Each month, a Y member is nominated to be the YMCA Member of the Month and to share their story as an encouragement to other Y members. Read the stories below, and see how your Y is strengthening this community through the individual lives that are touched every day. If you have a Y story you want to share or a member you want to nominate, please see the Welcome Center.
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Kenith
From the invested staff who go above and beyond to show acceptance and hospitality to him, to the design of programs that allow for both a needed structure and a few doses of spontaneity, Kenith jumps out of bed ready for the Y! -
Chris Francis
The staff are so friendly and I cherish the friends I have made there. I believe the Y provides a safe and secure environment for the members and their children. -
Robert Randall
Bob appreciates being motivated to work hard, having others around for support and being able to watch others for inspiration. -
The Petgen Family
Not only does the Y provide an opportunity to invest in our physical health, but our emotional and spiritual health as well. -
The Stenoish Family
It's been so fun to watch the kids grow up within the YMCA organization. And as an added bonus, some of our closest friends are families that we've met through the Y. We feel extremely fortunate to have such awesome opportunities for the kids to have fun, stay active, and make new friends, and we are excited to continue exploring all that the YMCA has to offer! -
Donna Stewart
It was the support and the people at the Y that made the difference, an inspiring and supportive experience. -
Emma Simerl
I've gained a lot of friends from being part of the gymnastics team. I really enjoy being able to learn and do things that I wouldn't have thought I would be able to do. -
Susan Brundage
Wow, at my age I thought I should know already what to avoid eating, but I learned SO many beneficial tips from the Diabetes Prevention Class. And I'm so happy to say that today, a year later, I'm no longer in the "pre-diabetic" category, and know how to "stay out of it"!!! -
Evan Ousley
I'm beyond thankful for the relationships that my time at the Y has given me and for all of the love and compassion that not only my fellow employees have shown me, but also the other members. -
Ian Cooper
The YMCA has been a place where he can feel safe and welcome. -
Carlos Cabrera
"Financial Assistance is amazing. It makes membership affordable and Lori is one of the nicest people in the world- it's not a hard process." Carlos was uneasy at first about feeling out of place, but soon found that the people who work at the Y and even other members were happy to help him. -
Dennis Ulrey
It's too easy to find excuses and not push yourself as hard. I suspect I wouldn't work as hard if I didn't have a trainer so I'm not stopping anytime soon. -
Laurie Williamson
I urge everyone to take advantage of the numerous opportunities that are available to us in our very own back yard. Kosciusko County residents are so very fortunate to have the YMCA and its many resources. Not only am I continuing to make positive lifestyle changes, I have met so many amazing people and continue to make new friends each time I visit. -
Ashley Doty
I have appreciated being able to stay physically active in such a positive, clean, and full of opportunities atmosphere, knowing my young boys are making friends and being cared for well in childcare. -
Jack Hicks
The YMCA is a tremendous asset to the community and is there for all to use -
Carol Forbes
Being connected with the staff at the Y and with others who are also battling cancer has made a big difference in my life. -
Elena Gonzalez
Not only is the YMCA a place to work out, it has become like a second home. A place where the kids look forward to coming, a place where we as a family have come together to better ourselves. -
Janet Price
The Y has changed my life. Thanks to their financial assistance program, I was able to join the Y and better my life. So far I've lost 191 lbs and still going. -
Larry Kinsey
At 80 years old he attributes his health to coming to the Y. He says, "Get active, do as much as you can. A little bit is better than nothing." -
The Peppers
They have gained life long friendships through Y gymnastics. With that they have also gained life long lessons- it's always better to work together, and without hard work you will not accomplish the goals you set out to achieve. -
Kathy Gill
One of the unexpected perks of being involved in the YMCA has not just been an improvement in feeling personal happiness, but developing many new friendships and a wonderful sense of community. When I walk into the YMCA, I can't help but think 'I belong here!' -
Andy Vass
Being a member of the Y has brought not only the opportunity to enhance his athletic ability but also provide a safe loving environment while we are at work. -
Lisa Tranter
The Y has really changed my life. I have made many friends. I became friends with some of the staff who ask about me when I am not there and if everything is alright. The Y is a big part of my life. I feel like family and at home at the YMCA. -
Duane Alexander
Mentally (the Y) has impacted me, because I have seen people who have disabilities. . . that still go into the YMCA with a positive attitude. Which just goes to prove that with will-power you can excel in anything, even with slight setbacks. -
Wendi Shane
I really love the people here. Come here and you'll meet a lot of people who are very nice. -
Beth Williman
I am so encouraged by the friendly Christian atmosphere & the friendships I have built and maintained through coming to the Y. It truly has helped me spiritually, mentally, & physically! -
Nooire and Kunal Bhatia
The people and the energy make the Y's environment really special. The family friendly atmosphere, care, and sense of "home" are truly present every time you enter the building. It really is a great place for the whole family. -
Tim Jones
The Parkview Warsaw YMCA goes above and beyond to accomplish their mission. As a husband and father of three young boys it can be difficult to find time and motivation to stay healthy, but through the child watch program I am able to workout knowing my children are being supervised. -
Brandon Gagnon
Seeing people every day in the gym pushing themselves, or just wanting to make improvements, helped motivate me to keep going. -
Mary Eloise Rettinger Smith
I have learned that by one repetition at a time I can regain a lot of the strength and range of motion that I lost when I had a stroke. -
Anna Wainscott
I had no idea how big of an impact the Y could have on my future. -
Brian Gagye
The reality is I'm not getting any younger, so staying fit keeps me from feeling old. Unlike other workout facilities, I can enjoy the drug-free and Christian atmosphere. -
Jake Gonzalez
The Y has played an instrumental part in helping us get wired into the town. Much of our support network was developed through relationships that we built at the YMCA. -
Grace and Ava Graham
Camp Little Eagle has been a great program that as parents we feel our daughters are safe, staying active, and most importantly having fun. -
Marty Becker
For anyone needing motivation and encouragement, Marty recommends getting involved in a program. There were days he didn't want to come in but he knew that he needed to stay active, especially during the winter. -
Jose Gutierrez
Not only did I want to play and run with my kids, but I wanted to live. Not exist like I have been for so many years, I wanted to live life and do all the things I've wanted to do or used to do -
Erin Young
I am not done, I have more goals now than I ever have. I come to the Y to keep living. -
Brenna Morgan
Each year I continue to swim, I gain stronger relationships and continue to grow in physical and mental strength. -
Julie Nethercutt
The instructors are genuinely interested in providing effective, safe classes, and make a point of getting to know the participants. -
Todd Carlson
The Y has so much to offer for everyone in our family. -
Sandy Hatcher
I feel a deep sense of love and caring every time I walk into the Y.
One of the unexpected perks of being involved in the YMCA has not just been an improvement in feeling personal happiness, but developing many new friendships and a wonderful sense of community. When I walk into the YMCA, I can't help but think 'I belong here!'
» Kathy Gill | Read More
