Undoubtedly, we are going to be in this COVID-19 existence for an extended period of time. Until there is widespread testing and, ultimately, a vaccine, we are going to be living in a world of significant restrictions to our normal way of life, even upon the reopening of parts of our economy and our Y. While I dislike that reality as much as anyone, I’m also someone who is continuing to look for signs of hope. Like spring itself, there are signs of hope beginning to appear and they come in many forms, some planned and some completely unexpected.
It's almost impossible to keep count of the seemingly non-stop good works, like the Y food giveaways and basic supply drives, which are happening daily. Thanks to the sheer will of Y associates and volunteers, the well of goodwill and generosity toward others appears bottomless. The critically important work that has begun internally to plan our re-emergence (we’re calling it “Project Phoenix”) is yet another incredibly hopeful sign, an opportunity to turn our attention to building an even stronger future for our Y and for our community.
And then there was this from Suzanne Green at the Walter & Betty Ward Y in Abingdon:
"I received a text yesterday from an associate that I wanted to share with you. Sam and his family have been members of the Ward Y for the better part of 13 years. Sam's rock wall birthday party (I believe it was for his 8th birthday) was the first rock wall party held at Ward! When Sam got older he became a lifeguard at Ward. He's now in his senior year of college. His parents have been active members of the Ward Y for years and were in the center almost daily. As I reached out to associates that have been furloughed, I left a voicemail for Sam. I received this text message from him."
"I got your message checking in with your associates from the Y and I just wanted to let you know that the Verk family is staying safe during these rough times.
I am sad this pandemic has cut my senior semester short but I am doing everything I can to stay on top of the online work I have been assigned.
I have also been keeping up with everything the Y has been doing for the community over LinkedIn. It makes me proud to call myself a Y associate!
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone when we beat coronavirus!
Sam"
We hear you Sam and we are thinking about you too. We are doing everything in our power to bring you and your colleagues back. Your optimism and determination inspire us and make us work even harder to maintain a strong Y and to continually re-invent and readjust to remain as responsive as possible to the changing needs of our community.
I can't wait to be able to welcome Sam, and so many others, back as soon as possible.
Stay strong and healthy.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland