2024 Swim Policies
Water safety is a top priority for Greater Austin YMCA. In 2023 with guidance from YMCA of the USA, we strengthened our swim policies to support updates made to Texas pool codes.
Those updates included a new swim test and color band system which will remain in place at all Greater Austin YMCA locations.
- All swimmers aged 13 and younger must have a parent/guardian (ages 18+) in the pool area actively supervising all activities.
- Swimmers aged 13 and younger will need to pass a swim test in order to be in the water without a parent/guardian at arm’s reach.
- Our
Recognizing a True Changemaker
Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer Nichole Lopez-Riley (above, second from left) concluded her five-year tenure with the Greater Austin Y on May 1, having helped guide our organization through one of the most tumultuous periods in its history.
Nichole joined the Y as Chief People Officer in April 2019, and less than a year in, faced the once-in-a-lifetime challenge of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, followed in rapid succession with the tasks of right-sizing our Y to weather the business interruption while ALSO completing our Extend-A-Care merger, adapting to ever-changing COVID safety regulations, historic inflation, labor market shortages, a CEO transition, leadership
Choose Joy!
As a therapist, often clients come to the first session and when asked what they would like to achieve in therapy, they respond that they want to feel happy. They want a happier relationship with their partner or with their children; they want to feel happier in their work or just want a happier experience in general. In response to statements like these, I would typically launch into a mini psychoeducational lesson about the difference between happiness and joy and why in today’s society the pursuit of joy rather than the pursuit of happiness is the way to go.
Free Day of Therapy May 22, 2024
Observe Mental Health Awareness Month by taking advantage of a free 30-minute counseling session on Wednesday, May 22, with YMCA Counseling.
Prioritize your mental and emotional health.
Sessions are available 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Bilingual (English & Spanish) sessions are available by request.
Appointments can be virtual (teletherapy) or in person at our East Communities, TownLake or North Austin locations. Claim Your Free Counseling Session
Relationship Refresh April 27, 2024
You are invited to join this workshop Saturday, April 27, designed to help couples deepen their connection with one another.
This online workshop is designed for couples who want to:
- Strengthen communication and truly hear each other.
- Deepen their bond through interactive exercises and shared experiences.
- Rediscover the joy of being together and create lasting memories.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Fun-filled exploration: Engage in activities designed to spark laughter and connection.
- Practical tools: Learn valuable strategies to nurture your relationship long after the workshop.
- Expert guidance: Gain insights and techniques from experienced facilitators.
- A convenient setting: Participate in this virtual session from your own home.
Two sessions are available, and
Celebrating Brenda Hernandez: A Heart for Service
Brenda Hernandez will be wrapping up her YMCA career this month after nearly 22 years. From her work at the Northwest Family YMCA Welcome Center to her recent tenure as Donor Relations Manager in the Metro Office, Brenda has embodied the Y’s spirit of community service. During a recent conversation, Brenda shared some of the insights gleaned over two decades. We all owe it to ourselves to invest a few minutes to hear her words of wisdom.
How did you begin working for the Y?
We had moved from Del Rio, and we were hurting. My boys were young, and I remember
