Y Stories

Y Stories: Katie Provence

September 2, 2026

When Katie Provence was a student at South Albany High School, a teacher told her she should pursue a career path as a teacher. “He said, ‘You should really think about becoming a teacher, whether with littles, like preschool, or kindergarten, first, or second grade, because you are really good with kids,’” Provence said. That advice and encouragement led her to an associate’s degree in childhood development and her current role as the Assistant Director and Coordinator of the YMCA Growing Leaders Early Learning Center. “I am so thankful he suggested it,” she said, “because I absolutely love working with kids.”

Y Story: Angie Duncan

July 1, 2026

Born and raised in Albany, Angie Duncan first came to the YMCA as a child while her mother volunteered in Child Watch. Since 2015, she has served as the organization’s Family Director. In total, her career at our YMCA spans over 19 years.

Y Stories: Tino Barreras

May 1, 2026

For YMCA Chief Program Officer Tino Barreras, the path to a career in nonprofit work began with a part-time job at the Boys & Girls Club of Albany. He has worked at our YMCA since 2021 and oversees our programs, services, grant management and events.

Y Stories: Julie Jackson

April 1, 2026

We are excited to welcome longtime YMCA member and dedicated community leader Julie Jackson to our YMCA Board of Directors! Jackson spent a large portion of her career at Republic Services, where she began in outreach and education before serving as the area’s Municipal Manager. Now entering retirement, Jackson is stepping into a new role of service on our YMCA Board. Her involvement in our YMCA, however, spans decades: She has been a member, in some capacity, for well over 20 years.

Y Stories: Matt Chavarria

March 2, 2026

Each month, an estimated 1,500+ people utilize the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA’s seven acres of turf fields. The project would not have been possible without help from community members and local companies, including Matt Chavarria of Chavarria Construction, whose name now marks the YMCA’s north turf field: Chavarria Field.