"Connectivity is so important – no matter what age." - Amy Jewell

A recent study showed that 2 in 5 Americans haven't made a new friend in five years due to shyness or introversion. Even more, another study revealed that the loneliness rate in America has doubled since the 1980s. That number has now reached 40 percent of adults in America, and some experts believe the "real number" may be a lot higher than that. During today's episode, Dr. Michelle Robin invites Amy Jewell from the YMCA of Greater Kansas City to share the multitude of ways their organization is helping to address the loneliness and mental health crisis for all ages. Amy will share why connection and relationships make all the difference in the world when we're going through challenges – saying that she can see relationships building everywhere you look at the YMCA. She will also explain why creating friendships can be a powerful form of therapy for kids and how some of their longest and lifelong friendships begin at the Y.

About Today's Guest:

Amy Jewell joined the YMCA of Greater Kansas City as the Senior Vice President of Operations in April 2023. She provides operations leadership for 11 of the Greater Kansas City Y Centers and their programs, including membership, healthy living, aquatics, youth, and family. Jewell has more than 15 years of experience in operations leadership at organizations including the Joplin YMCA in Joplin, Missouri; the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park, Kansas; Central Florida YMCA in Orlando, Floraida; and the City of Mount Dora, Florida. Most recently, she was a consultant facilitating partnerships between public and private sector clients to meeting community needs in Boca Raton, Florida.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• YMCA of Greater Kansas City
• YMCA locations around the U.S.