016 - Building Community From the Inside Out with Kat Phelps of the Georgetown Family YMCA
In this episode of Be Locally Loved, Laura Capes Terry sits down with Cathleen “Kat” Phelps, Executive Director of the Georgetown Family YMCA, to explore what it truly means to build a thriving community. From her early days working at the YMCA in Wichita, Kansas, to helping lead one of Georgetown’s most ambitious community projects, Kat shares how service, leadership, and connection have shaped both her life and the future of Georgetown.
At the center of the conversation is the YMCA’s mission of strengthening spirit, mind, and body for all — and how that mission becomes real through everyday relationships, volunteerism, and local leadership. Kat explains how the Y isn’t just a gym or a program provider, but a place where people find belonging, support, and opportunities to grow stronger together.
The episode also dives into the story behind the new Sport Clips Family YMCA in Georgetown — a years-long effort powered by grassroots leadership, persistence, and deep community collaboration. Kat reflects on the mentors, founders, and local leaders who helped shape Georgetown’s culture, including George and Barbara Brightwell, and shares what other growing cities can learn from Georgetown’s commitment to connection and civic engagement.
More than anything, this conversation is about stewardship — protecting the heart and culture of a community while continuing to grow. It’s a thoughtful reminder that thriving towns don’t happen by accident. They are built by people who choose to show up, invest in others, and stay deeply connected to the place they call home.
💡 What You’ll Learn
How the YMCA’s “spirit, mind, and body” mission shapes community impact
Why strong communities are built through connection, service, and trust
The grassroots story behind the new Sport Clips Family YMCA in Georgetown
How local leaders and volunteers helped turn a long-term vision into reality
Why Georgetown’s culture depends on people actively participating in community life
The importance of servant leadership and being “coachable” as a leader
How collaboration between nonprofits, businesses, and civic leaders strengthens a city
Why preserving local culture requires intentional effort as communities grow
How mentorship and relationship-building create lasting community impact
Why showing up consistently matters more than seeking quick recognition
🤝 Why This Conversation Matters
As cities across the country continue to grow, many communities are asking the same question: how do we preserve connection, culture, and belonging while welcoming new people and new opportunities? This conversation offers a grounded, real-world example of what intentional community-building can look like.
This episode is especially valuable for nonprofit leaders, business owners, city leaders, volunteers, and residents who care deeply about the future of their town. Kat’s perspective reminds us that thriving communities are not built by institutions alone — they are built by people who consistently choose to serve, collaborate, and invest in one another over the long term.
🎧 Listen & Share
Listen to the full episode to hear Kat Phelps’ inspiring story and the vision behind the Georgetown Family YMCA. If this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who cares about building stronger communities and subscribe to Be Locally Loved for more conversations about the people and ideas helping towns thrive.
