The YMCA of Central Virginia is pleased to announce the newest addition to our team, Tereika "Gee" Grooms, the new Director of the Downtown YMCA Teen Center & Outreach.
Gee brings a wealth of experience working with our community, most recently as an officer with the Lynchburg Police Department. While at the LPD, Gee volunteered on the Downtown YMCA Teen Center Committee. Before LPD, Gee focused on her passion by working with teenage to college students with Old Dominion Job Corps and Lynchburg Parks and Recreation. In March 2019, Gee created PUSH Skills, a basketball training program focused on developing the youth of Lynchburg City and surrounding areas. Her passion for helping young people navigate the challenges of adolescence and achieve their goals aligns perfectly with our organization's mission.
As a staff member for the Y, Gee will create accessible life-enhancing opportunities for local teens, including the YMCA's BYMOC (Boys and Young Men of Color) Initiative, Y on Wheels Bus, after-school mentoring, post-high school readiness, and the Swim to Work, a work readiness and training program. Additionally, she will coordinate and supervise all teen events and teen camps, ensuring the Y continues to provide the highest level of support and guidance to young people in our community.
"We are thrilled to welcome Gee to our team," said YMCA of Central Virginia CEO Jay Parker. "Her expertise and enthusiasm will be invaluable in helping us to continue providing the best possible experience for the teens in our community."
Gee expressed excitement at the opportunity to work with YMCA, "I am honored to have joined such a passionate and dedicated team, and I look forward to implementing programs at the YMCA for teens that exemplify and create success for their bright futures."
New for 2023, the YMCA Teen Center, located at the Downtown YMCA in Downtown Lynchburg, is primarily funded through grants and private donations. The Y is committed to helping teens find a place to connect, belong, and reach their full potential.
Misty Vinson-Spitzer, Director of Community Engagement for the Y, shared that the Y is seeking community-minded organizations and individuals to collaborate with, "We are eager to work with community collaborators that want to help create a brighter future for our teens. Navigating life in today's society can be very challenging for young people. Together, we can help all kids reach their full potential."
Those interested in more information should contact Gee Grooms at tereikagrooms@ymcacva.org or Misty Vinson-Spitzer at mistyspitzer@ymcacva.org