Shane Ruffin, LH YMCA Executive Director
After all, what first comes to mind when you think of the LH YMCA?
Fitness and health, children's sports and activities, community outreach programs? Each is an important part of the YMCA and its mission in Lake Highlands.
Many of us came to know Jayson Killough, who served as executive director for the LH YMCA for five years. An internal promotion took Jayson to Plano, and the Y recently welcomed its new director, Shane Ruffin, in June.
In an effort to introduce our readers to Shane, we visited with him in his new office to learn a little about him and the goals he's setting for his tenure in Lake Highlands.
LHT: What brought you to Lake Highlands?
Ruffin: For the most part is was opportunity. Having worked in Nashville, Los Angeles and Cincinnati, I was attracted to Dallas and Lake Highlands specifically because of its strong community and neighborhood support. People here love their Y. We also enjoy a strong, active board of directors, and I wanted to be a part of it.
LHT: Coming from Cincinnati, have you experienced a culture shift?
Ruffin: Yes, but it's been a good one. I grew up in Nashville, and then went to L.A. because I didn’t have any culture! They’ve got a great YMCA on the west coast, and it was a great experience, but living out there was very expensive.
LHT: How long have you been with the YMCA?
Ruffin: 11 years. I’m finally looking forward to buying a house and settling in the area.
LHT: We've heard it in the news lately. Why is the Y dropping the “MCA” from its name?
Ruffin: We aren't dropping it, actually, but rather adopting a name that everybody seems to call us already, and it's way more than a logo change. It better articulates what we do in the community.
The logo change is a really small piece of it. We've had several logos over the 150+ years we've been around, so this is more of re-branding strategy. It's an opportunity to remind people about our goals - youth development, enhancement and social responsibility. The national news was real quick to pick up this story, but we aren't in a hurry. We'll do it the right way, and I'm really excited about it.
LHT: How will the city's upcoming budget cuts affect the LH YMCA?
Ruffin: We don't rely much on the city. We're pretty self-sustaining, through our own fundraising efforts and the help of the United Way. A common misconception is that the Y is somehow government funded, but we aren’t.
LHT: In terms of Lake Highlands and this a particular Y, what makes it so special?
Ruffin: Being inclusive. This neighborhood is so diverse. You've got millionaires living next door to people who are on the verge being evicted from their apartment. But, everybody is welcome here regardless of race, creed, socio-economic background or income level. Once you get in here in gym shorts, you can't tell who's an attorney and who's the blue collar worker. Everyone fits in here.
LHT: What sets the Y apart from other local gyms?
Ruffin: Well, the biggest difference is our focus on the kids. The youth in America is having a tough time. They are the heaviest youth generation in our country's history. We want kids to grow up in the Y. We want each person, each family, to have specific goals here. At the same time, the senior population is growing. We also have a large cancer survivor program at the Y, which was funded by the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
LHT: Looking at the long range plan for the LH YMCA, where do you see it in 5-10 years?
Ruffin: Program development or adaptation toward the social needs of healthy lifestyles is important. Our goal is to get the whole family up and moving. Having something for everyone in the family, when they walk through the door, is our goal. I want this Y to be the premiere service organization for family health and fitness programs.
For more information about the Lake Highlands Family YMCA visit their website here.
Don't forget to mark your calendars for this year's Golf Classic Tournament on Monday, August 30th. For complete details, read our article about the fundraiser here or contact Shane at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 214.221.9622.
