Greater Austin YMCA

Key Outcomes

• 90-second emergency response with AI-powered alerts

• 40% reduction in unauthorized access incidents across all facilities

• Improved staff preparedness with training on Verkada’s platform and emergency protocols

Background

At the Greater Austin YMCA, the safety of members, staff, and guests is a top priority. Operating multiple facilities across the region, the YMCA is committed to providing secure, welcoming spaces where the community can thrive.

To support that mission, the organization has continually invested in programs that promote wellness, youth development, and family support. But as its footprint grew, so did the need for a more modern, unified approach to physical security.

The Challenge

Prior to implementing Verkada, the organization faced challenges with outdated security infrastructure and limited situational awareness across its sites. Legacy systems led to blind spots in both video coverage and access management—making it harder to prevent incidents or respond effectively in emergencies.

“It became increasingly difficult to maintain a proactive safety approach,” recalls John Mitchell, Information Technology Manager.

The Solution

Recognizing the need for a smarter, scalable solution, John spearheaded the transition to Verkada’s integrated, cloud-based security platform.

“We needed a way to improve visibility across all locations while making it easier for our staff to respond quickly. Verkada gave us that and more,” says John.

With Verkada, John and his team consolidated security operations into a single pane of glass—a centralized interface where they can monitor camera feeds, review door events, respond to alerts, and run investigations in real time.

Reducing Intrusions by 40% with Integrated Access and Video Security

To reduce the risk of unauthorized access, John deployed Verkada Access Control across YMCA facilities, securing childcare areas, staff offices, and other sensitive spaces.

Because access control is natively integrated with video security, staff can view real-time footage for every event—whether it’s a badge swipe, tailgating attempt, or forced entry. This integration enables fast, informed decision-making.

Since rollout, unauthorized access incidents have dropped by over 40%, and staff report greater confidence in managing facility security.

Rapid Response with AI-Powered Alerts

Verkada’s AI-powered video analytics have significantly accelerated threat detection and emergency response. When motion was detected after hours near one facility entrance, staff received an alert and responded in under 90 seconds, preventing a potential break-in.

With custom alerts across both cameras and doors, staff are automatically notified of unusual activity—such as loitering, digital boundary crossings, or unscheduled entries. These alerts can be configured using natural language queries like “person entering gym after hours” or “vehicle parked near loading dock for over 10 minutes.”

“Having immediate context and real-time notifications makes all the difference. We’re no longer reacting hours later—we’re acting in the moment.”

Empowering Staff Through Training and Tools

John also led comprehensive staff training to ensure teams could confidently use Verkada’s tools in both daily operations and emergencies. The intuitive Command software helps make it easy for staff to monitor cameras, review door activity, and respond from any device. From emergency drills to real incidents, Command gives employees the tools and visibility they need to act quickly and decisively. Staff can:

• Lock down specific areas remotely

• Receive instant alerts on suspicious activity

• View live feeds and floorplans during emergencies

Verkada also supports emergency planning and response with its built-in incident management tool, which lets teams compile footage, annotate key events, and build a timeline of how an incident unfolded. These reports help identify gaps, refine protocols, and improve response for future events.

“Training was a key part of the rollout. It wasn’t just about putting in new cameras or doors—it was about giving our team the tools and knowledge to act quickly and confidently.”

Looking Ahead: A Community-Driven Commitment to Safety

The impact of these upgrades extends beyond operations. Parents, staff, and community members now feel safer knowing the YMCA is equipped with modern tools to prevent, detect, and respond to security threats.

“We’ve raised the bar for what security looks like at the YMCA. We’re not just solving technical problems—we’re building a culture of safety,” concludes John.

Through innovation, training, and a commitment to community well-being, John Mitchell has transformed security at the Greater Austin YMCA—setting a new standard for safety across all locations.