Community Top Of Mind For New South Shore YMCA Director

It's all about family and partnerships for the South Shore YMCA and its new director.

Steve Watson comes to the Y, 3244 E. College Ave., after spending the previous 17 years with the Salvation Army. 

"I came over to look for a new challenge and to be part of a new health movement," said Watson, who started in December. "I enjoy working for nonprofits. I enjoy working with communities and help communities grow and strengthen."

That means trying to find out what it is the community needs most. In the past, the YMCA found a big problem with childhood and adult obesity and developed programs to fight that problem. Watson is tasked with determining the latest needs in the Oak Creek and South Shore areas and responding to it.

"Our focus isn't just this building. Our focus is going out into the community," Watson said. 

Programs that reach out to children and families are a big part of that. The South Shore YMCA has about 3,300 families that utilize the College Avenue facility in Cudahy, just to the east of Oak Creek's border.

Watson touted a new Passport to Play program, held Monday evenings, that encourages families to come together and play together. Staffers make a point to know every member's name so that people feel comfortable coming there and that a family atmosphere can be created, he said.

"We're not just a gym and swim," Watson said.

It's about much more than exercise, Watson said. Many educational programs and a day care program help the YMCA accomplish its community-minded mission.

That community aspect, and forging partnerships throughout Oak Creek and the South Shore area, is a big part of Watson's mission. The YMCA already works with some local service groups including the Oak Creek Kiwanis Club and the Rotary Club of Mitchell Field. Officials want to expand on that to find out how they can best serve the community.

"The main focus is meeting the needs of the community," he said. "We're looking for community partners out there and we're very open to having them contact us."