I recently grabbed a cup of coffee with a respected leader in our community. She is sharp. She loves the work of the Y - especially our work in education. She has vision and provided me with a helpful perspective on how the Y can lean in more to support the children in our community.
Interestingly, her vision on our work is not the primary nugget I took from our meeting.
In addition to talking about work, our conversation led to life. She has experienced significant loss over time through divorce, serious illness and the loss of two children. I can’t imagine her pain, her grief. And yet, there she sat with humor, faith and a desire to make our community better.
Every day people come into our organization wrapped in pain. They may come to the Y to exercise, to get involved in a teen leadership program or participate in a THRIVE active older adult activity. Most of them leave with more than they expected.
There is an epidemic of pain and loneliness in our community. One-third of adults in the United States report feeling lonely a lot of the time. The suicide rate for teens has increased significantly, especially for girls ages 10 – 14.
Our 2030 Strategic Plan focuses on three themes:
1) No One is Lonely.
2) Everyone is healthier.
3) Every child and teen is resilient.
Recently, I was reading some survey comments about from our members.
A parent of a summer day camper wrote, “Camp Clearwater has been wonderful for my two kids, one of whom has some developmental delays. I appreciate that this camp doesn't just say they're inclusive. They actually deliver on that promise.”
Another wrote, “Our favorite thing about YMCA sports at the Kraft Y is the character building. Coaches focus on team building and sportsmanship. There is a spot for every person on the team.”
Emily joined our YMCA last week. “The staff members at the Ingram Y are so welcoming! I fell in love with the staff at Ingram immediately.”
Yes, we want to provide high-quality fitness experiences, after school programs that meet families’ needs. But listen and look for more. That’s where you’ll find the real work of the Y come to life.
