This month I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a panelist at the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Economy event, where I joined local leaders in discussing the progress and potential of our great city. It was truly inspiring to be among individuals who care deeply about the growth, development, and vibrancy of Wichita Falls and the entire Texoma region.

It has been another exciting month here at the YMCA! The past few weeks have been heartwarming, and I want to take a moment to reflect on an immensely special event we’ve had the privilege of supporting.

This past month, the YMCA, thanks to the vision and leadership of Onelife Community Church, had the incredible honor to be a part of the Night to Shine event. It was a night full of joy, celebration, and community as we came together to honor and celebrate individuals with unique abilities. Seeing the smiles on the faces of hundreds of Honored Guests was a reminder of the impact we can make when we work together to create a welcoming, supportive environment for all.

As we step into the New Year, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you—our members, staff, volunteers, and community partners—who make our YMCA a force for good, support, and connection. I am thrilled to kick off our first “Mission Monday” newsletter of 2025 to our growing YMCA family and it is my hope that you can gain more insight as to how we strive every day to strengthen the foundations of our community.

The Y will always be more than a gym or a community center—it’s a place where lives are transformed, where friendships are formed, and a place to truly belong. As we welcome our new members and program participants in 2025, we will continue this mission with greater determination.