YMCA of Metro Atlanta Names Alpharetta Resident Volunteer of the Year

By Kristen Obaranec

Charmaine Jackson of Alpharetta is receiving the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s 2013 Volunteer of the Year award for her service at the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA. Her work will be honored at the annual volunteer recognition dinner Monday, November 4, 2013.

“As an active participant in Y’s THE COACH APPROACH®, I spent a lot of time as a Y member working toward my goals and lost 130 pounds,” says Jackson. “It was a natural progression to help increase the Y’s awareness in the community and to find ways to improve my Y. We built a vegetable garden at the Y: it is great fun seeing kids and adults digging in the dirt and watching the veggies grow.”

“Charmaine’s dedication to Alpharetta and to this Y is tremendous,” says Scott Doll, executive director of the Isakson/Alpharetta Y. “Her daughter was part of the Y’s after-school, summer camp and soccer programs more than 10 years ago. She appreciates everything the Y did for her family, so she willingly  gives some of that back.”

Jackson serves on the Y’s healthy living committee, and she also helps to organize the annual Healthy Kids Day at the Y. “The YMCA is deeply involved in building a true sense of community,” Jackson says. “You become part of a big family that provides support and encouragement for a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. The Y is unique because it focuses on spirit, mind and body – the whole person. It’s very rewarding to see how helping others in a small way can make such a big difference so quickly.”

Jackson is active in many Alpharetta organizations including the Alpharetta Community Garden, Alpharetta Business Association and Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta.

The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and connect. Call 770-664-1220 or visit online.###