NEW PHONE NUMBER! 360-481-YMCA | ZERO JOINING FEE THROUGH JUNE 21! USE CODE SPRING2026 AT CHECKOUT
Join us for a SPOOKY Les Mills launch party! All are invited to come dressed in their costumes for a chance to win prizes, plus enjoy themed snacks and a raffle!
By Lesli Baker
Fall has arrived, and with it Halloween – the time of year when we seem to be surrounded by sweet treats and candy. Even just entering the grocery store we are bombarded with sales techniques to temp our taste buds! And while there is nothing wrong with an occasional treat, keeping our hands out of the candy bowl can be a real TRICK!
Here are some ideas for some healthier Halloween options without losing the fun!
Try cutting a green apple into a wedge, cut out a section, and put some almond butter inside. Add a slice of strawberry for a tongue, sunflower seeds or raisins for the teeth, and candy googly-eyes for extra effect!
Another healthy Halloween option that I like especially for Trick-Or Treaters. Instead of bags of candy, I head to the Dollar Store and pick up Halloween-themed party favors! Pencils, erasers, plastic eyeballs, bugs, and spider rings! Always fun and never fails to prevent falling victim to a trick!
[OLYMPIA, WA – September 23, 2022] — PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING KYESHIA TO OUR COMMUNITY!
The Y is excited to welcome Kyeshia Likely as our Executive Director of Community Engagement. This new role in the organization is focused on developing innovative approaches to service delivery through deep stakeholder engagement and co-creation of programs. Additional focus will be on the creation of organizational policies and structures that remove barriers and foster equity and inclusion for all.
Kyeshia sees herself as an empowering leader with a passion for developing relationships and advocating for the needs of people most impacted by systemic structures of oppression. She began her career as an AmeriCorps volunteer where she served communities in the Greater Seattle area. During this time, she supported school retention efforts, access to basic needs, and mentorship programs.
Most recently, Kyeshia put her community-building skills to work through youth programs at a Seattle-based nonprofit, Choose180. A highlight of her time there was forming a youth-led advocacy division which supported young people around Washington State in drafting and learning about community policy reforms.
As Executive Director of Community Engagement in the South Sound YMCA, Kyeshia is determined to form stronger community bonds that will create a platform for all voices to be heard, especially young voices.
Kyeshia will join the Y team on Monday, September 26th! Please join us in welcoming her to our amazing South Sound community! Reach out to Kyeshia at likelyk@ssymca.net.
CLAUDIA SUASTEGUI TO LEAD THE Ys MASON COUNTY BRANCH[SHELTON, WA – September 1, 2022] — PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING CLAUDIA TO OUR COMMUNITY!
The Y is thrilled to announce the new Director of the Shelton Family YMCA – Claudia Suastegui. Through a very deliberate search and selection process with numerous outstanding candidates, Claudia rose to the top through her natural relationship-building skills, positivity, and ability to break down walls by focusing on common experiences
Claudia comes to us from the Caldwell Branch of the Treasure Valley Family YMCA in southwest Idaho, where she is currently the Youth Development Director. She loves the Y, where she says she feels a sense of belonging. Throughout her 20-year career with the Treasure Valley Y, Claudia served in a variety of roles and was instrumental in the opening of the Caldwell Branch in 2005.
A graduate of Boise State University, Claudia began her pre-Y career as a social worker with Terry Reilly Health Services, where she worked with migrant families connecting them to critical services, building community, and developing trust. An immigrant herself, Claudia became a US Citizen in 1995.
After her recent visits and meetings with volunteers and staff, Claudia sees that “this community has everything it needs to thrive – deep roots, a beautiful environment, and a willingness to help one another”. Claudia and her family look forward to calling Shelton home.
Claudia’s first official day with our YMCA is Tuesday, September 6th. Please give her a call, shoot her an email, or stop by the Y to welcome her to our community!
suasteguic@ssymca.net | 360.918.0304