LaMonte began his affiliation

with the YMCA as a youth member in Northwest Detroit, taking part in programs after school.   LaMonte came back to the YMCA with his family 20 years later as recipients of the Guardian program.   Out of gratitude, LaMonte wanted to give back to the Y and volunteered to referee and coach youth sports, especially basketball.

LaMonte shares his passion for the YMCA and basketball through his volunteer work with our travel basketball program, but also with the adults when it's his turn to play.  Through our Travel Basketball program, LaMonte recruits teens from the downtown area to come to the YMCA and give them the opportunity to play organized basketball in a safe and disciplined environment. Many of our kids ride public transportation to get to practice to play with Coach Williams on the Newport News YMCA team.  He is an outstanding role-model.  He coaches the kids to develop life- skills, values and confidence through the game.   He pays it forward with our other branches as he serves as our travel team commissioner, working to build teams at each of the branches and grow an Association league to provide a variety of game experiences for all our communities.

LaMonte also has served on the Board for the past 5 years, and has served as our Vice Chair for two. He shares his love of the Y at our Board meetings and can make every Board member feel the importance of their work and impact on our members and our YMCA.   He shares his message eloquently as our Master of Ceremonies for our Breakfast with Y Champions.   Everyone walks away from his message feeling the magnitude of what we do.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Elizabeth Gwathney was honored

at the Peninsula Metropolitan YMCA

Annual meeting. Elizabeth was chosen as this year's Newport News recipient in recognition for the time she has given to the YMCA and our members by  volunteering. 

Elizabeth joined the YMCA
in 2008 and volunteers at our special events.  She has led children's activities with us at our Membership Appreciation picnics, Fall Festival, Family volunteer night, and Healthy Kids Day. Elizabeth has also represented us at community health fairs and events.  Elizabeth has raised donations as a campaigner for our Strong Communities Campaign.  The YMCA raises Funds each March and April to subsidize our Guardian scholarship program and up to 85 YMCA members assist in raising $65,000 during the year.

Elizabeth's favorite volunteer activity is shopping with a child with our Bright Beginnings Program each summer.  Up to 80 volunteers spend a morning shopping for new school clothes at our Newport News Target with children ages 5-13 years old.  Elizabeth has been awed by the appreciation and the caring the children demonstrate in return for the volunteers time spent with them.

to make sure that everyone,

The Y has been listening and responding to our communities' most critical needs for 160 years.  Strengthening community is our cause.  Whether developing skills or emotional well-being, welcoming and connecting diverse populations or advocating for healthier communities, the Y fosters the care and respect all peoples need and deserve.