In 2024, our YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s governing Board of Trustees, initiated its bi-annual change of leadership with Chief Volunteer Officer (CVO), Jackie Reeves passing the gavel to incoming CVO, Hank Jackson.
We sat down with Hank and asked him a few questions regarding his volunteer experience and goals for our YMCA.
Why did you initially start volunteering with the YMCA?
My kids started playing sports at the Y - soccer, T-ball and flag football. It was a great place to introduce them to sports and for the entire family to exercise and be healthy. A few years later, a neighbor who was involved with the Y asked me to also volunteer. I did and never regretted it.
What do you enjoy most as a volunteer?
Knowing the positive and lasting impact that the Y is having on individuals and families in our community. Each day 4,000 people visit our Y facilities, and we serve 40,000 people annually. Our Y provides a broad array of programs such as swim lessons, drowning prevention programs, youth sports, wellness programs, fitness classes, preschool, aftercare, summer camp, special needs care, senior programs and more - all focusing on improving the wellness of our community.
The impact is significant.
And importantly, our Y provides substantial financial assistance for those who cannot otherwise afford our programs. Our goal is to serve the entire community.
Also, I have to say I very much enjoy getting to know the other volunteers at the Y. They are talented, caring and community-minded. They are volunteering to make others' lives better. Who else would you rather spend time with?
What are you looking forward to most as CVO?
Although our Y's impact is currently large, it comes as no surprise that community needs for wellness are fast growing and ever changing. We live in a high-growth population area with evolving needs. As examples, there is a shortage of affordable childcare, teen mental health challenges, 47% of adults have hypertension, and a general “boom” in the Senior demographic.
The Y must not only continue our existing programs and services, but promptly plan for the future, and our Y is doing just that. I look forward to working with Y staff, volunteers, and supporters to solidify and implement those plans so that we can continue to have a sustainable wellness impact for generations.
Our Y recently celebrated its 50-year anniversary. A lot will happen in the next 50 years, but I am confident that our Y will be a constant and continue providing wellness services as our community grows and changes.
Describe a memorable moment you had at the Y.
It was when my twins had their first soccer game. Being four years old, they lost
focus during the game. They were not watching the ball, were running around aimlessly, and at one point sat down in the middle of the field. I kept my composure and didn't say a word during the game. But when we got to the car after the game, I gave them a stern coaching and lesson on effort, expectations and teamwork.
I suppose I was mimicking my high school football coach. They both looked at me with sincere befuddlement - having never seen me react this way. I realized that it was me who had much to learn about four-year-old youth sports.
Any last thoughts on volunteering for the Y?
One last thought. Volunteering at the Y is without question important for our community. But also, speaking from my own experience, it benefits the volunteer. I have found volunteering increases the health of my own mind, body and spirit.
Hope to see you at the Y!