In this edition of Us!...
- Upcoming Y Associate Events
- Y Associate Podcast
- Associate Referral Program
- Shout Outs
- Community Kudos
- Payroll Information
- It's Not Worth the Risk
- Associate Resources
- New Y Roth IRA
- A Note from John Hoey
- Organization Announcements
Y ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITIES
Y PODCAST FOR Y ASSOCIATES
The ALL IN Podcast brings you enlightening conversations with Y colleagues discussing what they are most passionate about in their work; the things they are "all in" on! Hosted by Riquelle Harris, Manager of Learning and Development, these entertaining podcasts are sure to make your day and give you new perspective on your work at the Y.
Click below to listen to episode seven, "Member Magic" with Membership Leaders, Tawanda Ford and Shannon Martin.
ASSOCIATE REFERRAL PROGRAM
We are growing our Y associate community and need your help. If you know someone who may be a qualified candidate for a high demand position, please encourage them to apply. If your referred person is hired, you can potentially earn a $150 - $500 referral bonus!
GOOD VIBES
Y ASSOCIATE SHOUT OUTS
We have more wonderful Y Associate Shout Outs showing initiative, being a great colleague, and going the extra mile: all of which are hallmarks of Y associates and our organizational culture.
Click the blue "Shout Out" icon above to read about Michele Anderson, Dan Hawk, and Rebecca Lewis.
If you have a colleague you'd like to "Shout Out", simply click below to fill out the nomination form.
COMMUNITY COMMENTS
The good work you do doesn't go unnoticed. Enjoy reading these real comments from our Y community and soak in the praise!
Julian, The Y Preschool in Towson
"I love how invested the teachers and associates are in the experience of the students and their growth. The parent-teacher group, named FISH, is also an awesome way for parents to be more involved with the school and helps families feel more like stakeholders rather than feeling like customers, as you might find at other schools/childcare centers."
Jyree, NextGen Scholars, Forest Park
"My son loves this program, and it's hard to find something he likes. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to know about it."
Melisa, The Y in Parkville
"Very family oriented! Kindness and smiles for everyone."
Darrian, Y Head Start in Baltimore City, Elgin Site
“The associates and teachers here are very friendly, helpful and they take responsibility. They also teach the children kindness and respect, but most of all, they teach the kids how to be independent while still providing help. They keep them safe."
Fletcher, Y Before & After School Enrichment, Westowne Elementary
"I love how much the associates who work there love my child. He feels safe and comfortable being there."
WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!
The Us! associate enewsletter is published monthly and we need to hear from you! Share your stories, what’s new in your Y world, and what you are proud of. We want to know! The next regular Us! enewsletter will be published on January 11. The submission deadline is Friday, January 5.
RESOURCES, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
GET PAID!
| PAY PERIOD | PAY DATE |
|---|---|
| November 5 - 18, 2023 | November 28, 2023 |
| November 19 - December 2, 2023 | December 12, 2023 |
| December 3 - 16 | December 26, 2023 |
SUPPORT RESOURCES FOR ASSOCIATES
This time of year can be challenging for many. Our commitment to the well-being of our associates is unwavering, and we want to ensure that everyone has access to support resources. If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, we encourage you to click below to explore resources for crisis support, domestic violence, and basic needs.
Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to provide confidential support, counseling, and resources to assist you in managing life's challenges. To access the EAP, please call (888) 881-5462.
WHY RISK IT?
The Y's Risk Management Team has created a monthly newsletter to highlight key risk reduction practices, reviews and reminders. This serves as an excellent quick reference for high priority risk awareness in our Y programs, centers and sites.
OPEN A Y ROTH ACCOUNT
Beginning January 1, 2024, the Y Retirement Fund will add a Roth IRA Account to the 403(b) Savings Plan. The Roth Account is an after-tax retirement savings account option. Here are a few highlights:
- Any paid employee of a participating Y will be able to contribute to the Roth Account regardless of compensation, age, hours worked, or length of service (just like the current Tax-Deferred Account!)
- Contributions will be made via payroll deduction and taxed in the year of the contribution.
- At retirement, contributions and interest in the Roth Account are tax-free if you are age 59 ½ or older and you satisfy the 5-calendar-year requirement for your Roth Account.
OUR WORK TOGETHER
Dear Colleagues,
With the leaves now piling up around us and the frost on the grass in the morning, all of the telltale signs are in place that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Here at the Y, that means that our annual Y Turkey Trot Charity 5k is next week on Thanksgiving morning! I’m so proud of this event for so many reasons, it’s hard to know where to start, but here are my top four favorite things about the Turkey Trot:
- It unites thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds (this year, we’re expecting upwards of 15,000 people) around exercise, fun, family and giving back. It’s hard to imagine a single activity that more perfectly represents our mission and strategic plan: “All in on Community.”
- It raises badly needed funds (over $800,000 hopefully!) to support Y Open Doors, helping us to remove income as a barrier, for as many as possible, to the Y community and all that we have to offer.
- It is a tangible demonstration of the Y at our best, with all corners of our organization successfully uniting around one single, massive effort that delivers tremendous benefit to the community we all serve.
- And, call me competitive (which I am), but I happen to know that our Turkey Trot is among the largest and most successful in the country and it also ranks near the top of the list among the most successful fundraising events in the region.
Your list of the top four favorite things about the Y Turkey Trot Charity 5k may look different than mine, and that’s cool. I simply hope that you feel super proud of it and what it means about the Y as a force for good in our community.
So, I want to thank you all in advance for whatever role you play in Turkey Trot to help make this not just a successful event but a significant catalyst for change and impact in our community.
As the great Yogi Berra said, “it ain’t over ‘til it’s over,” so please keep up the effort to increase registrations and donations. We are closing in on the finish line (literally and figuratively)!
All the best,
John Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland
ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
We have had some changes within our workforce since the last regular edition of US! Click below for updates.