Staff at Annual Spring BreakfastYMCA Recognizes Staff for Commitment and Dedication

May 13, 2008

Staff make a difference by helping organization meet its mission.

The YMCA of Greater Providence recognized more than 150 employees for their long-term commitment to the organization’s goals and singled out several individuals for rising above and beyond in helping the organization achieve its mission to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, through programs, services, and relationships that are based on the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.  

The winner of the 2008 Mission Impact Award was Cindy McDermott, Director of Program & Membership, for her success in promoting the organization’s public health initiatives, Activate America and Pioneering Healthy Communities, as well as leading the organization in its partnership with the Lance Armstrong Foundation as they collaborate to develop programs and services designed for cancer survivors.  

Other awards included:  

  • Child/Youth Development Champion: Chris Robinson from Newman YMCA in Seekonk
  • Program Director of the Year: Neta-Taylor Post of Bayside Family YMCA and Barbara Vincent from East Side/Mt. Hope YMCA
  • Outstanding Community Outreach: Lionel “Nel” Poisson from East Side/Mt. Hope YMCA
  • Relationship Builder of the Year: Charlotte Herbert from Kent County YMCA and Joe Martino of Bayside Family YMCA.


Jane Castro, from the Newman YMCA, received a standing ovation when she was given the longevity award for serving the YMCA for more than 40 years.

The awards were presented at the Annual Spring Breakfast on Friday, May 2 at the Rhode Island Shriners in Cranston. More than 200 YMCA staff members from around the area attended.