ABOUT: The Lighthouse – Notes from the CEO

Originally from Maine, childhood trips to the coast frequently involved visiting a lighthouse. While they are beautiful structures, they also serve a very specific and important purpose; bringing light to the dark, clarity to the fog, direction for the lost and illumination for a safe path home.

During the past 24 years serving as a YMCA CEO in several communities, I have come to see our work as that of a lighthouse. We are that beacon in the communities we serve to bring light by forming strong communities, connecting resources and assisting those who need lifestyle changes. We break through the fog by helping parents raise healthy children, by assisting people to escape human trafficking and by providing facilities for people to convene in order to break the barrier of isolation.

We are the community’s lighthouse. 

The Lighthouse: Notes from the CEO is a monthly publication that shares the impact of the YMCA of Greater Houston and brings light to the critical work going on in our community.

Stephen Ives, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Houston
Stephen Ives has more than 30 years of service in the YMCA movement and is recognized as a national leader in innovation and entrepreneurship as well as for the prevention of child sexual abuse. He also has interests in corporate partnerships, global initiatives, diversity and inclusion.