EP 134: Strengthening Community: Social Workers at the YMCA
NASW Social Work Talks Podcast
Join the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the YMCA for an inspiring conversation about the vital role social workers play in strengthening communities. We explore how the YMCA’s mission aligns with the social work profession to promote well-being, mental health, and youth development. Hear stories from the field, learn about innovative programs, and discover the many ways social workers are making an impact at the Y. Our host, April Ferguson, NASW's Senior Practice Associate for Children and Adolescents, chats with our featured guests, Anna Stindt, MSW, APSW – Mental Health Director, La Crosse Area Family YMCA and Diara Jackson, LCSW-C Senior Executive Director, Social and Emotional Learning, Youth Development & Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Y in Central Maryland.
December 5, 2025
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This episode was developed after the National Association of Social
Workers (NASW) collaborated with the American Public Health Association
(APHA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through a
leadership program titled Champions of Change.
The program is an initiative to develop leaders that address ACEs,
overdose and suicide using a shared public health messaging framework. A
representative from NASW, the YMCA and other community stakeholders
participated in the 2024 Champions of Change Cohort
and provided an APHA pre-conference presentation. Throughout the
presentation, there were clear similarities between the YMCA’s mission
and the mission and values of the social work profession. This episode
highlights how the YMCA and the social work field
together improve public health and support community/individual
wellbeing.
Review the resources below for more information about the Champions of Change program and the messaging framework.
Urgent. Related. Preventable: Champions of Change understand that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), overdose and suicide are urgent, related and preventable public health challenges that have consequences for all of us.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Working with Children, Youth and Families: The goals of prevention are to minimize the negative effects of ACEs and prevent their occurrence, with the hope of reducing the likelihood of associated risks such as overdose, suicide, and other related outcomes.
LaCrosse Area Family YMCA - Mental Health: At the Y, we are committed to supporting the mental health of all by providing opportunities to connect, educate, and collaborate in order to improve the mental wellbeing of our community.