Skip to the main content.

1 min read

YMCA Member Story: A 20-Year Journey with the Y

YMCA Member Story: A 20-Year Journey with the Y

For 20 years the Y has been the place where I swim, use the elliptical, and run. It's only a few miles from my home and was a slight diversion to get to on my way home from work. How lucky am I!!!????

I love to swim and have been so fortunate to have been able to swim laps at the Y for the past 20 years. I get my running exercise on the elliptical trainers, and for years have parked at the Y after work to set out on my marathon and half marathon training runs. Over the years I have met so many kind and friendly employees who I look forward to seeing when I am at the Y. I have friends who are also members. It's always fun to see them at the pool or in the locker room. I have been going there for so long, that it is kind of like another home of sorts.

When I look back over the past 20 years I really don't know where or how I would have gotten my exercise. The pool has been my physical and mental lifeline over the years. I must add that I remember attending the Y's first open house at the time it was opening. It was a very cold and snowy day. We wondered if it would be canceled. We went anyway, signed up shortly thereafter, and have been enjoying the Y ever since the winter of 2005.

 

Supporting Youth During Suicide Prevention Month and Beyond

Supporting Youth During Suicide Prevention Month and Beyond

Suicide is a serious public health issue in the U.S., and recognizing the warning signs early can help save lives. During Suicide Prevention Month...

Read More
A Summer of Firsts: How Blue Mountain Day Camp Embraced Unique Needs

A Summer of Firsts: How Blue Mountain Day Camp Embraced Unique Needs

For Rolanda Hossack’s family, summer 2026 at Blue Mountain Day Camp, a program of Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, was a summer of firsts.

Read More
West Essex YMCA Welcomes New Board Members

West Essex YMCA Welcomes New Board Members

LIVINGSTON, NJ - The West Essex YMCA at 321 S. Livingston Ave. recently welcomed four new members to its Board of Managers. The Board works closely...

Read More
YMCA Member Story: Regaining Strength, Thanks to the Y

YMCA Member Story: Regaining Strength, Thanks to the Y

Edna Couture describes how the YMCA gave her strength in recovering from being bitten by a Brown Recluse spider.

Read More
YMCA Story: Achieving a 'Life-Changing Goal'

YMCA Story: Achieving a 'Life-Changing Goal'

A West Essex YMCA member shares a heartfelt story of how financial assistance helped their family achieve a life-changing goal amidst financial...

Read More
YMCA Member Story: A ‘Better Caregiver’ Thanks to the Y

YMCA Member Story: A ‘Better Caregiver’ Thanks to the Y

Caregiving and self-care: Discover how Dot Dmuchowski finds balance and support through the YMCA while caring for her family.

Read More