Beyond Our Four Walls: If You Think We’re Just a Gym, Think Again!
Devonne Franklin’s Story
Devonne Franklin, the Y in Central Maryland’s Executive Director of Community & Associate Wellbeing took an unconventional route in her career trajectory. With a Masters Degree in Business Intelligence and Analytics and a BA in Nutritional Sciences, she may have easily slid into a leadership position in health analytics or a similar high profile career. Instead, she listened to her heart and plunged full force into her 18 year community development career.
As a sophomore at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in Baltimore, Devonne was exposed early to community work as an advocate tutor for children in East Baltimore. The Baltimore Algebra Project, a non-profit focused on supporting student achievement in math, and advocating for educational resources, exposed her to the world of education and community needs. Continuing her work, Devonne has supported various non-profits in Baltimore and beyond; addressing needs through direct service, advocacy, and strategic leadership. Noticing various trends associated with community needs, Devonne made the calculated decision to study Information Technology, Business Analytics to support positive outcomes in the communities she serves. Her decision to focus on the story that data tells in our communities has led to funding for organizations she’s served; both large and small.
Given that the Y is dedicated to all realms of health and well-being but primarily known for its fitness facilities, the idea of “Community Health” can seem redundant or vague. For us, however, it means doubling down on the intentionality with which we reach people and support their overall health and wellbeing. Devonne thinks of this as a multi-pronged strategy: resource coordination, access to healthy food and chronic disease prevention.
Resource Coordination
Resource coordination within the Y’s Community Health Strategy starts with The Druid Hill Community Coalition, a network of community-based organizations working to collaboratively address health-related needs in West Baltimore. Supported through a partnership with the Quest Diagnostics Foundation, outreach begins with a comprehensive health assessment which helps Devonne and her team of Community Health Workers determine and coordinate Coalition resources with the Y as the single point of access. Services within reach for the Community Health Team include mental and physical wellness, substance use disorder, workforce development, food access, as well as support for our Geraldine Young Family Life Center, a housing and resource center for families experiencing homelessness.
Food Access
Moving onto another leg in the stool, Devonne’s team also coordinates the provision of healthy food through our four Y Fresh Mart food resource centers for those in our community who are experiencing food insecurity. This critical community work is generously supported by Wellpoint, Maryland Food Bank, McCormick Flavor For Life, Caring Cupboard, Arundel County Food Bank, Quest 4 Health Equity and the Westminster Rescue Mission, along with our many donors and volunteers.
Chronic Disease Prevention
The final piece of this strategy is focused on chronic disease prevention with Diabetes prevention at the core. With the generous support of CareFirst and University of Maryland Medical Centers, the Y Community Health team is supporting the initial cohort of 50 people with health coaching, exercise, diet support and more.
When Devonne Franklin reflects on her career path and the forces that drove her into community health, she says this: “I’m compelled to do it because I don’t know what else I’d do. With the strengths we have we can bring people together and address a lot of needs. I’m not here to elevate but to lead by commitment. I am here to work with people who actually care about making a bigger impact together.”
Thank you, Devonne Franklin for caring and for bringing your passion, expertise and wise leadership to the Y and to the community we serve. We’re grateful you landed here.