January 2017 | 25
Tell us how you got involved with this organization.
I think that is the best feature of this new facility. We will be able to
offer the community so much more than what we had been able to offer
in the past. We have a great partnership with Baptist Health Care that
will allow us to impact the community’s health in ways we never had
before. Both institutions are looking to change the mindset of what it
means to be healthy. We will be able to take the YMCA outside the
building and into the community with programs that help combat
chronic diseases. We can also host more community groups in the
building and deepen our partnerships with like minded organizations.
What is a typical day like at the YMCA of Northwest Florida’s
Bear Levin Studer Branch?
That is the great thing about the YMCA, no two days are alike.
Typically we have traditional health and wellness activities happening.
But we are more than that, we also have therapy services from the
Andrews Institute, we might have a community group meeting in the
Y, a book club, bible study and healthy cooking class demonstrations.
A busy day would see over 1,000 members visit the Y, so each
experience is different for the member.
What are some ways that community members can
contribute, help and get involved?
We are always looking for volunteers and contributions. The
community is always welcomed to visit the facility to see what we can
offer them, or they can visit YMCANWFL.org. We have two locations
in Pensacola and one location in Navarre, so the community has great
opportunities to assist us.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing members connect with one another. As I have said, we are
more than a gym, we are a cause. When that light bulb goes off for a
member and they truly connect with the YMCA, that is great.
Does YMCA of
Northwest Florida’s
new Bear Levin
Studer Branch
have any upcoming
events?
Our official Grand
Opening will be January 2, 2017!
What have been some obstacles you’ve faced and some of
your triumphs so far?
The biggest challenge has been operating one facility, and preparing
to transition to a new one. We had staff performing their duties at the
Downtown location, and trying to get a new department operational in
another building. That was challenging. Our greatest triumph so far
has also been the transition of operations. Our staff did an incredible
job of making sure our members at the Palafox location were still being
served while preparing this facility.
What plans does YMCA of Northwest Florida’s new Bear
Levin Studer Branch have for the future?
Continue to serve the community in the best way we can. We would
like to be an agent of change for the community, be a resource where
people can go to meet any need they might have. If we cannot provide
it, have a community partner we work with to provide the service.
Describe a situation working with the organization that really
stood out and touched you.
The impact we make at events like Halloween at the Y. Our partner,
the Grand Hotel, host over 300 special needs children for a great
event of trick-or-treating, lunch and dancing of course. As the father
of a daughter with Down Syndrome, events like that make it bigger
than whatever you might be doing. They are opportunities that our
volunteers make so special.
Interview with Bill Seedes
Executive Director
YMCA: Bear Levin Studer Branch
24-25 GiveCareShare.indd 2
12/20/16 9:03 AM