adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to further develop their social and community skills through involvement with the Y.
“Volunteering for the Y and the Happy Club has been a big part of my adult life. It’s a big part of my social life,” said Versteegh. “It grounds me and adds meaning to my life. I like knowing that my participation in the group adds value to their lives.”
Bernard joined the Leaders Club at the Cowart Y as a freshman at the invitation of a friend. During the past three years, he has been a leader in the club including serving as President. In addition to his dedication to the Leaders Club, Bernard has served as a volunteer coach for the youth soccer program and been a volunteer referee for both youth soccer and basketball. He continues to set the bar for younger referees and coaches.
“The Y has provided me with role models in the form of peers and advisors that have helped me grow,” said Bernard. “On top of that, the volunteer work has given me many changes to be a role model for other children and peers as well. It has inspired me to continue to contribute to my community.”
To learn more about the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and the programs available, visit www.ymcaatlanta.org.
About the YMCA of Metro Atlanta
The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and connect.