Building community has always been central to the Y’s mission, starting at the very origins of the Y back in the 1840s and continuing on to today. At our recent Y association board meeting, held at the Y in Pasadena, long-time member Mary Ann Wood (whose membership in the Big Vanilla preceded her Y membership) kicked off the meeting with her very personal Mission Moment. She reflected on how transformational her and her husband’s experience as Y members have been.
"My kids are in college and grad school, and my husband retired and is on Medicare and Social Security.
Of course, we now have lots of time to do what we want to do. There are 27 mid-morning, weekday classes here, 10 of which are water, gentle, or attuned to seniors. We are here almost every morning. I really can’t tell you how many classes the Big Vanilla had, but I know I’m here a lot more!
The group of people that attend water aerobics has been here for many years. We had some potlucks or restaurant meals that we organized in the past, but with Kristine’s support, we have added many other activities, including a potluck lunch today.
The CDC says there is evidence that adults 50 and older that are socially isolated have a higher risk of premature death, dementia, heart disease, stroke, and of course depression. There are so many things here that are preventing social isolation.Among other things, there is now a free coffee bar in the lobby. Sometimes I see people staying to chat, just because the coffee is on a brew cycle! We have a monthly book club. We discuss the book, but also our life events. A member recently shared a Finnish magazine that wrote about her family’s history.
We also asked if my friend Mary Lou and I could share our crafting skills in the lobby. We meet once a month, and usually, about 13 people show up. Everyone goes home with a hand-crafted décor item. We have seen that the ideas we have shown have encouraged people to make more creative things on their own with inexpensive or recycled materials.
Because I facilitate the crafts, someone asked me if I could correct a crocheting problem she was having. That evolved into a group that actually meets weekly.
There are also frequent events that are planned to be at times when members are already here and finishing a class. The desk associates have made a table of treats, a member has shared her ethnic cooking skills, a veteran’s assistance group hosted a table, people assisted seniors with tax preparation, and hearing and health screenings have been presented.
When this building became a Y, the perception has been one of a broader experience, with more available to all ages. There are kids’ sports and events on a regular basis, as well as the mid-morning world that I’m a part of.
I’m really happy to be a part of the community here. The associates, instructors, and members care about each other and support each other. Thank you for providing this environment to us."
As an organization, we are working on a new strategic plan, one that is centered on the power of belonging and inclusion. As has been often said, ‘what’s old is new.’ I think it’s fair to say that Mary Ann Wood’s experience at the Y will surely be a touchstone for our new plan. Thank you, Mary Ann, for being an important part of the Y and for sharing your story. We’re hoping that you and thousands of others continue to experience the richness of community through the power of the Y.
All the best,
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland