In this episode of the "This Is Y" podcast, host and Muskegon YMCA CEO Gabe Gerlach discusses green spaces in Muskegon with the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Muskegon, Kyle Karczewski, and the Director of Business Services at Camp Pendalouan, Rylee Gross.  They discuss not only what "green spaces" are but why they are important for the health of our community.   Learn more about the work of the Muskegon YMCA in creating and preserving a healthy Muskegon at muskegonymca.org ..read more

In this episode of the "This is Y" podcast, we talk about all things diabetes prevention. Host and Muskegon YMCA CEO Gabe Gerlach talks with Ashley Brage, program director of the Diabetes Prevention Program, and Kathy, a program participant. Hear Kathy's story and learn more about the things you can do to delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Ashley speaks to the Diabetes Prevention Program at the Muskegon YMCA, which is a main provider of the program across the state of Michigan. Learn how you can get involved by visiting muskegonymca.org ..read more

In this episode of the "This is Y" podcast, Muskegon YMCA CEO and host Gabe Gerlach talks with Sam Nedeau and his daughters, Darcy and Corinne, who all have a long history at YMCA Camp Pendaloun.  The group answers the question, "What does it mean to belong?" and they discuss the impact of Camp Pendalouan and other Muskegon YMCA programs on helping Muskegon's neighbors find "a place to let your guard down."  ..read more

In this episode, Muskegon YMCA CEO and host Gabrielle Gerlach is joined by Rachel Gorman, Director of Development for Pioneer Resources, and Michael Ramsey, a part of the Health and Wellness Initiatives of Trinity Health Muskegon. Both also serve on the Muskegon County Commission.  Listen to their conversation about leadership in Muskegon, why community partnerships matter, and how you can become involved.  Learn more about the Muskegon YMCA at muskegonymca.org ..read more

Join our host and CEO, Gabe Gerlach, as she talks with Holly Alway, Injury Prevention Coordinator at Trinity Health Muskegon and Chair of the Muskegon Water Safety Task Force, and Andi Switzer, Aquatic Director for Muskegon YMCA and member of the Muskegon Water Safety Task Force. Learn more about the Water Safety Task Force and why water safety, especially on Lake Michigan, is so vital all year round. Hear about the Safety Around Water program available through the Muskegon YMCA. Visit muskegonymca.org to learn more ..read more

 In this episode of the This is Y Podcast, YMCA CEO and host Gabe Gerlach discusses preventative healthcare with Dr. Marisha Agana, Pediatrician and Chief Medical Officer at Muskegon Family Care; Tracy McDaniel, President and CEO of Muskegon Family Care; and Kelli Delong, Associate Executive Director of Muskegon YMCA. Learn more about the partnership between Muskegon YMCA and Muskegon Family Care and the programs offered by both organizations to build a healthier Muskegon, and hear success stories of preventative measures that have made a difference in the lives of our Muskegon neighbors ..read more

YMCA Camp Pendalouan on the shores of Big Blue Lake offers a quiet, rustic setting and unparalleled service for groups from throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region. In this episode, Muskegon YMCA CEO and host Gabe Gerlach chats with Madeline Lombardo, the Executive Director of YMCA Camp Pendalouan, and Jim 'Red' Heeres, the former Waterfront Director from 1957-1964.  Together, the team celebrates the history of Camp Pendalouan, sharing stories of some of their most memorable campers and highlighting the legacy of a Pendalouan experience. Learn more about Camp Penalouan and regist ..read more

The Livestrong with YMCA program helps cancer survivors through exercise classes focusing on their health, not the disease.  In this episode, Muskegon YMCA CEO and host Gabe Gerlach sits down with Livestrong coach, Courtney, and program participant, Louann, to talk about how classes through Livestrong with the YMCA are helping those in our community who have survived cancer to get physically stronger and build strong relationships. Listen to Louann’s story of survival and hear about the impact of the Livestrong program. Learn how to support the program to help build a healthier Muskegon ..read more

The Muskegon YMCA is dedicated to strengthening our community by creating strong partnerships with individuals, families, and other organizations that share our mission to build a healthy Muskegon.  Join Muskegon YMCA CEO and host Gabe Gerlach as she talks with former YMCA CEO Bruce Spoelman and Revel partner Jason Piasecki about the benefit of community partnerships for everyone involved, from providing access to resources to creating avenues for collaboration and fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness in Muskegon. Learn more about the impact of the Muskegon YMCA, its communit ..read more