Over the next two weeks, Houstonians will see individuals achieve amazing things on TV; but the truth is, there is greatness all around us. The YMCA of Greater Houston was inspired by this spirit and created a powerful campaign that highlights its staff as the ‘Unsung Y Heroes’ of our great nation celebrating their selfless acts that have helped shape our community. Throughout the excitement of the coverage, the community will learn about all-star Y staff through TV commercials and YMCA of Greater Houston Facebook and Instagram pages at @YMCAHouston.

“The individuals we are spotlighting are just a few of the thousands of Y staff playing an essential role in our community. While they may not have beaten a world record or stepped onto a podium, these seven individuals have shown up and impacted our communities in ways no one else could have,” said Stephen Ives, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Houston. “This campaign has the potential to be year-round as our staff will continue to be the change for our community; helping each other is what we do and reinforces that we are more than a place, we are a purpose.”

Meet the YMCA of Greater Houston Unsung Y Heroes:

Efrain - When we think of heroes, we often think of people in uniforms or scrubs.

But to one man who suffered a heart attack while working out, he thought of Efrain...in a pair of gym shorts. As a YMCA life guard, Efrain’s quick-thinking and CPR training saved a 49-year-old father’s life.

Elena - During COVID-19, when Elena visited thousands of seniors suffering from loneliness and isolation, she didn’t just win hearts and minds – she healed them with comforting cards and special attention.

Adonis - As a personal trainer, it is his job to motivate clients to exercise. But during the pandemic, Adonis knew he needed to be something much more than a trainer – he needed to be a friend. Adonis connected virtually with hundreds isolated at home to help them stay mentally healthy.

Larry - During the pandemic, Larry wasn’t considered an essential worker. But after showing up each daily to watch the children of frontline heroes while they worked, there’s no better word to describe him than invaluable. Now, he’s continuing to serve the community by helping kids prepare for a school year like no other.

Kashala - To many teenagers, Kashala’s phone is just a communication device. But to those isolated at home during COVID-19, it was a lifeline. Today, Kashala continues to call hundreds of teens to ensure they are getting the resources they need to thrive.

Erin - You won’t see her with a medal, but the Houston community can still feel her impact. During the pandemic, Erin spent thousands of hours on the phone helping families locate critical services and supplies like childcare, masks and food.

Kim - She ensured that people had jobs and families were fed through a partnership with the Houston Food Bank. Now, Kim is ensuring the YMCA of Greater Houston has caring, trained staff to provide impactful programs and services for our community.

As part of the Y’s commitment to inspire youth to thrive and fight inequality, two of the Y’s five areas of impact, the Y recently hosted Splash Bash, a community water safety day where over 500 learned the importance of swim safety at no cost. The Y also partnered with the District G Council Member, Greg Travis, and the Judah Brown Project to provide assistance to families so they could participate in the YMCA’s Safety Around Water program at the Trotter Family YMCA. Additionally, the Y commenced the 17th annual YMCA Operation Backpack, a drive to raise donations and distribution of school supplies and backpacks to students in need throughout the Greater Houston Area. Ready for another year of continuing tradition, the YMCA also revamped the YMCA Camp Cullen website, completing a desired refresh for the 47-year-old summer overnight camp. Now, the updated site is easily accessible and user-friendly for all.

The YMCA of Greater Houston staff couldn’t have achieved these efforts and more without the help of the community. Be part of the change by joining the Y as an Impact Member or Facility Member and learn how your membership will mean more. For more information about the YMCA of Greater Houston, please visit www.ymcahouston.org, and follow the organization on Facebook @YMCAHouston and Instagram @YMCAHouston.