October 21, 2019
In an article in Outside magazine entitled "How Your Local YMCA Could Save the World" writer Brad Stulberg describes what we already know: that Ys offer much more than convenient places to exercise. We offer people a chance to improve their health while having the increasing rare opportunity to engage, in a meaningful way, with a broad sweep of their community.
If you don't believe me, take a moment to read this sampling of recent Yelp reviews posted by our customers on the internet. They tell you everything you need to know about our brand and the critically important experience we are providing for people across all ages and backgrounds. As diverse as our community is and as varied as our programs are, the ties which bind everything we do and all we serve are pretty simple and are aptly expressed by our customers here. Take a look:
"Thank you to Ms. Jones and team for making my children feel so comfortable. They now have their home away from home."
“I do not write reviews very often, but feel it is worth writing one here. Joining this Y was a life changer for me. I am so thankful to have this place for my family."
"Not only does it help my physical health, but having a safe place with wonderful people to care for my toddler while I have some ‘mama time’ has done wonders for my mental health."
"I like that there is a lot of diversity so that my grandson can learn to be kind to people from different cultures."
"I have absolutely loved my experience with the Y. My son LOVES to ‘go to school’ every morning! He wakes up every single morning excited to get ready and on the weekends he constantly asks "when can I go back?"
"Every time I walk in this Y, I feel like family. Since day one they have been respectful, honest, and concerned about everyone and everything. They know how to make me feel a part of a community -- on an everyday basis. Thank you Y!"
While the idea of Ys saving the world may be a bit of an overreach, these comments (and so many more like them) are telling us that something as seemingly simple as being intentionally warm, inclusive and positive is, in fact, a very powerful antidote to a world in which stress, loneliness, fatigue and trauma are routinely undermining individual, family and community health. I urge you to read his excellent, brief article linked here and take pride in knowing you are a part of a critically important force for good!
Thank you! I appreciate all you do for our community.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland