Our YMCA’s 2030 Strategic Plan, developed by the Y’s Board of Directors, has us focused on a set of strategic goals that, when executed, are focused on three critical outcomes:
- No one is lonely.
- Everyone is healthier.
- Every child and teen is resilient.
The National Institutes of Health reports that nearly one in four Americans aged 65 and older are socially isolated, and 43% of adults over 60 say they feel lonely. What can make the greatest difference are simple, consistent opportunities to spend time with others: sharing a class, lending a hand through volunteering or just being part of a welcoming community.
At the Y, we see this reality every day, and we also see the difference connection can make.
One longtime member came to the Y almost every afternoon, faithfully following his exercise routine and greeting staff with a quiet smile. Over time, he formed friendships—on the weight room floor, in the locker room and during short conversations at the front desk. He lived nearby, came alone most days, and while he didn’t talk much about his life, he clearly felt at home at the Y.
When he passed away unexpectedly, staff and fellow members held a small memorial to remember him. They shared stories that reflected who he was: kind, steady and always ready with practical advice for others.
Weeks later, we learned something remarkable. He had chosen to make the Y a beneficiary of his estate, leaving an anonymous gift that will have lasting impact for years to come. No one knew of his plans, or that he had the capacity to give in such a significant way. What mattered most to him was not recognition or attention, but belonging.
That sense of belonging is at the heart of the Y. Every greeting, every conversation, every act of care creates connection—and for some, those small moments mean everything. This member’s story reminds us that when we make people feel seen and valued, we change lives. Sometimes, that impact carries forward in ways we could never have imagined.
With the loneliness epidemic in our world, I am grateful to work for an organization that sincerely cares. When you walk through the doors of the Y, ALL should feel connected, supported and safe. That is our work day in and day out.
