Next up in our interviews with the CHNA 20 Executive Committee is Katelyn Szafir of the South Shore YMCA.

Transcript:

My name is Katelyn Szafir. I am the Associate Executive Director here at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy and in Hanover.

Tell us how partnering with the Blue Hills Community Health Alliance (CHNA 20) has changed your work for the better.

I’ve been with the South Shore YMCA for 11 years now, and it’s really helped me to meet people where they’re at. To not always assume, and to really embrace different individuals and the journeys that they may or may not be going through. The CHNA 20 has really helped myself and the YMCA realize that individuals are at different parts of their journey, and that we are here to support them fully, whatever that may be.

What are 3 words you would use to describe CHNA 20’s impact on the community or an important health issue?

Awareness, education, and communication

Share one goal you have for your continued partnership with CHNA 20. What do you hope we can accomplish together in the future?

When I started out with CHNA 20 as a Steering Committee member, I had joined with Karen Peterson, who now works for South Shore Health, and it was in regards to the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund grant that the YMCA had received in partnership with other community entities throughout Quincy and Weymouth. That would be a huge goal – to restart that program and really try to meet the needs of the individuals not only in Quincy and Weymouth, but the surrounding cities and towns, to meet them where they’re at with their health needs.

What makes you most proud to serve on the CHNA 20 Executive Committee?

We’re like a family. We really know each other very well, and we are really able to make the decisions that we believe are best for the community and for the CHNA 20 as a whole. It’s a really nice partnership and family feel.

Any last thoughts?

I hope everyone has a great day. Stay safe, and hope to see you back at the Y soon!

Many thanks to Katelyn for sharing her perspective! If you’d like to learn more about our work or connect with us, here’s how to get involved.