Communications Director, YMCA of Greater Houston 
The YMCA of Greater Houston is like a home away from home for Texas resident, Tuesdae Knight Griffin, who beamed with pride as the Houston Texans YMCA branch opened in the Third Ward of the nation’s fourth largest city, one that can support 40 different branches. It’s the first time ever that a sports franchise has partnered with the YMCA to erect a new facility.
“The YMCA is an amazing organization to work [with],” says Griffin, who is communications director for all of Houston’s YMCAs. “You know what? It is a place where anyone can come, anyone can feel welcome, and anyone can be at home. So it’s a wonderful place.”
Another dream for the Northwest Houston native is the opportunity to help the Houston Texans augment the Third Ward of the city with a YMCA, the first time ever that a sports franchise has partnered with the YMCA in such a way. “My wife and I are moving to the Third Ward community so [we] are very excited about this Texans YMCA,” he says.
The owner of the Houston Texans, along with the mayor and other dignitaries present, expressed that the Texans plan to further their philosophy of being ingrained in the cultural fabric of the city that has supported the team so faithfully. “The purpose of this event today is to do our groundbreaking for the Houston Texans YMCA. … This is actually in support of the new building that we’re going to have and what it’s going to mean to the community. The building should be completed, hopefully, in 2010”
