Stephen Ives, CEO of YMCA of Greater Houston, explains how his organization serves nearly 400,000 people annually and focuses on helping people feel connected and like they belong. Based on new research from the Kinder Institute, he shares that young adults aged 18-29 and people earning less than $35,000 feel the most lonely and disconnected in Houston. The research shows that feeling connected to others is more important for personal success than race, income, or age.
While Houston is very diverse, Ives says diversity alone doesn't create real connection. The YMCA plans to use this research to create better programs that bring different generations together and reduce social isolation. He calls on pastors, faith leaders, and other community organizations to work together because no single organization can solve loneliness alone.
His goal is to make Houston known not just for being diverse, but for being a place where everyone truly belongs and feels connected to their community.