Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that remind me why we do what we do. A kind word, an unexpected helping hand, a quiet act of generosity. Those moments fill my cup — and they tell the real story of the Y.
I recently received an email from the CEO of a YMCA in Massachusetts. He wanted to share a personal — and powerful — connection with our Y. His cousin, Pete, is currently in Durham to receive treatment at Duke Medical Center for brain cancer. Pete lives in Texas, but while undergoing treatment, he’s been trying to keep a bit of normalcy in his life by continuing his fitness routine.
That’s what brought him to our Downtown Durham YMCA. Pete walked in, likely expecting a place to exercise. What he found was something more. One of our staff members welcomed him warmly, listened to his story and offered him complimentary guest passes so he could continue to work out throughout his stay.
Pete later called his cousin to share how touched he was. And his cousin, the Y CEO, responded simply: “I’m not surprised at all. That’s what the Y does for people.”
That sentence stuck with me.
Because it’s true. That is what the Y does for people. We show up with kindness. We listen. We meet people where they are, whether they’re long-time members or visitors passing through town in a moment of need.
I’m so proud to work for an organization where compassion is part of the job description. Where staff don’t just clock in — they connect. Not only did our team member help Pete maintain his physical wellness, she offered something just as important: a sense of belonging.
It’s moments like these that define who we are.
