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.
Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family 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!
Kailey Flesner - 2022 Changemaker Award
Kailey Flesner spent last summer as an aquatic volunteer, helping support swim instructors during swimming lessons. As a swim aide, Kailey learned how to teach young swimmers basic skills, as well as how to lead a swim program. Kailey helped teach youth from the East Palo Alto community the lifesaving skills of swimming lessons; these lessons provided kids with a fun and educational summer activity, contributing to their personal growth. As a competitive swimmer, Kailey shared her own knowledge and experience to help others learn life-saving swimming skills.
Michael Mashack - 2022 Distinguished Service Award
Michael Mashack has served on the Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA’s Board of Managers for the past six years, the last half as Board Chair. In fact, he extended his tenure as Chair due to the pandemic. In addition, he’s led numerous committees and community initiatives, including helping to establish a Board Task Force focused on Youth Mental Health. This Task Force is researching community needs and programs/agencies in East Palo Alto and surrounding communities, determining resources that will be compiled for local residents. Michael is very active at the City level, as well, currently serving as the Public Works and Transportation Commissioner of East Palo Alto. Michael’s involvement and connections in the community help keep branch staff informed and connected to current going-ons in the City of East Palo Alto.