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

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