What's new and what's next at the YMCA of Greater Rochester?
By Evan Dawson, Megan Mack
April 29, 2026 at 1:34 AM EDT
12:00: What's new and what's next at the YMCA of Greater Rochester?
1:00: Spring planting questions? We have the answers.
We sit down with the leaders of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. It has been nearly two years since we last spoke with President and CEO Ernie Lamour and Chief Experience Officer Pam Cowan. Since then, the nonprofit has enacted a new strategic plan that emphasizes community partnerships. From a food pantry and clothing closet, to DMV and tax prep services, to a nationwide basketball tournament, our guests explain the Y's role in meeting the needs of the rural, urban, and suburban areas it serves. In studio:
"Connections" is livestreamed each day on the WXXI News YouTube channel. Watch here.
1:00: Spring planting questions? We have the answers.
We sit down with the leaders of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. It has been nearly two years since we last spoke with President and CEO Ernie Lamour and Chief Experience Officer Pam Cowan. Since then, the nonprofit has enacted a new strategic plan that emphasizes community partnerships. From a food pantry and clothing closet, to DMV and tax prep services, to a nationwide basketball tournament, our guests explain the Y's role in meeting the needs of the rural, urban, and suburban areas it serves. In studio:
- Ernie Lamour, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester
- Pam Cowan, chief experience officer for the YMCA of Greater Rochester
- Petra Page-Mann, co-founder, friend, and neighbor of Fruition Seeds
- Evan Hoyt, grower, amateur seed grower, and researcher at the University of Vermont
"Connections" is livestreamed each day on the WXXI News YouTube channel. Watch here.