Mission Moments

Being in the unique position to assist so many from our community, we often hear from those we assist or observe the difference that we make to those who visit us at the Y. The following are examples of those who have touched our hearts with their thoughts and actions. Names have been changed to protect their identity.

We hope you enjoy these Mission Moments.

The Benefits of Regular Exercise

The following is a email received by Katie Simonsen, Wellness Director, from one of her Yoga class participants.

Dear Katie,

I want to thank you for your time and dedication to the YOGA class Mondays and Wednesdays at NCSS. I was very disappointed when the class was cancelled, because I finally felt I was making some progress. I certainly felt better and was far more agile than I had ever been. But, here I am, recovering from a broken hip lamenting the fact that there is no more YOGA. Yes...I broke my hip on January 8 in my home after tripping on our dogs torn rug. This is the interesting part, Katie! Dr. Dyreby told me that he had the option (with someone my age 62) of replacing the hip, or simply repairing it. He said that because I was in such good physical condition, he would repair my hip. I nearly jumped for joy!! And, it's all because of YOGA!!

I am going to try a water aerobics class and, hopefully, a YOGA class at the Y. I am doing very well with my cane and occasionally use a walker at the schools. I went back to work last week, part time. Next week is full time at Pelican.

My friend Trudy and I were in the front row by the window. Trudy was the shorter blonde, and I was the fat brunette with short hair. Anyway, we miss you. See you soon. (Yoga Class Participant)

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A Life Changing Step

Last year the YMCA granted me a scholarship that enabled my daughter and I to become members. This was such a blessing. This membership has changed our lives in many ways.

When we started using this facility last January we were not very active during the winter months. My daughter was a couch potato in training. It's not that I wanted things to be this way, we just did not have access to anything different. The winters are long in the Northwoods and 2009 was too cold to enjoy the outdoors for a 2 year old. The YMCA offered us a daily alternative from our otherwise unproductive lives. My daughter started taking swim lessons, among other active programs for children her age. She went from barley getting her hair wet, to a seahorse in just a few sessions.

In 2008 I suffered a back injury that required surgery. I had gained weight throughout the years, but this injury was the nail in my coffin, so to speak. Yet when I obtained by Y membership I started to utilize the wellness center and have managed to lose over 30lbs this last year. Unfortunately I still have about 80lbs to lose to be within the healthy range for my age and height. I feel that the wellness center and the biggest loser program can be (crucial) to my success. The desire and the determination needs to come from me, but the knowledge and support of these programs will also help me achieve the victory of health. I look forward to the day when I can be the same person on the outside as I have always been on the inside. My weight-loss journey is more than cosmetic for me, I need to do this for my health. Every pound I lose removes stress from my back and adds years to my life. With a three year old daughter I cannot afford to cut my life short. For me to be the best parent I can be, I need to be a healthy one and a good role model. I do not want my daughter to experience the struggles I have with my weight. If I teach her how to be healthy now, maybe I can save her from years of heartache and struggle in the future.

I am now enrolled in an associate's degree program online and well on my way to changing our lives for the future. Please allow us to continue using this wonderful opportunity. Someday the tables will turn, I will graduate and (hopefully) get a good job. Someone else will just be starting their journey. Someone I can help once mine is over. I look forward to the day when I am able to be the sponsor and not on the receiving end. Until that time I ask you to help us continue ours. We are so grateful for the time we have been able to use this wonderful facility already.

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Teaching the Importance of Giving

One of our young members, Garrett, was encouraged to set aside a portion of his allowance and donate it to a charity. We were honored and touched by Garrett's $21 donation to our 2009 Strong Kids Campaign. Garrett's mother sent us the following letter that we would like to share with all of you. A big Thank You to Garrett for his generosity and his mother for raising such and outstanding young man. Enjoy.

Dear Chris & Staff:

Thanks so much for giving our family a level of service that can only be described as "above and beyond". This year, our son, Garrett, was encouraged to set aside a portion of his allowance for charitable giving. We allowed him to select the beneficiary of the gift and since he loves sports, he chose the YMCA.

Before making the donation, we called ahead and requested your staff to 'overdo' the enthusiasm a little bit in order to reinforce that he was doing a good thing. Though it's certainly not your job to help me teach my son a lesson, you and your staff made Garrett feel like a "rock star" for giving what may be the smallest donation you've ever received at the YMCA! The reception he received was nothing short of a hero's welcome!

Supporting community organizations and 'giving', in general, is important to us and we hope to instill this fundamental value in our son. As he's quite young, these concepts are still fairly complex for him, but your staff went the extra mile to help him understand the importance of giving to others. We believe their sincere interest and your follow-up correspondence truly made an impression on Garrett; we know it certainly made an impression on us.

It's safe to say the YMCA has given more to us than we could ever give back! Over the years, we've enjoyed the facility, classes, and community-sponsored activities. More than all that, however, your time, thoughtfulness, and simple act of kindness to my sons a gift that will last him a lifetime.

Thank you -  and thanks to your staff - for an amazing effort.

Sincerely

The Kulhanek Family

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