Neighbor News
Chick-fil-A Foundation and YMCA Cut Ribbon for Training Center
Training Center to Open at New YMCA Leadership & Learning Center on the Westside
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta welcomed Chick-fil-A Foundation executives and local community leaders on [date] for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Chick-fil-A Foundation Training Center at the new YMCA Leadership & Learning Center in Vine City in Atlanta’s historic Westside community.
Chick-fil-A Foundation’s contribution of $1 million helped fund the state-of-the-art training center that will serve as a hub for innovative professional development and training in early learning, afterschool, health and wellness for local and regional YMCA staff. It’s estimated that more than 4,000 YMCA employees will train in the center each year.
“This training center is the result of several years of partnership and planning with Chick-fil-A on our HERE FOR GOOD Capital Campaign,” said Lauren Koontz, president & CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “We are so grateful to the Chick-fil-A Foundation for believing in our mission to serve this community in a broader way.”
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The space includes two training rooms, a computer lab, conference room and a gathering place for the community to help contribute to workforce development on the Westside.
“The Chick-fil-A Foundation is focused on building strong communities where every child has the chance to grow up to become all they can be,” said Rodney Bullard, vice president of corporate social responsibility for Chick-fil-A, Inc. and executive director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation. “We hope this space will empower and equip YMCA staff to extend their impact and make a difference in even more lives across Atlanta.”
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In addition, the YMCA has partnered with Westside Works to provide job opportunities and training for Westside residents in the Chick-fil-A Foundation Training Center, including Child Development Associate (CDA) training. Through this program, men and women can earn their CDA credential to teach at early learning centers. To date, more than 50 individuals have completed the program and the YMCA plans to reach another 50 before the end of 2019.
Through collaborations with other partners including Good Samaritan Health Center, Open Hand/Good Measure Meals, The Trust for Public Land, and local colleges, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta will continue to implement community-based education and wellness programs for youth and adults.
About the Chick-fil-A® Foundation
The Chick-fil-A® Foundation is the corporate foundation of Chick-fil-A, Inc. A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation's purpose is to lead the company's commitment to support youth and education in Chick-fil-A's local communities. The Foundation's work is focused on developing and educating young people so they can build a positive legacy and become all they can be.
About the YMCA of Metro Atlanta
For more than 160 years the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has been impacting lives and strengthening communities. As Atlanta has grown, the YMCA has also evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. Well-thought-out planning, while engaging stakeholders at various levels, provides the backdrop for sustainable change and positive impact at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. By providing impactful services and support networks, and building bridges between people from all backgrounds, the Y has maintained its relevance, helping to create stronger, more cohesive communities for all. https://www.ymcaatlanta.org/16...
