Today, on (Y) Connect, we share a touching and inspiring story highlighting the transformative power of community, fitness, and perseverance. Louisa Merchant, a dedicated YMCA member, and Cindy Augustin, a beloved group exercise instructor who has played a pivotal role in Louisa’s journey, are joining us. Recently, Louisa penned a heartfelt letter to YMCA leaders, reflecting on her experience over the past few months and how the Y has helped her regain physical strength and a renewed sense of hope. We’re thrilled to have them here to share their incredible stories and the profound impact the YMCA has had on their lives.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [2:24] Louisa shares what initially drew her to the Y and kept her connected for 15 years, and Cindy responds to Louisa’s heartfelt feelings about the Y, and Louisa discusses the difficulty in reconnecting with her body after the pandemic

• [9:13] Cindy talks about the atmosphere she creates in her class, and Louisa shares how the diversity offered at the Y built her confidence

• [18:46] Louisa discusses how the Y helps her in her position as she works with the All Saints Church in their refugee program, and she gives examples of how the Y has helped refugees

• [24:20] Cindy discusses the collaboration she is looking forward to with her daughter, who was recently hired, and Louisa talks about the importance of human relationships

• [29:27] Cindy shares her Y story, and Louisa shares how it feels to be a part of an organization that makes such a wide-reaching impact on lives across Atlanta

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Y is a safe place. It offers personal safety and an atmosphere of acceptance, no matter what your background

• Cindy makes her SokaSweat class fun for every age and ability to participate at their level

• Louisa felt confident about doing a cycling class because she trusted Linda, the trainer, and felt comfortable with her
  

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

BIOGRAPHIES:

Louisa Merchant, a member of the YMCA for 15 years, is the director of All Saints Episcopal Church Refugee Ministries and connects volunteers to work in teams to help refugee families adjust to the difficult transition of living in the US. She credits dancing and being in the Y community empowering her to be more present in the world.

Cindy Augustin has been a Group Exercise Instructor at the East Lake YMCA since September 2022. She and her family became members of the Y in 2016. She teaches Dance parties and Line Dance, but her journey with dance did not start there. Cindy’s curiosity and passion for dance began in high school while participating in a church play. This led to her participation in various genres of dance classes. In 2000, Cindy left her job as a business analyst to start a family with her husband. However, she continued to pursue her passion for dance by creating a Performing Arts company, Vessels Arts and Education, in 2011 with her three daughters as her first students. As her company grew, it led to teaching opportunities at various private and public schools. Cindy now applies her analytical skills to assess community needs. She aims to use her Caribbean culture, arts, and fitness to facilitate creative and fun classes, transforming timid and disinterested students into self-health advocates.