Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Y. Essential in fulfilling our promise to strengthen community, Y volunteers help us innovate to provide relevant responses to the communities’ ever changing needs. They strengthen our leadership by serving on our boards. They build our capacity to serve by leading our annual and capital campaigns. They transform lives by serving as leaders in Y facilities and out in the community.
Each year our YMCAs recognize a select few for their outstanding contributions of time and talent to improve the lives of our youth, adults, families.
Sequoia YMCA is honored to recognize the following volunteers for their dedication and service to our community. We are a stronger YMCA thanks to their efforts!
Abram & Isaac Pech Cardos - 2022 Changemaker Award
Initiative is often a learned skill – but for Isaac and Abram, it’s natural. Understanding the need for water safety, they volunteered for an entire week to teach kids the importance of being careful and fundamental swim skills at the Safety Around Water program. Each day they jumped into work with their students, and when the teacher needed support, they stepped up in a variety of ways that showed how leadership and community work in action. As they taught children to swim, they also taught them about life as role models and leaders. Isaac and Abram are enthusiastic, responsible, and caring leaders who help children feel safe in the water so they can enjoy it for a lifetime.
Maura Coghlan - 2022 Distinguished Service Award
Maura is excellent at building community - in the water and in person. With drive and passion, she personally launched, then grew, the Y’s water volleyball program in six short months. Under her care, the program grew from four to sixteen members. Each week, she brings them together to play, compete, and connect. She builds up the team as well as the community by making sure all members know they are an integral part of the program and how they fit in at the Y. Maura is a caring leader dedicated to water volleyball, the Y, and a healthy community.