A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR

A few weeks ago, I heard a sermon about hope. Obviously, this is a topic I enjoy hearing about, not just because of my name, but because of what it promises.

Hope is not just wishful thinking. It is assurance that the future will be better than today.

A beautiful example of a group that offers hope is Thistle & Bee, a nonprofit in Memphis that supports women survivors of trafficking and addiction. Using a holistic approach, Thistle & Bee provides trauma-informed care and therapeutic services that lead women on a journey of healing, wellness and long-term stability.

A residential program serves up to 11 women at a time, but the organization also provides preventative care and outpatient therapy to the broader community. Another way Thistle & Bee assists is by operating a social enterprise to give women a way to become more financially independent. Women use honey produced from beehives the group maintains to produce handcrafted items like flavored granola and candles which are sold at a storefront in Memphis or online.

Women who enter this program are at a turning point. They need to be encouraged to believe in their potential and have mentors show them the path towards a better way of life.

An important part of the program’s healing process focuses on physical health and the value of investing in yourself. This is made possible through a partnership with the YMCA that provides memberships to participants during their time of treatment.

Each week, the women engage in a variety of fitness classes, with a favorite being water aerobics. It embraces the idea that movement helps both the body and the mind, building confidence and healthy habits.

The YMCA knows that recovery is more than just overcoming trauma. It is about having the courage to build a productive, sustainable life on the other side of it. The Y is proud to work alongside community-based groups like Thistle & Bee to uplift and provide hope to women in the Mid-South.

Hope Sneed

Youth on the Move

Last month, participants in the YMCA Youth in Government program stepped beyond the classroom and into the heart of state government during Day on the Hill. Students had the unique opportunity to engage directly with state representatives, senators, and Governor Bill Lee- bringing their learning to life in a powerful and memorable way.

Experiences like this are what make Youth in Government so impactful. By seeing the legislative process, students gain a deeper understanding of how decisions are made and how their voices can be part of that process. It challenges them to think critically, ask questions, and begin imagining their own future roles as leaders and engaged citizens.

At the YMCA, we believe in creating opportunities that inspire young people to grow in confidence, character, and leadership. To learn more about Youth in Government, contact Kelley Clack at [email protected]

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All In for Our Community | April 13-18

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