Today, we're revisiting our conversation with someone who wears a couple of hats in her connection to the Y—Lindsey LeFaivre. Lindsey is not only a passionate Y member and mom who participates in programming for her young children at multiple Ys across the city, but she's also the Vice President of Customer Success with AchieveIT. This software company helps the YMCA track and measure the success of our strategic plan. In this episode, we'll explore how Lindsey's family benefits from the Y, what it's like to be part of a community serving people of all ages, and how her professional expertise is helping the Y evolve and expand its impact.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• 03:37 Lindsey talks about her journey to the Y and the convenience of experiencing the different Y's in Atlanta

• 12:06 Lindsey explains how her company integrates with the Y, enabling the Y to track its success

• 15:36 Lindsey describes the volunteer event AhieveIt hosted at the Y for older adults who have survived breast cancer, and she explains what she finds exciting about the Y

• 20:15 Different fitness programs are offered at various Y locations. Lindsey emphasizes the cost-benefit of joining the Y as opposed to a private fitness club, and she talks about the resource the Y is for underserved communities

• 25:12 Lindsey shares her vision for the evolving Y, capitalizing on toddlers

• 29:59 Lindsey's message to parents

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Y is much more than just swimming—many people don't realize its wide range of activities and programs. In Atlanta, different Y locations provide various opportunities for kids throughout the school year, on weekends, and during summer camps. If you haven't explored your local Y yet, do yourself and your family a favor and check it out!

• A YMCA membership is both affordable and packed with value. Compared to private classes and gyms, the Y offers a wide range of activities at a fraction of the cost, making it accessible for all. Adults enjoy the Y as much as kids do—you can join in on activities or take a well-deserved break while your child participates.

• The Y provides a safe environment for children, giving parents peace of mind that their kids are well cared for. Plus, the Y hosts seasonal events like Trunk or Treat, Fall Festivals, and more for families to enjoy.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

AcheiveIt - Website

Lindsey LaFaivre - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

In addition to being an avid fan and member of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Lindsey LaFaivre is the Vice President of Customer Success for a software company called AchieveIt. She has been with AchieveIt for six years. She has over 10 years of experience in Customer Success – specifically working in SaaS platforms and has assisted hundreds of clients in tracking their most important initiatives and growing their business. Lindsey has been a resident of Atlanta since 2018 and, before that, lived in Phoenix, AZ, where she got her bachelor's degree from Arizona State University. She lives in Westview with her husband, their two young daughters, and a very large dog, appropriately named Cheesecake. In her free time, she enjoys thrift shopping, biking and spending time with friends and family. She's been a member of YMCA Atlanta since 2022.

Today, we're joined by Darrell Edquist, a member of the Community Engagement Board at the Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA, who has turned his retirement into something incredibly meaningful. Darrell set a personal goal to help 4,000 children—kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity—experience summer camp at the Y. And he didn't just set the goal—he got to work. As of last week, he's already raised enough support to send 74 kids to camp this summer.

It's a powerful reminder of what's possible when someone decides to use their time, their relationships, and their energy to make a difference.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How retirement purpose and honest self-reflection can lead to transformational community impact through youth summer camp fundraising

✅ Why a simple, consistent direct mail fundraising strategy built around personal relationships can outperform digital outreach and drive real charitable giving

✅ How sending underprivileged children to YMCA summer camp plants seeds of friendship, hope, and dreams that can ripple across generations

✅ How volunteer leadership rooted in giving without expectation of personal benefit can inspire others to discover their own joy of helping others

Join the Y Connect Podcast to discover inspiring stories of transformation and wellness. Tune in for practical tips and community-driven insights on fitness transformation. Subscribe now to elevate your fitness journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Darrell Edquist and his bold youth summer camp fundraising goal of sending 4,000 kids to camp

02:56 Darrell reflects on retirement purpose and discovering his greatest personal failure

08:52 What Darrell realized in attempting this goal to help others

14:03 The emotional story of a single mother and son that fuels Darrell's summer camp scholarship mission

19:05 The three-step direct mail fundraising strategy for reaching the goal of helping underprivileged children

24:39 How to donate and send a child to YMCA summer camp

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

💎 The fundraising strategy proves that direct mail built on trust and personal relationships still cuts through the noise when digital outreach falls short.

💎 A child can go to summer camp for $250 per week, and a special-needs summer camp experience, at just $350, provides additional counselor support and individualized attention that can profoundly shape a child's future.

💎 When individuals model community volunteerism and giving back without personal benefit, they inspire an entire network to discover meaning and purpose through charitable giving.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Darrell Edquist is a member of the Community Engagement Board at the Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA and a passionate advocate for expanding access to YMCA summer camp for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. After a 45-year career in sales and business, including more than 35 years in leadership roles overseeing teams and managing $50–$150 million in annual revenue, Darrell has, in retirement, turned his focus toward community impact. He's set an ambitious personal goal: to help 4,000 under-resourced children attend YMCA summer camp.

What started as a personal commitment has quickly become a growing movement. As of April 3rd, Darrell has already raised enough support to send 74 children to camp—opening the door for life-changing experiences, connection, and belonging.

Darrell Edquist - Email

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Today on (Y) Connect, we're honored to welcome Dr. Lori Duckett—physician, advocate, and proud member of the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA. Dr. Duckett is a passionate supporter of inclusive sports and has been instrumental in introducing Special Olympics programming to the Y. Her leadership is helping to ensure that athletes of all abilities feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

In today's episode, we'll hear how Dr. Duckett's medical background, personal experiences, and unwavering belief in equity have shaped her journey—and how the Y community is growing stronger and more inclusive because of it.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• 00:00 Intro: Meet Dr. Lori Duckett
• 02:35 Dr. Duckett's Y origin story
• 05:45 Special Olympics enhances accessibility and engagement and promotes equity and access to sports
• 09:28 Sports can combat obesity, support health, wellness, and socialization for athletes with special needs
• 11:41 Reflection on Special Olympics fostering community growth,
• 17:45 Dr. Duckett explains what inclusion means to her
• 20:42 Georgia Tech provides Resources and Education for Athletes with Down Syndrome

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The advocacy for Special Olympics at the Andrew and Walter Young YMCA creates a supportive community where athletes of all abilities feel valued and included, enhancing engagement and socialization.

• Collaborations with organizations like Georgia Tech and Kaiser improve accessibility to sports and education, offering resources and opportunities for athletes with Down Syndrome and their families.

• Integrating Special Olympics into YMCA programs promotes health, wellness, and equity, empowering athletes and encouraging volunteer involvement for a more inclusive community.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

LinkedIn: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Dr. Lori Duckett - LinkedIn

BIOGRAPHY:

Lori Duckett is a dedicated pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente and a lifelong advocate for children with Down syndrome and pediatric obesity. Inspired by her journey as both a mother and sister to loved ones with Down syndrome, she brings a deep sense of empathy and commitment to her work.

With 12 years of clinical experience, she blends medical expertise with heartfelt advocacy to support children with developmental differences and those facing weight-related health challenges. Her work centers on inclusive, evidence-based care that empowers families and addresses the unique needs of underserved communities.

Dr. Duckett has a long-standing history of volunteering with the Special Olympics and is a passionate supporter of efforts that promote inclusion, empowerment, and health equity. She is actively involved in outreach, education, and collaboration with local and national Down syndrome organizations.

Currently, she is developing virtual pediatric obesity counseling programs and is available for presentations, podcasts, and conference panels focused on Down syndrome, childhood obesity, and equitable care models in pediatrics.